Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) has 10 summer interns in 2025 from seven different colleges and universities.
By Gabrielle Proctor, Summer 2025 ReWa Intern
Experience ReWa goes beyond the traditional internship. It's a launch pad for students to explore diverse career paths, real-world skills and connect with professionals in the utility industry.
Renewable Water Resources’ (ReWa) paid 10-to-13-week internship program offers college students hands-on experience rooted in professional learning, training and development. Interns contribute meaningfully across various departments, gaining insight into the utility industry while being valued team members.
With the program's signature skill-flex model, interns aren't limited to just one role. Instead, they are encouraged to explore a variety of department projects, assist with research and receive one-on-one mentorship to help grow and discover their career path.
Student feedback from national utility internships consistently referred to one goal: wanting to contribute meaningful work and see the true impact of their efforts for the company. ReWa’s program studied strategies of nationally ranked apprenticeship and internship programs to shape the long-term skills and foster a strong company culture.
“Interning at ReWa was one of the most rewarding experiences a college student could have,” said Seth Stillwell, a 2016 ReWa intern, who now works as a water resource recovery facilities asset leader. “I gained hands-on experience, expanded my knowledge, and built meaningful relationships that ultimately opened the door to a full-time career with the organization.”
ReWa’s approach integrates real-world industry knowledge, hands-on training and personalized mentorship that prepares students with workforce-ready skills and access to career paths and long-term development. Interns have opportunities to connect and form relationships through roundtable discussions, company events and regular check-ins with leaders. The program’s three-tiered model for returning students emphasizes growth and structure while building on prior experience and developing new milestones.
Samantha Acker, a water quality and sustainability intern, attends North Greenville University and she has returned for her third year in the program. “I’ve been given a wealth of knowledge about this industry, and heaps of career advice from all levels at the company,” she said, “ReWa is the best environment I’ve worked in to date, and I consider them my second family”.
Beginning in 2021, wastewater utilities began operating with 20% of their workforce being eligible to retire within the next five years. These openings will create opportunities for a new generation of employees in vital roles.
Experience ReWa is designed to lay a strong professional foundation for presenting, project collaboration and management, as well as broad industry learning.
Jess Knox, a 2022 ReWa intern, now works as the utility’s asset management training coordinator. “The skill flex opportunities that were available in the program provided me some of my first chances at really getting to know other departments,” she said. “A big portion of my internship was focused on asset management, as the two are intertwined. Being introduced to asset management has completely changed the trajectory of my career”.
Wes Wessinger III, talent and development program manager, oversees Experience ReWa with the goal of helping each student to feel confident as they prepare for careers and long-term success.
“My favorite part is generally by the end of the summer; there’s a sense of unity that’s formed,” Wessinger said. “It’s cool every year to see, and you can definitely feel it on presentation day that – this is a united team.
Testimonials
Jess Knox (Summer 2022):
“I found the internship program very helpful in providing me not only with knowledge about ReWa and wastewater treatment, but also with critical skills to better my professional career. The skill-flex opportunities that were available in the program provided me some of my first chances at really getting to know other departments. It also gave me insight into all ReWa has to offer. I have a love for all things environmental, so getting to spend the day helping our watershed biologist was a highlight of my internship. I was blessed to be offered a job here as a GIS analyst after my summer internship ended. I really feel like what I do matters, and it is so easy to enjoy the work when you know you are making a difference.”
Seth Stillwell (2021-2022):
“After my internship, I began my career at ReWa as a wastewater treatment plant operator trainee. From there, I advanced to wastewater treatment operator I, then to operator II, and today I serve as a water resource recovery facility asset leader. At every step, I’ve been supported by a team committed to collaboration, professional development and shared learning.
ReWa is more than just a workplace—it’s a place where young professionals can grow, gain lasting memories and build a meaningful career. I highly recommend an internship at ReWa to any student seeking real-world experience in a supportive, community-focused environment.”
Noelle Hines (2023 -2024):
“ReWa’s internship program was the most impactful experience of my academic and professional journey. The program offered meaningful opportunities to build industry connections and develop critical professional skills. One of the most valuable aspects was the monthly intern meetings, where we explored industry topics and participated in workshops on presentation skills, resiliency, critical thinking and personality types. I also appreciated the opportunity to propose a continuous improvement project to senior management at the end of my second summer. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to apply new knowledge in a way that contributed to the organization. What made the experience truly exceptional, though, was the people. The camaraderie with fellow interns and the mentorship from ReWa’s leadership created a supportive and inspiring environment I’ll never forget.”
Samantha Acker (third-year intern):
“Interning with ReWa has been the best—and most surprising—experience I’ve had in my early career. While I came into the internship expecting to make coffee and file reports, this program had other things in store. Everyone from my immediate supervisors to company executives have made me feel welcome and actively invested in me and my career from day one. There has never been an opportunity missed to make me feel seen and valued.
I have been given hands-on training in wastewater operations, sampling, lab analysis, ecological analysis and much more. I’ve been given a wealth of knowledge about this industry and heaps of career advice from all levels at the company. ReWa is the best environment I’ve worked in to date, and I consider them my second family.”