Manas Choure, COL ’26, Johns Creek, GA
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with the Department of Defense (DoD) for the federal government. The Department engages in Warfighting, Humanitarian Aid, Peacekeeping, Disaster Relief and Homeland Security, while simultaneously performing functions necessary to effectively and efficiently support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and their families. This internship gave me the opportunity to learn about a career in the public sector and I learned a lot about the inner workings of the government.
I found myself fully immersed in the complexities and challenges of the public sector, which significantly broadened my professional horizons. Without the financial assistance from Penn Career Services, the logistics of relocating and living in a new area could have overshadowed the learning experience. Instead, the funding allowed me to engage deeply with my projects, collaborate with seasoned professionals, and attend relevant seminars and workshops that were crucial to my development. This support not only alleviated the financial strain but also allowed me to focus on building meaningful relationships within the DoD and developing a clearer understanding of how technology intersects with national security and public service.
The hands-on experience I gained was invaluable. I was able to contribute to several ongoing projects, some of which had direct impacts on improving operational efficiency and cybersecurity measures within the Department. The knowledge and skills I acquired in this role have set a solid foundation for my future career, offering me a competitive edge in the job market. Moreover, the experience affirmed my commitment to working in roles that have a tangible impact on society, shaping my career goals towards a path that merges technology with public service.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
