Not every internship leads to an opportunity to program a light show for one of Wisconsin’s most iconic landmarks, but some interns at We Energies are getting the chance to do just that with the sixth annual Light the Hoan Intern Challenge presented by the We Energies Foundation.
This contest features interns from We Energies and 13 other Milwaukee companies, offering them a chance to build their professional networks, learn about creative technology, and present their light shows to Milwaukee and the world.
The interns are tasked with designing a light show that represents We Energies. They begin the process by gaining an understanding of the lighting mechanisms and software used to illuminate the Hoan Bridge. They learn to convey messages and emotions through light and motion. They then practice pitching and selling their ideas, and they gain valuable experience working in teams.
Twenty-five We Energies interns formed teams and shared their designs.
The team consisting of Connor Guyette and Nathaniel Kitzing from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kristian Blagoev from Marquette University, Nathan Theriault from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Nicholas Kroog from Butler University was chosen to represent We Energies.
They will now move on to participate in an in-person local celebrity judging contest at Discovery World on July 28, and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite company light show July 29, with winners announced July 30.
The We Energies Foundation has been a proud presenting sponsor of this event, supporting Light the Hoan and the intern challenge with grants since the collective’s inception in 2018.