Meet Erik Contreras Valdivia, a rising Junior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte who is interning with our Charlotte power engineering and system planning team this summer! As the current president of the UNC Charlotte chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Erik is passionate about his future career in engineering and is committed to educating the Hispanic community about the benefits of pursuing a career in STEM. After talking with Erik, it’s clear that he’s an enthusiastic and driven individual who’s dedicated to spreading awareness and serving as a role model for others. So, let’s hear more about his summer internship experience!
What’s your major at UNC Charlotte?
I’m pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E) with a concentration in power systems.
Why did you choose power systems engineering as a career path?
Since I was young, I was always curious about how things work. I used to watch How It’s Made when it aired on the Discovery Channel (I even watched it in Spanish!). During my four years in high school, I took a lot of classes related to STEM. My high school was a magnet school for STEM, which nurtured my passion for engineering. After I graduated, I headed to college with engineering in mind. I had some difficulty deciding which engineering field to pursue, but my interest in sustainable energy solutions led me to pursue an electrical engineering degree.
How did you first get involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)?
I found SHPE after transferring to UNC Charlotte. I wanted to join an engineering-related organization, and what better way to get involved than to join an organization that is “Leading Hispanics in STEM” as their logo states? I found a strong connection with SHPE’s mission of changing lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development.
How did you hear about Timmons Group Internships?
If I can recall correctly, I believe I heard about Timmons Group through UNC Charlotte, either from the career events that the University hosts or the emails from Ms. Linda Thurman, the Director for Student Professional Development.
What is your favorite thing about the Timmons Group internship experience so far?
One of my favorite things about the Timmons Group internship experience is the endless help I get. Power systems is a very complex subject, and the software that is used to model it, like TARA, Power World, and Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSS/E), are not easy to understand. Timmons Group really focuses on professional development for their employees, and it’s something to admire.
What else are you looking to experience this summer?
Even though it’s already July, I’m looking forward to all the new experiences that lie ahead. I still have a lot to learn, and I’m excited to tackle the next upcoming projects. I’m particularly eager to continue to improve my skills in using TARA, Power World, and PSS/E, while working with the team.
Check out more from the official SHPE at UNC Charlotte Instagram account and learn more about our internship opportunities here!
