IT Intern - Network and Firewall Administration

POSITION PURPOSE 

The Network and Firewall Administration Intern will directly support the IT Network Team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in managing and maintaining network systems and security infrastructure, particularly firewalls. As an intern, you will assist with tasks related to setting up, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting networking systems, ensuring that data flows securely and efficiently. The ideal candidate will have experience with Network or Information Science-focused work with a strong interest in network security.   

WORK SCHEDULE 

• Interns will work full-time (40 hours/week) during the summer months, starting mid-May through early September on a hybrid basis with some remote capabilities 
• Upon successful completion of summer term, additional availability to work part-time (15-20 hours/week) during the fall and spring semesters will be available based on business needs 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Monitor and conduct analysis on network, system, and applications utilizing Network Management toolsets, Solar Winds, Cisco ISE, DNA, etc.  
• Install and set up network hardware such as switches, routers, firewalls, and management servers.  
• Respond to and investigate security events and alerts. 
• Update existing procedures and build new documentation to support evolving IT operations. 
• Enhance network security, as well as documenting network processes. 
• Build and modify reports to support audit compliance.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• High school degree or equivalent; must be enrolled in an accredited university or college program, preferred area of studies include Computer Science, Information Technology, or IT Networking.  
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite  
• Experience using PowerShell, Python, or other scripting languages a plus.  
• Strong technical capabilities with the ability to easily learn new technologies.  
• Knowledge of network connectivity, technologies, protocols, and security.  
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and priorities. 
• Ability to work with both documented and undocumented processes and improve those processes with the team’s guidance.  
• Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas 
• Strong business acumen, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills 
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment 

BENEFITS OF AN INTERNSHIP WITH MGE 

• Local employer - accessible via bike paths, bus lines, and we have free on-site parking 
• Hands-on projects - meaningful projects and experience across business functions 
• Competitive pay - interns are paid fairly for the work they contribute 
• Opportunity for full-time employment - high conversion rate from internship to full-time employment after graduation  

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 

About MGE  

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 163,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, and purchases and distributes natural gas to 176,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE is a regulated utility subsidiary of the investor-owned public utility holding company MGE Energy, Inc. MGE's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years. 

An industry leader, MGE was among the first utilities nationwide to commit to net-zero carbon electricity by 2050, consistent with global climate science. Your community energy company is investing in a more sustainable future for the benefit of all our customers, investors, and employees. As your community energy company, we are committed to this area and its people. We take responsibility to:  

• Plan and provide a safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy supply that balances the needs and values of those we serve.  
• Provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders and help inform their energy decisions.  
• Preserve and protect our environment while providing affordable, reliable energy.  
• Encourage and support economic and business development to keep our economy strong and vibrant.  
• Engage in open and honest dialogue, partnership, and collaboration to best serve our customers and the broader community.  

Our Values  

• Safety: Safety is a core value at MGE. The safety of our employees, customers, and communities is our top priority. Our culture initiatives continuously improve our safety performance. MGE has earned numerous safety awards for this safety performance, including the AGA Leading Indicator Safety Award.  
• Reliability: We invest in our people and in our systems to help ensure top-ranked energy reliability that helps to maintain the economic health and vitality of the communities we serve. MGE is a national leader in electric reliability.  
• Sustainability: With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, we take a holistic and proactive approach to sustainable practices company-wide. 
• Equity: We are committed to equity and inclusion in our service to our customers, in our workplace, and in our broader community, and we value diverse perspectives, ideas, cultures, and backgrounds.  

MGE's parent company is MGE Energy, Inc., a public utility holding company. Its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market. For more information, visit mge.com and mgeenergy.com.  

JOB LOCATION 

The position is hybrid, and office days are in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, where MGE is an active participant in community efforts to preserve the area's extraordinary quality of life. We offer free, on-site parking and are located near biking trails and bus stops. Many employees enjoy the use of our many on-site EV charging stations. 

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