From First-Generation College Student to Financial Analyst: My Journey to Virginia Natural Gas

How Did I Land My Internship?
I think it is important to first share a little about my background. I was not born in the United States and did not move here until I was 10 years old. At that age, I had to learn a new language, navigate a different school system and adjust to an entirely new life.

I graduated from high school in 2021 and started college that fall at 17 years old. As a first-generation college student, applying to college, completing the FAFSA and navigating the process was challenging because I did not have family members who could guide me through it.

After completing my first year at Old Dominion University, I became a mathematics tutor and teaching assistant. I worked at ODU from August 2022 through the spring 2025 semester. During my first two years of college, I did not apply for internships because I was unfamiliar with the process. I also assumed I needed more coursework and experience before I would be qualified. It was not until fall 2024 that I realized I was close to graduation and that internship experience could help prepare me for a successful transition into the workforce. As a result, I began attending career fairs and applying for internship opportunities.

Students often use platforms such as Handshake, LinkedIn and Indeed to search for jobs and internships. I researched organizations that contacted me and actively pursued opportunities that aligned with my interests and career goals.

One day, I received an email from Kenny Holiday on Southern Company Gas' Talent Acquisition team. He explained that I met some of the qualifications they were seeking for a Financial Planning and Analysis internship. At the time, I was unfamiliar with Southern Company, so I began researching the company and Virginia Natural Gas.

I applied in November, and during the first week of December, I received a phone call. I rarely answer calls from unknown numbers, so Kenny left a voicemail introducing himself and asking me to return his call. When I called him back, he explained that the team had reviewed my resume and would like to schedule an interview.

The timing was difficult because it was finals week, and I considered canceling the interview so I could focus on studying. Instead, I decided to move forward. I was nervous, but I completed the interview and, at the end, asked the team for a piece of advice.

One of the financial analysts shared something that has stayed with me ever since:

"Don't ever feel like you don't belong in a room because the moment you find yourself in that room, it's because you've earned your seat at the table."

As a first-generation Latina, I have sometimes struggled with impostor syndrome. There have been moments when I questioned whether I truly belonged in certain spaces or conversations. Hearing that advice made an immediate impact on me. I remember thinking that if I received an offer, this would be a place where I could grow professionally and build a meaningful career.

A few weeks later, Kenny called and offered me the internship at Virginia Natural Gas. I was excited for the opportunity and knew it was the right place to begin my professional journey.

My Internship Experience
I started my internship in January 2025. Initially, I expected the internship to last through the spring and summer semesters. However, on my first day, I learned it would continue for an entire year, making me the Financial Planning and Analysis team's first yearlong intern.

During my internship, I began by assisting with projects such as researching expenses and gathering data for rate cases. As I gained experience, I took on recurring monthly responsibilities and supported month-end close activities.

During the summer, I worked on two major projects. One supported the Financial Planning and Analysis team and focused on budgeting activities related to large commercial customers. The second was a collaborative project with fellow Southern Company Gas interns. Over two months, we researched emerging energy technologies, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending, and presented our findings and recommendations to Management Council.

In July, we traveled to Southern Company Gas headquarters in Atlanta to present our project. The experience provided valuable exposure to leadership and strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in financial planning and analysis. From my first day, I felt welcomed and supported by the team. The collaborative culture and commitment to professional development confirmed that Virginia Natural Gas was a company where I could see myself building a long-term career.

I graduated from Old Dominion University on Dec. 13, 2025, with a double major in international business and finance. My last day as an intern at Virginia Natural Gas was Dec. 18, 2025. I knew I wanted to remain with the company, but there were no opportunities available within the team at that time.

Returning to VNG
In January, I took time to travel and recharge after balancing work and classes during my final semesters. I began applying for jobs in February, and my manager, Stephanie Segida, informed me about an opportunity within Regulatory. Although I was excited about the possibility of returning to Virginia Natural Gas, I was not sure it was the right fit for my career goals.

A few months later, Stephanie reached out again. Someone on her team had moved into the Regulatory role, creating an opening in Financial Planning and Analysis, and she thought of me for the position. I knew immediately it was the opportunity I had been hoping for, and I was thrilled to return to Virginia Natural Gas as a full-time financial analyst.

Coming back to Virginia Natural Gas was exciting because everyone made me feel genuinely welcome. I returned with valuable experience from my internship, and within my first month in the role, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and at the right time. This opportunity feels like an answer to my prayers. I am grateful for every opportunity to grow, learn and challenge myself, and I am excited to continue building my career at Virginia Natural Gas.