Meet the OPP Interns - Molly Rind

Molly Rind is going into her junior year at Penn State this fall and is majoring in mechanical engineering. She is currently interning with OPP as an energy savings intern under Matt Leah and Jen Oliver.

Q: What made you choose to come to Penn State?

Molly: I was really interested in all of the opportunities they have and I also really like football. It's a big football school.

Q: How did you hear about the position you applied for?

Molly: I heard about it because my brother previously worked here and had the same position.

Q: Describe the main project(s) you will be working on for OPP.

Molly: Day-to-day I do the rebates for the Act 129. I check all of the lighting and make sure we get money back for what we've put in. Right now, I'm working on a cooling, heating, and power project for different buildings around campus. They're trying to find the right options that would work best to save energy. Basically, anything I do is trying to find different ways of conserving energy.

Q: Can you describe your typical work day?

Molly: It changes every day because I do a different project every week. I come in, say hi to everyone and then start working on whatever project it is that I have. I usually start wherever I left off the day before, which normally includes making Excel spreadsheets or going to the building we're working on and determining what we still need to figure out. I'm working on duct work piping, so I'm trying to figure out where all of the piping is in the buildings because a lot of the drawings aren't complete.

Q: What has your internship prepared you for thus far?

Molly: I think it's helped me see how meetings go, and how to show up to work. I've never had an internship before this, so it shows me the professional aspect and what to expect in the future. It's professional, but it's not too over-the-top. It's relaxed sometimes too.

Q: After reflecting on your internship, would you recommend this experience to others?

Molly: Yes, I would definitely recommend this to others. It is really helpful. They are so focused on us trying to learn anything we want to learn. I think anyone would enjoy being here. I think it's a really great experience.