Connor Keith’s journey to Wabash Valley Power has been unique. He initially joined WVPA as a summer intern in 2024. His positive experiences working with our IT team encouraged him to return, and he’s been going full force since.
You can learn more about Connor’s experiences below:
What is your role at WVPA and what does a day in IT Support look like?
I’m an IT Support Analyst. I would say that no two days are the same for me. However, the common tasks I keep up with are managing support tickets and working closely with Technical Services on any current projects or more complex issues. The fact that each day brings new issues, questions, and new opportunities to learn is what makes the work so interesting and rewarding.
What got you interested in technology?
I spent a lot of time (maybe too much) playing video games growing up, which naturally made me curious how things ran behind the scenes. That curiosity took off when I built my first computer at 14. Picking the hardware, putting it all together, and troubleshooting issues along the way was very interesting to me. Now I get to apply that same curiosity daily in a professional setting.
Take us through the path that led you to Wabash Valley Power. You interned with us, spent some time at one of our member cooperatives, and then returned to WVPA full time. What did each step teach you, and what brought you back to Wabash?
Before my internship with WVPA, I had little knowledge of the electrical industry. The company description about Wabash sparked my interest when I saw the internship posting. I was super grateful for my summer 2024 internship with the organization. Once it was completed, I spent about a year at one of our member co-ops, and I was glad to learn how an electric distribution cooperative worked as well.
What brought me back was how well I got along with everyone. You’re not just seen as a number here. It meant a lot that people saw my worth, even though I’m early in my career.
What is one part of your internship with us that taught you a lot?
One of the biggest learning experiences during my internship was working in a true business environment. Prior to the internship, all my jobs were in my small hometown. Therefore, working with a larger organization that had structured processes and teams was a great learning opportunity for me.
While school also provided a strong foundation of knowledge, the internship showed me how to apply that knowledge in a hands-on environment. It helped everything click.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering interning at WVPA?
It may sound cliché, but my advice would be to ask as many questions as you can. There is no such thing as a stupid question in an internship. You are here to absorb as much as you can. This is a space designed for growth; even if you make mistakes, as long as you learn from them, they’re part of the process.
What is the most common IT issue you help resolve?
The most common issues revolve around account access and login problems, such as password resets, locked accounts, and expired credentials. While these are typically simple to resolve, it’s important to act quickly so employees can get back to their work.
How does IT Support contribute to reliability and service in a power organization like WVPA?
Reliability and service depend heavily on technology working as expected. IT Support plays a key role by ensuring our employees and members have consistent access to the systems, tools, and information they need to do their jobs. When issues arise, resolving them quickly minimizes downtime and keeps operations running smoothly.
What is your favorite part of WVPA culture?
The people. Everyone is approachable and easy to talk to. It creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, collaborating, or just having everyday conversations. WVPA feels like a place where people genuinely enjoy working together.
What does teamwork look like in the Technical Services department?
Teamwork is built on strong communication and collaboration. We get along well and are willing to step in and help each other. While we each have our own duties, we’re ultimately working towards the same goal of keeping our IT/OT systems reliable.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Since graduating from college in December, I’ve found myself with new free time. I’ve been trying to fill it with activities that keep me balanced and healthy. I work out, play in a kickball league as it warms up (with a few Technical Services colleagues), and spend more time now with family and friends. Having this extra time to focus on physical activity and relationships has been a great way to recharge and keep a good work-life balance.