For Kendall Chin, a senior public policy major at the University of Delaware, an internship at Chesapeake Utilities offered the chance to explore a field that had long sparked his curiosity while gaining valuable real-world experience.

“Energy has always been something I wanted to learn more about,” Kendall said. “There are a lot of directions you can take with public policy, and energy was an area I was excited to explore.”

After researching Chesapeake Utilities and learning more about the Company’s operations, culture and values, he knew it was an opportunity worth pursuing.

This summer, Kendall joined the corporate governance team, where he has contributed to several projects while gaining a deeper understanding of how a large organization operates behind the scenes.

One of his primary assignments involved helping modernize the onboarding experience for new board directors. The project aimed to streamline a traditionally paper-heavy process by exploring ways to centralize materials and make them easier to access through an online platform.

In addition, Kendall supported research related to document management and digital collaboration tools, contributed to a LinkedIn strategy resource and assisted with day-to-day projects for the team.

Throughout the experience, he has strengthened both technical and professional skills, particularly in organization, communication and relationship building.

“I wanted to learn what it’s really like to be part of a team and how communication works in a professional environment,” he said. “At school, assignments are mainly for you or your classmates. Here, the work you do helps support an entire company. Seeing that bigger picture has been really rewarding.”

Kendall credits much of his growth to the support and mentorship he received from his manager, Rachel Beringer, and other leaders throughout the organization.

From attending meetings and events to connecting with directors and senior leaders, he embraced every opportunity to learn.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of building relationships,” Kendall said. “People have been incredibly open to helping me, answering questions and sharing advice. That experience has helped me become more confident communicating and making connections.”

When asked how he would describe Chesapeake Utilities to another student considering an internship, Kendall didn’t hesitate.

“I’d say it’s inclusive,” he said. “You don’t feel like you’re just standing around people you work with. You feel like you’re part of the team.”

He also noted that Chesapeake Utilities’ values aren’t just words on a wall.

“You can see the values in action every day,” he said. “Whether it’s volunteering, employee resource groups or the way people support each other, you can tell the Company genuinely cares about creating a strong community.”

That sense of community is what Kendall says he’ll remember most when his internship concludes.

“The community and the people stand out to me the most,” he said. “Everyone is welcoming, supportive and invested in helping each other succeed.”

As Kendall prepares for his senior year, he’s leaving the summer with new skills, meaningful relationships and an even greater interest in the energy industry, including the possibility of a future career in corporate governance.

And if there’s one piece of advice he would offer future Chesapeake Utilities interns?

“Get to know your manager,” he said. “Build that relationship and learn from them. They’ve been where you are and can help guide you toward where you want to go.”

As he looks ahead to the next chapter, he’s grateful for the experience and connections he’s built along the way.

“Hopefully, you’ll see me again one day and I’ll be back,” Kendall said.

Based on the impression he’s made this summer, that is a future we’d gladly look forward to. We thank Kendall for his contributions and wish him continued success as he completes his studies and pursues his career goals.