Sarah Bellm was an Analyst Intern at Brubaker and Associates, Inc. in Chesterfield, MO from June 2021 – August 2021.
How did you get your internship?
At the end of the spring semester, I received an email sent from Dr. DeCock to all the math and statistics students. One of his former students works for BAI and reached out to him saying the company was looking to hire and that any interested students should pass along their resume. I emailed my resume to the BAI contact; within a few days, I received an email from the manager of the analyst/engineering department who wanted to set up an interview with me. About a week later, I participated in a virtual/phone interview with the manager of the analyst department and two of the Managing Principals. Within a week, I was offered the position!
What sorts of things did you do during your internship?
BAI is a utility consulting company, mainly for industrial clients. For example, if the electricity company for one of their clients was interested in a rate increase, BAI would provide testimony during the rate case with regards to whether the proposed rate was practical, how the increase would be allocated across the various customer classes, and things of that nature.
During the internship, my main accomplishments were pulling/gathering data to create price index databases, compiling BAI’s quarterly utility report, and creating tables and exhibits for testimony regarding current rate cases. Mainly, I dealt with electricity rates and tariffs and the various nuances with how electricity companies bill their customers with respect to On- Peak and Off- Peak usage. I also learned how to conduct bill audits/bill matches. There are so many things that BAI does that in my 9 week internship, I just barely uncovered the tip of the iceberg! I also spent quite a bit of time sharpening my Excel skills – I learned a lot of unique things about Excel that I never would have known about otherwise!
How did you benefit from the internship?
Because of this experience, I gained exposure to how math/statistics skills can be used in the real world, specifically that the analytical thought process we learn as math students is extremely valuable. I also improved my communication, teamwork, and other interpersonal skills. I made some networking connections with my fellow analysts. Last, but certainly not least, my boss (and mentor) was absolutely amazing, and I loved working with her and learning from her years of experience with the company! I got to know her on a professional and personal level, so I learned a lot about qualities that I want to obtain and nurture in myself both professionally and personally as well.