For over 30 years, Tampa Electric Company has invested in developing local talent through internship and cooperative education (co-op) programs — and the majority of that talent has been USF students. The co-op program is an in-depth, multi-term experience that may extend beyond graduation as the student transitions into their career. There are currently 35 USF interns supporting Tampa Electric across a variety of business functions and disciplines.
“Developing future talent is deeply rooted in our culture, and Tampa Electric takes great pride in helping students apply their academic knowledge, grow their skills, explore career paths and begin building successful careers,” said Brianna Rodriguez, HR business operations specialist at Tampa Electric.
USF and Tampa Electric’s shared values of forming mutually beneficial relationships between students and employers and creating positive community impact means that the internships provide more than just work experience.
USF interns tour the Tampa Electric Company facilities
Brenden Hone graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance this past summer and is completing his co-op with Tampa Electric’s customer research & strategy team that he began in fall 2025.
“As someone who was born and raised in Tampa, it is so rewarding to contribute to an organization that provides an essential service to my friends, family and neighbors,” Hone said. “Working here has given me a greater appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes to keep the lights on, and it's meaningful to know that my work supports that mission in some way.”
Camila Pluas is a senior majoring in computer science who began her internship in IT transmission in May 2025. “They invited me to discuss how to solve problems from the start,” Pluas said. “They valued my ideas, which made my work exciting and helped me gain confidence.”
As a community-focused company, we're proud to partner with the University of South
Florida, one of the region's leading institutions. USF students bring strong academic
preparation, diverse experiences and a commitment to making an impact. Beyond their
academic achievements, we consistently see that USF students are enthusiast, have
fresh perspectives and are genuinely interested in contributing to meaningful work
that serves our community. Brianna Rodriguez, Tampa Electric Company, HR business operations specialist
As part of the internship experience, Tampa Electric hosts a variety of professional development opportunities that allow students to network, learn more about the organization and gain exposure to different areas of the business. One of those events is a guided kayaking tour led by Tampa Electric’s environmental team at its Manatee Viewing Center. This provides a unique opportunity for the interns to learn about environmental stewardship and conservation efforts while connecting with peers and company leaders.
Interns learn about Tampa Electric's environmental stewardship and conservation efforts
“I was drawn to the position because I had several connections who interned and worked at Tampa Electric, and they consistently spoke highly of both the company culture and the opportunities for professional growth,” Hone said.
Tampa Electric’s strong reputation in the community and its consistent, high-quality internship and co-op programs have made these competitive positions.
“While technical and functional knowledge is important,” Rodriguez said, “the qualities that stand out most are curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to embrace new challenges. We look for students and recent graduates who are eager to learn, take initiative and confidently share their perspectives.”
Tampa Electric internships and co-ops provide more than just hands-on experience. They provide USF students with the opportunity to learn about the Tampa Bay community and the collaborations that enable the area to thrive.