Kristen Preciado '26 Finance Business Ops Intern

Kristen Preciado '26 (Finance) was a Finance Business Ops Intern at Arizona Public Service in Phoenix, Arizona.

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience? 

I first learned about this internship at Eller Expo in 2024, where I met Austin, a Senior Financial Analyst at APS. We had a great conversation that led to an interview the very next day, and I received my offer about a month later. Eller Expo was an incredible opportunity to network, make meaningful connections, and ultimately land an amazing internship. 

What was a typical day like?

I worked in Customer Experience (CX), where I learned about programs designed to ensure customers have access to reliable and affordable energy. My role gave me exposure to both the operational and community-focused sides of the business. I visited power plants to see firsthand how energy is generated, learned about the energy trading market, and explored how APS partners with the community.

Since this was a hybrid internship, my day-to-day varied depending on whether I was working in person or remotely. Remote days were typically filled with Teams meetings, project work, research, and data analysis in Excel. In person, I had more opportunities for collaboration, networking, and participating in events. I also learned about APS’s community partnerships with organizations such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns/Mercury, and Chicanos Por La Causa, which gave me a better understanding of how the company connects with and supports the communities it serves.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of the experience was visiting the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. As the only nuclear power plant in the United States not located on a body of water, it uses reclaimed water for cooling, something I had never seen before. Touring the facility and seeing the scale, technology, and precision involved in generating nuclear energy was incredible. It offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most advanced and important parts of Arizona’s energy system.

If you worked on a big project, please describe it below:

My main project was a 15-page white paper analyzing the 2025 APS Rate Case, with a focus on four specific Pro Formas. These Pro Formas outlined proposed adjustments to customer rates based on factors like low-income energy discounts, advertising expense removals, crisis bill assistance funding, and shareholder-funded bill credits. I researched each Pro Forma in depth, worked extensively in Excel to verify calculations, and reviewed regulatory filings to ensure accuracy. The project helped me strengthen my analytical, financial modeling, and technical writing skills while also deepening my understanding of how utilities balance operational needs with community impact.

What did you find most challenging?

Coming into the internship, I had little knowledge of the Utility Industry and Energy Sector. The rate case was completely new to me, so I had to quickly dive deep into research and build my understanding from the ground up. Although it was challenging at first, this experience pushed me to grow rapidly and develop a strong foundation in a complex area I hadn’t encountered before. I’m proud of how much I learned and how it prepared me to contribute meaningfully by the end of my internship.

What advice do you have for other students looking for a similar experience, or advice for future students to be successful?

I highly recommend attending events like the Eller Expo and Career Showcase. These opportunities are invaluable for connecting with employers, learning about different industries, and discovering internships that might not be widely advertised. Being proactive in networking and taking advantage of these events can open doors to meaningful experiences like mine. Also, don’t be afraid to dive into unfamiliar topics, embracing the learning curve is key to growth and success.

How did Eller prepare you for this experience?

Eller equipped me with a strong foundation of both technical and professional skills that were essential during my internship. In my Business Communications (BCOM) class, I was tasked with creating and delivering a comprehensive one-hour presentation on my final project and findings. This experience helped me develop the ability to clearly organize complex information and present it confidently to an audience. Skills I relied on when communicating my research and analysis during the internship.

In my finance courses, I spent countless hours working in Excel, mastering functions and data analysis techniques that proved invaluable when building financial models and working with large datasets for the rate case. This hands-on experience made me much more efficient and comfortable with the technical aspects of my role.

Additionally, the Professional Development Course (PDC) provided guidance on how to navigate a professional work environment, including communication etiquette, teamwork, and time management. These lessons helped me adapt quickly to the expectations of the workplace and maintain professionalism throughout my internship. Overall, Eller’s blend of coursework and career preparation gave me the confidence and skills needed to succeed in a challenging and unfamiliar industry.