Jack Barden

I learned about this through the DCTC (Defense Civilian Training Corps).

 

How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals?  How did being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue apply to your internship?

My experience has expanded my understanding of the military acquisition system, preparing me to contribute to the workforce immediately after graduation and bringing me closer to my goal of working in government. Being a student at Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts allows me to understand the balance between government and industry partners. This background knowledge gains me the true weight and context my work revolves around. When people are stressed or fixated on a specific bill or piece of legislation, I both understand the document itself but can also use my foresight to understand its implications. Additionally, being a CLA student has refined my communication and other soft skills, giving me the necessary tool to make strong first impressions, approach situations with deep understanding, and be fearless.

 

I would broaden your lens. Many may look within a specific agency or destination (DC, Capital Hill, e.g.), but what’s most important is having an experience. Maybe your internship isn’t your dream job and that’s understandable, but having the experience to learn how business operates and what you do/don’t like can save you time and money down the road. Take the opportunities you can and work to maximize your experience. Read more, ask questions, and look for more work.

 

This summer I am responsible for accumulating a presentable document to our business director showcasing all of our FMS (Foreign Military Services), Base (within USA), and anonymous funds. This comprehensive document will show all transactions within the TAGM (Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions) office. Additionally, I am taking the initiative on drafting a written project proposal for the next class of interns. Speaking with PEO (Program Executive Office) staffers and coordinating requirements and ambitions within the business office has been another objective as we look to host more interns in the future.

 

I have not only received financial assistance but, also, communications and teaching support through Career Services staff. They are extremely supportive and provided their expertise in any way I may need. The Job-Ready program is helping me cover my housing and enabling me to live close to my base, allowing me to maximize my internship opportunity. CLA is the only college with such a program. While other colleges encourage the best for their students, CLA provides funding for their students to broaden their horizons and encourage them to be ambitious.

 

Thus far, one of my favorite components has been watching a Fly-To-Buy of the Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile. This was an incredible experience where I was able to see a system in action and understand what was at stake. If the missiles were a success, the government would accept a lot of 400 missiles. Yet, if unsuccessful, we would review the contract and determine the next course of action based on the type of failure. On the day of the missile launch, I was shown the system up close, the missile, remnants of the target, and data from the test launch. This immersive experience put the pieces together of what my work is doing and how significant it is. Without a contract and without proper guidelines, the warfighter could be inadequately equipped for the mission.