Katie Wasta is the 2026 Human Resources Intern for the summer. She is a rising senior at Boston College, studying Communications with a minor in Management & Leadership. While at school, Katie volunteers as a campus tour guide and serves as a counselor for the Chestnut Hill chapter of Camp Kesem. Katie is excited to be joining the O&G HR team for the summer.
Communication is central to Katie’s role in the office. Working closely with Beth Dupont, Chief Human Resources Officer, HR Partners Maddie Blanchard and Danielle Fournier, and HR Generalist Herbert Pramono, Katie serves as a vital link between the intern group and the Human Resources team. Throughout July, Katie had the opportunity to step outside the office and visit interns at their various job sites across the company. These field visits provided valuable insight into the wide range of projects underway and allowed her to build meaningful relationships with across departments. “I am very lucky,” Katie says. “I’ve gotten the chance to explore every part of the company and have seen projects in all stages of development. It has been special to observe all the interns in their element.”
Back in the office, Katie’s responsibilities have been equally diverse. She has spent time reviewing the new House Bill 5003 and updating the Code of Conduct, participating in Wellness Committee meetings, all while supporting the recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding processes. At the same time, she remains a trusted resource for fellow interns, helping answer questions, foster connections, and ensure they have the support they need throughout their internship experience.
During her experience in this role, Katie has seen significant personal and professional growth. One of the skills she has developed most is active listening. “I pick up on so many nuances now and can read people well,” she notes. “A large part of my job is understanding and connecting with people, so I always make an effort to pay close attention and take notes whenever I meet with someone.” Katie has also strengthened her writing and creative communication skills. She has been creating intern spotlight features and drafting the weekly internship newsletter, “Internology.”
Beyond the office and the field, Katie has taken advantage of a wide range of professional development opportunities throughout her internship. She has attended Workforce Investment Board meetings alongside Beth Dupont, participated in a career fair with Dan Walker, and even had the opportunity to speak at the company’s quarterly Lessons Learned event with Maddie Blanchard, where they shared insights about the internship program. Reflecting on her experiences, Katie says, “This is a very hands-on role, and I am grateful that I get to be involved in so many different things.” Like her fellow interns, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow professionally. “It’s part of the O&G culture to involve interns in as much as possible,” Katie explains. “I’ve seen firsthand how committed supervisors and employees are to creating a meaningful and rewarding experience for their interns, and I am glad to be on the receiving end of that.”
One of the biggest surprises for Katie has been how much her perspective is valued by the Human Resources team. “They ask me for my thoughts and truly consider them,” she says. “I feel like a real member of the team, not just a bystander passing through, which has made this experience so meaningful.”
Katie encourages current and future interns to “pay attention.” She believes that asking questions, remembering names, and listening closely are key to building meaningful relationships. “You never know what you might learn from someone,” she says. For Katie, showing genuine interest in others and staying engaged can make all the difference during an internship.
Katie spent a semester studying abroad in Galway, Ireland, so if you need any travel recommendations, be sure to ask. Her favorite adventure she went on was her weekend spent in London, where she sat front row for a Mumford & Sons concert at the O2 Arena.
