What is it like living in Charlotte?
Charlotte is a large city. Even after living here for about six years, I've never explored uptown Charlotte. There's always somewhere to eat and something going on uptown. On the weekends I go to the park and play soccer or volleyball, go shopping at the malls around town, and get together with friends.

What drew you to AREVA NP Inc.?
I was looking for a civil engineering internship here in Charlotte, and AREVA NP Inc. had a position open. At the time I didn't know a lot about AREVA NP Inc. aside from its involvement with nuclear power, but it seemed to offer a number of opportunities. I was lucky enough to benefit from one of these opportunities.

What does a typical day consist of?
I work on a number of continuing projects as well as day-to-day needs. At lunch, I go out with other interns who I have come to know quite well. It is a diligent work day, but I am given the opportunity to take occasional breaks to speak with other interns or SGT employees.

What does AREVA NP Inc. offer that other companies cannot?
AREVA NP Inc. offers a wide range of services that I have not seen available at other companies.

What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is imagining what it would be like in a reactor building, especially considering the size of the components. Soon, SGT will be sending me to one of the U.S. nuclear stations, but we may not have a chance to enter the reactor building. Another challenge is the language. There are a number of acronyms at AREVA NP Inc.

What does your future at AREVA NP Inc. hold? What are your aspirations?
AREVA NP Inc. has emerged as a possible employer for me after I graduate. I am inspired by those who have worked hard to get where they are today within the company and I hope to follow in their footsteps.

What was your biggest surprise at AREVA NP Inc.?
My biggest surprise was the range of opportunities that are offered at AREVA NP Inc. There are not only engineering positions, but also "fishing positions" for individuals involved in environmental studies within the nuclear industry. It runs the whole gamut.

What is the greatest opportunity you've been given as
an AREVA NP Inc. employee?
I think the greatest opportunity was getting to know the engineers I work with on a daily basis. I also have come to know the interns in Charlotte and other AREVA NP Inc. locations around the country via conference calls and a visit to the U.S. headquarters in Lynchburg, Va.

What are the dynamics of your group?
The group that I'm in (mostly mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers) is working on a Steam Generator replacement project for a U.S. nuclear station. Many tasks are done on an individual basis. There aren't as many group meetings as there would be if it was a large design project.

Why would you recommend AREVA NP Inc. to others
as a place of employment?
After sitting through several presentations about the nuclear industry, I would also recommend AREVA NP Inc. to others because it's a growing industry, and sooner or later more than half of the employees will be retired. This means AREVA NP Inc. will be looking for new, fresh faces.