Making a Difference

From a seasonal position at Alliant Energy to a full-time job, Jacob Waltersdorf ’21 turned what was supposed to be a three-month assignment into a successful and innovative career.

How? He asked himself a simple question.

“At Mount Mercy, I was taught to ask myself how I could be a productive, valuable asset to my company and community,” said Jacob. “So, I asked myself, ‘How do I bring value?’”

“At Mount Mercy, I was taught to ask myself how I could be a productive, valuable asset to my company and community. So, I asked myself, ‘How do I bring value?’”

Working as a customer support associate, Jacob communicated and interacted with Alliant Energy’s customers every day. After only a short time on the job, he saw an opportunity.

“I began to see a need for Spanish-speaking customer support associates,” said Jacob.

With a minor in Spanish, Jacob was able to bridge the language barrier and speak Spanish directly to customers, and he noticed the positive reaction among customers immediately.

“I suggested hiring bilingual associates, and at the time, it was out of the company’s scope. Alliant
Energy recognized the growth potential for them as a company.” said Jacob. “Now, we have a handful
of bilingual associates. I never thought I’d be doing this. I’m just some kid who minored in Spanish and is
passionate about customer service.”

But it was Jacob’s passion, persistence, and motivation that pushed Alliant Energy to grow in diversity and better serve their community—and he was able to get internship credit for his work.

“I worked with my academic advisor at Mount Mercy to have my time at Alliant Energy count as an internship,” said Jacob. “The process was really easy.”

“I think it serves as a reminder that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is—you can make a difference.”

Although it wasnʼt the traditional internship experience, Jacob’s experience at Alliant Energy was certainly worthwhile.

Jacob was promoted and had an active hand in the implementation and hiring process of the bilingual associates.

“Being encouraged to help grow Alliant Energy’s diversity was such a rewarding experience,” said
Jacob. “I think it serves as a reminder that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is—you can make a difference.”