For many students, summer offers a break from the classroom. For others, it is an opportunity to take what they have learned and put it into practice for the first time.

Student internships play an important role in developing the next generation of professionals, providing hands-on experience and a greater understanding of where their education can take them. At Energy Alberta, creating opportunities for students and emerging professionals to learn alongside experienced team members is one way we are helping build the workforce needed for Alberta's clean energy future.

For Communications Intern Breanna Correia, this summer was a chance to turn classroom learning into real-world experience while supporting the Peace River Nuclear Power Project.

"Working with Energy Alberta this summer allowed me to put my education into practice  and apply it to a major infrastructure project in my home province. It also showed me how strong communications can help people understand complex projects, build connections and create meaningful dialogue with the communities involved. "

Throughout her internship, Breanna supported a wide range of communications activities, from writing blogs and developing social media content to planning community activations and supporting ongoing Project communications.

But some of the most valuable learning happened outside the Calgary office.

During a trip to the Peace Region, Breanna joined the Energy Alberta team at a Career Speed Dating event in Grimshaw, where she spoke with local high school students about the Project, careers in communications and the range of opportunities that major energy projects can create.

"Speaking with students about the future opportunities that could exist close to home was one of the highlights of my summer. It reminded me that the work we do is ultimately about people and the communities we serve."

Her internship also provided opportunities to learn directly from professionals across Energy Alberta's communications, community engagement and broader Project teams. Working within a dynamic and focused organization meant contributing across different initiatives and seeing first-hand how diverse areas of expertise come together to advance a major infrastructure project.

"Being able to learn from people with both deep experience and genuine passion for the Project and the Peace Region taught me to always look at the bigger picture. Good communications isn't just about sharing information. It's about understanding the people your work affects and making sure they remain part of the conversation."

As Breanna returns to Mount Royal University to continue her Bachelor of Communication – Public Relations studies, she does so with a stronger understanding of the professional communications field and the role communicators can play in supporting major projects and the communities around them.

Her journey with Energy Alberta will also continue beyond the summer. As she returns to the classroom, Breanna will transition from Communications Intern into her new role as Communications Coordinator, continuing to support the team while completing her studies.

For Energy Alberta, her experience represents what student opportunities are intended to provide: a chance to learn, contribute and build the skills that will help prepare the next generation of professionals for the opportunities ahead.  

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