When Outdated Documentation Threatened Operations, a Northeastern Co-op Student Delivered Critical Solutions at SoCalGas

When Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) Sensor & OT Data Management team underwent restructuring, engineers found themselves relying on system architecture diagrams that no longer reflected how their infrastructure actually worked. Accurate documentation was critical for issue resolution, onboarding, and system reliability and the gap posed real operational risk.

To address the challenge, the utility giant turned to Northeastern University co-op student Dairou Wang, tasking her with modernizing and rebuilding their documentation system. What began as a focused update quickly evolved into a project that delivered lasting operational improvements.

“We needed someone who could navigate complex technical requirements while bringing a fresh perspective,” said Carlos Alvarado, Organizational Development Advisor at SoCalGas. “Dairou exceeded our expectations.”

Although new to Visio and enterprise documentation environments, Wang approached the project with initiative and curiosity. She partnered closely with engineers, consulted stakeholders across teams, and developed visual tools that clarified complex application relationships. Her work went beyond updating diagrams, reimagining how documentation could support day-to-day operations.

The business impact was immediate. Wang’s documentation enabled faster issue resolution for service desk agents while reducing the time engineers spent troubleshooting and explaining system dependencies. “Dairou fostered a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and technical excellence,” Alvarado noted. “Her work improved efficiency and enhanced clarity across the organization.”

Throughout the 12-week co-op, the Sensor & OT Data Management team provided Wang with mentorship and meaningful, real-world challenges. “My colleagues were incredibly supportive,” Wang reflected. “They encouraged questions and trusted me with work that mattered, which helped me think more critically about how documentation is actually used in practice.”

The experience reflects SoCalGas’s commitment to developing early-career talent while solving real business problems. By investing in a co-op student and providing both autonomy and support, the team gained solutions that continue to benefit operations months after the program concluded.

Northeastern’s long-standing co-op model emphasizes applied learning, preparing students to step into complex environments ready to contribute from day one. For SoCalGas, the return on investment extended beyond improved documentation, and they gained a motivated contributor who strengthened their culture of technical excellence.

As organizations look for innovative ways to build talent pipelines and address operational challenges, the SoCalGas–Northeastern partnership demonstrates the power of experiential learning: students gain transformative professional experience, and employers gain fresh perspectives that drive measurable impact.

Email [email protected] today to learn more about Northeastern University’s co-op program.