How I'm Spending My Summer: Lucy Ruzanic ’25
Chatham students always manage to maximize their summers, whether through study abroad experiences, internships, jobs, or on-campus research. In hopes of showcasing all the ways you can keep learning in-between semesters, we’re catching up with students this summer to learn more about what they’re up to. Next, we’re talking with Lucy Ruzanic, a senior sustainability undergrad who will also be pursuing her master of sustainability at Chatham. Lucy is spending her summer at the Clean Energy Office of Duquesne Light Company. Curious what that looks like? Catch a glimpse into Lucy’s summer below.
LUCY RUZANIC
Pronouns: She/Her
Major & Grad Year: Sustainability Dual Degree - Bachelors ’23, Masters ’25
Clubs and/or Activities on Campus: I am involved with the Chatham Democrats but hoping to get even more involved next year!
Can you tell us a little bit about the internship you are completing this summer and how you got it?
I am an intern in the Clean Energy Office at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), which is within the Office of the General Counsel. My supervisor, Sara Walker, is a graduate from [Chatham’s] MSUS program and came in to talk to my Renewable Energy and Society class about her position and internships within the company. From there, it was up to me to learn more and apply for the position!
Is your internship on-site or virtual?
Due to spikes in COVID-19 throughout the summer, most of my internship has been virtual so far but with things getting better, I will be returning to the office. DLC has its office headquarters in Downtown Pittsburgh. The office is cubicle-style which has been an adjustment for me. However, I have been able to attend some cool events within the energy and sustainability sector in the Greater Pittsburgh area. When I’m working from home, I typically work 8 am-4 pm, 5 days a week. Throughout my week, I will attend meetings regarding potential energy legislation in PA, initiatives DLC is working on, and I have weekly check-ins with my boss. When I don’t have meetings, I work on summaries of papers, articles, bills, or any other piece of writing pertaining to my office. I have also worked on some energy usage projects where I calculate the energy used by certain neighborhoods or regions.
What has been your favorite aspect of your internship so far?
One of my favorite aspects of my internship has been the connections I’ve made with people in my field and the opportunity to learn more about the energy legislation process. I have been fortunate to partake in lots of networking in my internship, which has allowed me to meet those in all aspects of energy work!
How is this internship relevant to your career aspirations?
My internship is very relevant to my career aspirations. I hope to work in climate science, renewable energy research and implementation, or lobbying for comprehensive energy reform. Working within the utility sector has given me the opportunity to learn more about the inner-workings of energy companies and the overall energy process. I have also discovered what I don’t want in my future career or my future work environment, which is the one of the most important aspects of any internship in my opinion.
What are the benefits of completing a summer internship?
Completing a summer internship has many benefits and I would recommend that everyone complete one if they can. It can give you connections to people within your future career field or field of study. You can learn and make money. You can explore what you like in your career and what doesn’t fit you, and most importantly, it allows you to further your knowledge in the field. While being an intern isn’t the most glamorous job, it gets you in on the ground floor of where you hope to be.
What are you studying at Chatham and what, so far, has been the highlight of that program for you?
I am studying sustainability at Chatham, with a focus in Energy and Urban Development. My major has taught me so much about the environment, our impact on it, and how we become stewards of the natural world. Going to Eden Hall during my week is always a highlight because of the nature, the people, the area, and the goats! There have been tons of highlights in my major so far but one of my favorites would have to be the small, night class I had last semester. It was a great group to have in a 2-hour energy policy class. I made lots of friends during that class as we went through it together!
Special thanks to Lucy for giving us a glimpse inside her summer internship. Interested in sharing more about what you’re doing this summer? Send any tips to cbell@chatham.edu.