From Enrolled to Employed: PCC Student Hired by Duke Energy after Successful Internship

Piedmont Community College (PCC) Mechatronics student Ben Satterfield is gearing up to not only graduate this month, but to also start a full-time job with Duke Energy.

Satterfield’s acceptance of a full-time position stemmed from a successful internship at Duke Energy’s Roxboro Plant in Semora, NC. As an intern he has gained experience in operations, instrumentation and controls, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD). In his full-time position he’ll work in unit one and two operations at the four-unit power plant.

Satterfield says he’s always been interested in the energy industry and has always wanted to learn how power plants work and how energy is produced. Through Mechatronics, he’s been able to learn basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills, electrical schematics and drawings, and an introduction to maintenance.

Through his internship Satterfield says he’s grown professionally and stresses that in this type of career it’s important to pay attention and to always ask if you’re not sure about something since one small mistake could be deadly.

“I’m thankful to all the supervisors, managers and coworkers for helping me along the way and giving me the opportunity to have this internship,” Satterfield said. “I’m grateful for the learning experience and grateful to start a full-time position.”

At PCC, Mechatronics instructor, Chris L. Davis, has not only had a significant influence on Satterfield’s education, but also his career. Satterfield says that Davis always wants what’s best for his students and gives the best advice.

“I remember the first day Ben called me, he had heard about the Duke Energy internship and wanted to know how to apply,” Davis said. “He said, ‘I’ll do whatever it takes, I want to work for Duke Energy,’ and that’s exactly what he did. He came to class every day, asked lots of questions, participated in every assignment, all while working 20 plus hours a week for Duke Energy. I am very grateful to Duke for giving him the opportunity, and I am proud of Ben for making the most of it. I wish him the best!”

For more information about PCC’s Mechatronics program, visit piedmontcc.edu/mechatronics.