How did you start at the Corps?
I started at the Corps doing a summer internship in 2008 working for Planning Division at the Philadelphia District. The following two summers I was able to land internships with Baltimore District Planning Division. I was then hired as a student on the Pathways Career program out of college and began the Department of the Army (DA) internship program August 2013.
Where did you go to school? What was your major? Why did you pick this major?
I attended Pennsylvania State University and Graduated with a BS in Biological Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. I chose this major and minor because I wanted to do engineering work while working in the Environmental Sciences career field.
How long have you been here, and what departments have you worked in?
I worked for the Planning Environmental Services Branch (Planning Division) from February 2012 - August 2013, at which point I started rotating through various divisions including PPMD, Engineering, Washington Aqueduct, Planning, and Emergency Management Division through the DA Intern program.
What's the most unique project you've worked on here, so far, and why?
Throughout my entire stay in Planning Division, I worked on Chesapeake Bay Army TMDL action plans for various Military Installations. A variety of tasks were performed during this project, including coordination with installation managers, GPS survey, concept design for storm water best management practices, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data management.
What are your career goals for the future?
I eventually want to work as a Project Manager and coordinate with various Project Development Team (PDT) members to implement design/build projects.
Why would you say the Corps is a great place to intern at and work?
The Corps is a great place to work because of the diverse workload performed all throughout the district. In my time as an intern, I have been exposed to a wide array of projects, all with the common goal of serving the American Public. Also, the workforce is made up of people who are dedicated to their professions and maintain an excellent work/life balance.
If you could give some advice to future interns, what would it be?
My advice to future interns would be the same advice I received during my one of my rotations, which is: “stay curious”. Even if something doesn’t fall within the realm of one’s studies or general interests, taking the time to understand different work allows one to become versatile. Also, building a strong network throughout the Corps is imperative because it broadens one’s resources for obtaining project information.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Outside of work, I am a singer/songwriter and recently released a CD on Itunes and Spotify on September 30, 2014. I have performed in bars throughout Baltimore and the District of Columbia; the U.S. Army Corps Awards Ceremony; D.C. 107.3 radio station and weddings.
I also play soccer, and I am President of a D.C. fan club for my favorite Italian soccer team AS Roma.
Could you tell me more about your performance at the Corps awards?
Performing at the Corps Awards Ceremony was an amazing experience. It was the largest, most diverse (age range) crowd I had ever played in front of. I was proud to be given the opportunity to provide entertainment to my fellow co-workers at such a celebratory event.