Initial Program Year Highlights

The internships provided the young women with financial rewards and helped enlighten them about the people and culture found in 'the corporate world'.  They also got a first hand look at the types of jobs and careers that are available. The pilot was a success due in very large measure to the passion of two women within AGL Resources who were the managers of these young women during their internship, Kim Hunter and Reecia Landers.  They provided direction, understanding and helped these women gain valuable job experience.  WIT Foundation plans to build upon the firm foundation established in 2004, serving even more young women in the coming year.

Angela Gray

Angela Gray was selected for an internship in 2004 with the WIT On Track program through a partnership between the WIT Foundation and the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention's (G-CAPP) Second Chance Homes program in support of their goal to provide long-term economic independence for the young women in the program. She was a single parent and had come from a disadvantaged background, which included being a ward of the State.  Angela was a senior in high school at the time and had an interest in computers and technology, but didn't have any experience or education in technology.  The WIT on Track program provided her with an unmatched opportunity to learn about the careers available to young women in the technology industry and gain professional experience through on the job experience and mentoring.

Angela applied for, and was awarded, a paid six– week summer internship with AGL Resources.  The internship would provide her with an opportunity to earn money during her summer vacation from high school and provide her with exposure to a career in technology.

Although Angela had some prior work experience, it was limited. The six-week summer internship position was Angela's first real job and she had a lot to learn.  She was expected to conduct herself professionally, dress appropriately and learn about technology and its use in a corporate environment.  "I learned how business works and how to do different things," Angela said.  "A lot of people supported and encouraged me."  In March of 2005, Angela was brought back on a part-time basis (approx. 20 hrs per week) at AGL Resources as part of a longer-term internship opportunity. When asked what had changed for Angela as a result of this experience, she said, "Everything.  I graduated high school. I'm going to college and I'm more motivated in school."  She is now pursuing her education at Atlanta Technical College.

Angela originally worked under Kim Hunter to cross-train on the help desk and was moved into a telecom coordinator role.  Her department supports over 2,000 customers throughout AGL and its six subsidiaries. Because of Angela's progress, performance and the success of the WIT On Track program, her internship turned into a permanent part-time position in September 2005. Currently, Angela helps to process over 1,000 invoices per month for mobile devices, including pagers, cell phones and BlackBerrys.  In her role, Angela orders replacement devices, contacts vendors for upgrades, "cleans" devices for new users and programs them.

According to her supervisor, Reecia Landers, Angela's progress has been "phenomenal" and she has developed good customer interaction skills.  In fact, when Reecia took a week of vacation, she let Angela take over the majority of the responsibilities.  Angela did so well that Reecia didn't have to worry about anything.  "She was a lifesaver," Reecia said.

Reecia will continue to give Angela more responsibility and is trying to help her be more confident in her business decisions.  She is going to let Angela enroll in AGL University online courses to learn more about the organization, its industry and build her skill set.  She will also provide her with additional cross-training opportunities.

One of the things Angela considers to be her greatest accomplishment as a result of the program is going from not knowing anything about technology to her level of knowledge today.  The WIT on Track program, along with her experience at AGL Resources has strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in technology and continue to learn more about computers.  Angela is very excited about the opportunities in front of her and about her future.

Angela's advice for young women who want to be part of this program is, "It's an opportunity for you and you need to have a passion for technology.  There's no guarantee there's a permanent position, but you have to see the potential."