Planning and Process Intern - Minneapolis, MN

About the position

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. Energy Supply (Generation) Strategy & Performance is seeking a highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and self‑motivated intern with a strong interest in data‑driven decision‑making, process optimization and continuous improvement. The Data Analyst intern will work closely with Process & Planning Consultants to support application of lean system solutions to data mapping, data visualization (metrics, dashboards, trend graphs, Paretos), and ultimately identifying performance trends, updating processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to: Support analytical and continuous improvement initiatives under the guidance of Planning & Process Consultants. Collaborate with operations, engineering, IT support teams, and leadership to support performance improvement initiatives and implementation of efficiencies. Collect, validate, analyze and organize operational data used for reporting and trend analysis that will support root cause analysis, problem-solving, and development of solutions/process improvements. Enhance existing dashboards or develop new dashboards that track key operational metrics. Ensure the dashboards are meaningful and usable for plant teams. Ensure dashboards remain accurate, current, and aligned with evolving business needs. Identify outdated program and training content, develop updated program and training documentation, and partner with learning management systems (LMS) to migrate training content into LMS-based training. Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project planning with internal and external stakeholders. Project manage small to medium continuous improvement projects per technical implementation plans.

Responsibilities

• Support analytical and continuous improvement initiatives under the guidance of Planning & Process Consultants.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, IT support teams, and leadership to support performance improvement initiatives and implementation of efficiencies.
• Collect, validate, analyze and organize operational data used for reporting and trend analysis that will support root cause analysis, problem-solving, and development of solutions/process improvements.
• Enhance existing dashboards or develop new dashboards that track key operational metrics.
• Ensure the dashboards are meaningful and usable for plant teams.
• Ensure dashboards remain accurate, current, and aligned with evolving business needs.
• Identify outdated program and training content, develop updated program and training documentation, and partner with learning management systems (LMS) to migrate training content into LMS-based training.
• Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project planning with internal and external stakeholders.
• Project manage small to medium continuous improvement projects per technical implementation plans.

Requirements

• Undergraduate student, Junior status (as of May 2026) or higher
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Statistics or related technical degree.
• Coursework or experience in data analytics, engineering, business analytics, or a related field.
• Demonstrates the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with subject manager experts within a fast‑paced team environment.
• Able to commute to the Marshall Operations Center in Minneapolis, MN three or more days per week (core days are T, W, and TH with balance either in office or from remote location)
• Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week) with the potential opportunity to work part time during the semester (up to 20 hours a week).

Nice-to-haves

• 3.0 GPA (out of a 4.0 scale) or higher
• Experience or proficiency with data analytics tools such as Microsoft Excel, Python, Java, VBA, SQL, Power BI and Pareto's.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holidays