改变世界

From a seasonal position at Alliant能源 to a full-time job, Jacob Waltersdorf ’21 turned what was supposed to be a three-month assignment into a successful and innovative career.

如何? 他问了自己一个简单的问题。

“At Mount Mercy, I was taught to ask myself how I could be a productive, valuable asset to my company and community,” said Jacob. “So, I asked myself, ‘How do I bring value?’”

“At Mount Mercy, I was taught to ask myself how I could be a productive, valuable asset to my company and community. So, I asked myself, ‘How do I bring value?’”

Working as a customer support associate, Jacob communicated and interacted with Alliant能源’s customers every day. 工作没多久，他就看到了机会。

“I began to see a need for Spanish-speaking customer support associates,” said Jacob.

由于雅各布辅修西班牙语，他能够跨越语言障碍，直接用西班牙语与客户交谈，他立即注意到客户的积极反应。

“I suggested hiring bilingual associates, and at the time, it was out of the company’s scope. Alliant
Energy recognized the growth potential for them as a company.” said Jacob. “Now, we have a handful
of bilingual associates. I never thought I’d be doing this. I’m just some kid who minored in Spanish and is
passionate about customer service.”

But it was Jacob’s passion, persistence, and motivation that pushed Alliant能源 to grow in diversity and better serve their community—and he was able to get internship credit for his work.

“I worked with my academic advisor at Mount Mercy to have my time at Alliant能源 count as an internship,” said Jacob. “The process was really easy.”

“I think it serves as a reminder that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is—you can make a difference.”

Although it wasnʼt the traditional internship experience, Jacob’s experience at Alliant能源 was certainly worthwhile.

雅各布得到了提升，并积极参与了双语员工的实施和招聘过程。

“Being encouraged to help grow Alliant能源’s diversity was such a rewarding experience,” said
Jacob. “I think it serves as a reminder that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is—you can make a difference.”