What is your mission as a company?
Our mission to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy is about more than our bottom line. We're committed to supporting and improving our communities and environment at the local level and beyond, while conducting business with honesty, integrity and fairness.
What is your company culture?
Our 28,000 employees make a difference every day in the lives of our customers. Our uncompromising values – safety first, unquestionable trust, superior performance and total commitment – are key to our sustained success by guiding our behavior and ensuring we put the needs of those we serve at the center of all we do.
What are your recommendations for seeking mentorship and support in the workplace
Before seeking a mentor, it is important to know your career goals. Consider things like where you want to be in the next 1-3 years, what skills you want to develop and what department you want to explore, prior to seeking a mentor.Next,
- Ask for the meeting
Don’t miss the opportunity to grow your career by asking someone you admire to be your mentor. For tips on starting the conversation and broadening your network, you may consider scheduling a Get to Know with someone who one day could become your mentor. The Art of the Get to Know suggests ways to learn more about an individual or department of interest, help develop a working relationship, and discuss your career interests. - Nurture the relationship
Take the time to really connect with the other person. - Maintain the relationship
When you ask someone to be your mentor, you are also asking them to invest their time in you. Show them that their time is being well-used by demonstrating applying their suggestions and by figuring out how you can help them as well.- Keep them updated: The goal is to keep in touch and to keep them informed about how your career is progressing.
- Offer to help: Mentoring relationships are a two-way street. What you’re giving back to your mentor is really your progress, but there’s also no harm in checking in with your mentor to see if you can help them in any way. Maybe they’re working on a presentation and could use an outside perspective, or perhaps you know of a helpful resource.
- Express gratitude: Write a thank you note to show them that you appreciate the time and guidance they are giving to you.
How do I ask for help as a professional?
Asking for help is never easy. A great way to ask for help professionally is by setting up regular one-on-one check-in’s with your supervisor, mentor, or academic advisor. This is a great time for you to update them on any progress made on work/school assignments and ask for assistance or advice with certain matters.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your college-aged self?
Take the time to build relationships and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Relationships are just as important as results, and people help you achieve the best outcomes.
How can my Auburn Engineering education best prepare me for the world of work?
Your engineering education from Auburn will give you the knowledge, skills, and versatility to be successful in a variety of career roles. Obtaining a chemical engineering degree from Auburn equipped me with the technical, problem-solving and teamwork skills needed in the workplace. In addition, the engineering curriculum helped me learn to manage multiple priorities and projects with competing deadlines. The program was challenging and required me to demonstrate hard work and determination to complete the coursework. Through this persistence, I became more confident in my skills and abilities. All the experiences I gained at Auburn have benefited me and helped me be successful throughout my career.
If you were to hire someone to work with you today, what factors would be most important in your hiring decision and why?
Our ideal candidate is technically and academically sound, possesses a strong work ethic, and is engaged on campus and in the community. In addition we look for those that exhibit our values of Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment.
What types of experiences, paid employment, or otherwise, would you most strongly recommend?
We recommend a healthy mix of work and volunteer experience on campus and in the community. Our engineering co-op and internship opportunities are designed to provide a hands-on experience to motivated undergraduates. Our co-ops/interns will apply what they learn in the classroom and develop skills that prepare them to be immediate contributors to our company’s success. Our goal is to develop you professionally to be considered for full-time employment within the Southern Company family upon graduation.
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