I started my search in February 2010. I searched various online resources including usajobs.gov, the federal government’s employment website.  I applied to over 30 internships during my search. After months of not landing an internship, I altered my search. I learned that the government, specifically the U.S. Department of Defense had a need for entry-level contract employees. As a result, I included acquisition and contracts internships in my search. I applied for the Army’s Fast Track Contracting Program, Homeland Security’s Contracting Program, and the Defense Contracts Management Agency (DCMA).

After attending job fairs, circulating my resume, interviewing in person and by phone – even after the spring semester had ended – I finally landed an internship with DCMA. I was recruited as an Acquisition Intern for the Directorate of Acquisition Policy. After receiving a written offer for the position, I had to complete an official application and gain a security clearance.  While the interview and completing the application took no time, the security clearance application took hours and receiving the clearance took a few weeks. 

As an intern with DCMA, my specific responsibilities included, researching, collecting data, and developing a database system to improve the contract warrants certification training program. This project required me to review hundreds of past and current warrant applications, test scores, resumes, and professional development training requirements for contracting officers throughout DCMA nationwide. I also provided administrative assistance to the Chief of Acquisition Policy. When I arrived at DCMA, I met three interns from other colleges who had already started. They were very helpful in getting me acclimated. 

While completing my internship at DCMA, I was also selected to be a Federal Service Student Ambassador by the Partnership for Public Service. As an ambassador, I am charged with promoting federal service to fellow students on campus at UNCG. I have received training in leadership, marketing, outreach strategies and networking as a part of the Federal Service Student Ambassador program.

The internship was not all work and no play. I enjoyed working with the interns and staff in the office. All the interns, myself included, had an opportunity to visit Baltimore, Maryland to tour the Northrop Grumman facility where we saw the manufacturing of radar, sensors, and navigation systems. We had the pleasure of being treated to several luncheons.  We even coordinated a 70’s theme party for DCMA employees.

A major benefit of my internship with DCMA is that I am now inside the federal government employment system and I have a security clearance. This enables me to be seriously considered for other federal government opportunities without the long wait time.  During my internship, I learned the fundamentals of contracts policy as well as the education required for negotiating goods and services as a professional contracting officer.  More importantly, I became eligible to recruit for public service careers and intern programs as a Federal Service Student Ambassador.  The training that I have received in marketing and outreach strategies has strengthened my ability to present information to others.  I am also becoming more knowledgeable about resume development, interview skills, networking, and promoting the federal government at campus career fairs, organization meetings, and during one-on-one consultations with students.  On a fun note, I learned how to catch the metro subway and the Department of Defense shuttles to get to work.  I truly enjoyed the “red carpet” treatment provided by the DCMA managers. They were all very encouraging and interested in me as an intern, which was a great experience.

One must stay open minded and flexible about what you think you want!  I wanted an internship opportunity in marketing or public relations, but I received one in federal acquisition.  The internship ended up opening the door for me to become a Federal Service Student Ambassador, which is a marketing and business development opportunity that I want.  Career Services is probably the preferred route to take, but if you do your own internship search, be prepared to work hard. 

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