Exelon Nuclear's internship program gave college students some "real world" work experience this summer that will enhance their chances of finding jobs after graduation.
"Our internship program represents a win-win situation for the compats," said June Hazzard, Byron Station human resources manager. "Those completing Exelon Nuclear internships are more likely to return as permanent employees after earning their degrees."
Hazzard noted that 26 of the 43 new graduates Exelon Nuclear hired so far this year are former interns.
"In addition to benefitting the students, the internship program helps the company," Hazzard said. "Our interns bring enthusiasm, new perspectives and creative ideas to the business. The program also serves as a pipeline for new employees."
Peter Bierdeman is an intern in the engineering department at Byron Station.
A Dixon native and student at Northern Illinois University, he says the opportunity is unparalleled.
"This internship program is an unparalleled learning experience for me," Bierdeman said. "I am exposed to the inner workings of a nuclear facility and am able to observe how my class work applies to engineering in the real world. Throughout this program I was honing my technical skills as well as developing life skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership, which will benefit me in every walk of life."
Exelon Nuclear offers two types of internships.
Engineering internships are provided for students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in various engineering fields, physics or health physics.
Technical internships are offered for students enrolled in a two-year technical program at one of several community colleges or specialized trade schools partnering with Exelon Nuclear.
Both types of internships emphasize academic learning, career development, skill building and personal growth.
The internship program continues to flourish thanks to strong support at all levels of the company, from the site vice presidents through the Exelon Corporate senior leadership team.
Interns at Exelon Nuclear sites this summer received hands-on experience in a variety of areas, including engineering, nuclear operations, chemistry, health physics and business administration, depending on their career aspirations.
Upon completion of their summer internships, each student recapped his or her summer experience during presentations to the station and company senior leadership teams.
Exelon Nuclear's Illinois facilities hosted a total of 76 internships.
In addition to Byron Station, Exelon Nuclear's other Illinois facilities are: Braidwood Station, Braceville, with nine internships, Clinton Station, Clinton, with eight internships, Dresden Station, Morris, with 13 internships, LaSalle County Station, Marseilles, with 12 internships, Quad Cities Station, Cordova, with 10 internships and Exelon Nuclear's corporate offices with 14 internships.
For more information on Exelon's internship program, visit http://www.exeloncorp.com/peopleandculture/recruiting/students.aspx.
Hoelzer promoted at First National
Ashley Hoelzer was recently promoted to financial consultant and branch office manager for First National Investment Services.
Hoelzer has worked in a variety of positions for First National Bank since 2003 and has attained licenses from the state of Illinois in life and health insurance and has completed registration requirements for Series 6 and Series 63 Financial Consultant registrations.
Mic Brooks, Vice President and Senior Investment Consultant for First National Investment Services, said, "I'm excited to work with Ashley in her financial consultant role. She is hard-working and has a special talent for listening to the client. Ashley will provide an added dimension to our team-oriented approach to financial consulting. Our clients will be the ultimate beneficiaries."
Hoelzer is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, where she earned a B.S. in management with an organizational emphasis.
She previously attained her associates of science degree at Kishwaukee Community College.
Since 2003, Hoelzer has been a part of the team at First National Bank, Rochelle.
She has worked in several departments, most recently as a management inter-departmental assistant.
In this position, Hoelzer gained experience working a variety of management-level projects and serving on several management committees.
Scott R. Tilton, President & C.E.O. of First National Bank, said, "Ashley has demonstrated her abilities many times over during her work here at First National. She brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm to everything she does and is a pleasure to work with. FNIS clients will benefit from her intelligence and caring."
"Ashley has been active on several management committees as she's worked as a management trainee during the last few years. She understands the importance of putting the customer's needs first and brings a new perspective to bank management."
In addition to her education and experience, Hoelzer has a strong commitment to volunteerism.
She has served on a team for the Ogle County Relay for Life effort for five years.
She is also an active volunteer for local Meals on Wheels.
The investment products sold through LPL Financial are not insured First National Bank deposits and are not FDIC insured.
These products are not obligations of the First National Bank and are not endorsed, recommended or guaranteed by First National Bank or any government agency.
The value of the Investment may fluctuate, the return on the investment is not guaranteed, and the loss of principal is possible.
FSB plans trip to Europe
The First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll announces their 2012 travel destination.
The bank will host a preview meeting on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. at its Shannon location.
A professional tour operator will present information for this blend of cultural sightseeing and leisure time which has been completely customized for First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll.
London, Normandy, and Paris are the major cities selected.
The tour date is April 26 to May 6, 2012; an 11-day tour with many inclusions.
Features of this excursion include iconic sightseeing in London and Bath in England and Normandy, Chantilly, Giverny and Paris in France which provide an introduction to famous city sights.
Highlights include the Tower of London (crown jewels display), St. Paul's Cathedral (where Charles and Diana were married), cruise on the River Thames, ride on the London Eye (observation wheel), Roman Bath Museum (Britain's only hot spring) and Pump Room, Stonehenge (mysterious monoliths, England's oldest prehistoric monument) site tour, Normandy Museum, US Military Cemetery near Omaha Beach.
Call Desi Ozburn at 815-864-2111 for more information or to RSVP to the meeting.