This summer, McKenzie Electric welcomed back Max Hanson, a familiar face who's worn a few hats with the co-op over the years. From being our Youth Tour student to participating in the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, Max has explored multiple sides of the cooperative - and now he's back as our Business Intern, gaining new skills before heading off to college.

What is your role as an intern, and what does your day usually look like?
I'm the Finance and Accounting Intern. My responsibilities change from day to day, but I mostly help with daily tasks and do a lot of work in Excel.

What made you want to intern at McKenzie Electric?
I started out in the CWE program when I was interested in engineering. MEC was one of the only companies offering engineering work for students in the program, so I interviewed and ended up really liking the atmosphere. I stayed on for the summer and eventually made the switch to the business side to get a feel for both.

What's been your favorite experience at MEC so far?
Last summer, another intern and I got to go out and help with pole inspections. We checked for things like rust and loose bolts on steel poles. It was cool to get out of the office and see a completely different side of the cooperative. This summer, I've enjoyed digging into investment options and seeing how the business side works behind the scenes.

Has your internship influenced your future plans?
Definitely. I originally thought I wanted to go into engineering, but working here helped me realize that finance fits my interests better.

What is the most important thing you've learned here?
I'm a lot more comfortable in a professional setting because of working here. It’s taught me how to communicate with supervisors, answer phones, and be part of a team. These are experiences I think a lot of people my age don’t have yet going into college, and I’m grateful that I do.

If you could switch jobs with anyone at MEC, who would it be and why?
Member Services Coordinator seems like the most fun job. That or Director of Finance, because I think it would be really interesting. 

What does the cooperative model mean to you?
I like my community and volunteering, and I think the environment here is just different. It’s community focused and based on strong values. It’s nice knowing that the company I’m working for shares the same values I do.

What are your future plans?
This fall, I’m heading to the University of North Dakota to double major in Commercial Aviation and Finance.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy being outdoors. I like to golf and go to the national park whenever I can.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I can solve a Rubik’s Cube!

If you were an energy source, what would you be?
I'd be a windmill. They're tall, they look cool, and most people like them.