For my STEP signature project, I worked the summer at The Ohio State Office of Student Life as a graphic design intern. I was working directly with professional graphic designers to create designs for student organizations and other departments on campus. This included a large range of deliverables including print (posters, hot cards, business cards, etc.), digital (tower signage, screen signage, social media graphics, etc.) as well as merchandise design (t-shirts, pens, etc.).

In terms of how the actual internship experience transformed me, there are several ways I would say it did. My understanding of self was transformed greatly simply because this internship was my very first professional experience. Working with professionals and with clients  outside of the class setting was a new experience for me and changed the way I view myself in that sense. It helped me learn how to better communicate with others and within that, how to stand up for myself and have more confidence in my design choices. This better communication also came from messaging with clients which was a learning curve for me. This professional experience also taught me how to use design software professionally, which gave me more confidence in my skills and ability to design for clients. 

The overall experience of my internship, even outside of the actual work, was very life-changing. To work the internship, I moved of my parent’s house and into my very first apartment. This was very transformational for my understanding of myself as I had to learn how to do many new things. I had lived in dorms prior to this but living in an apartment is much different. I had to learn how to grocery shop, cook myself food, drive and park my car on campus for the first time (it went poorly), and just how to be on my own fully. It was really difficult at first and taught me a lot about myself, like how I really thrive having my own room and how my mental health has been impacted over time in relation to that.

The first thing that I experienced during the project that led to the transformation I described in in relation to my experience with my boss. She was a key player in my experience because she was very supportive and patient with me as I learned all of the new things I discussed inside and outside the office. She was patient when I forgot how to send emails to clients or didn’t understand something someone was asking of me. She really allowed me to have the room to grow in the ways I described by being so willing to teach me. She also was there for me during my struggles outside of the office, and was there to listen when I was having a rough day.

Another relationship that was important to my transformation was my interactions with my other co-workers. For a majority of the summer I was the only intern, there was four other full-time graphic designers beside my boss, and one other full-time employee that I would talk to almost every day of the week. We would talk about our weekends on Monday mornings, eat lunch and chat together every day and play games during our lunch as well. There also would be a field trip every other Wednesday where we went to places like the gaming center on campus and the planetarium on campus. These interactions were so special for me and my experience because it helped me feel included and valued in the workspace which was helpful for my growth. I think feeling safe and supported helps me grow a lot easier so this was very crucial for me.

Another experience that was important to my growth was the interactions between me and clients. Relating to what I said previously, the conversations exchanged with clients was really crucial in growing my communication skills. Because of the nature of my major and school, I’ve learned to approach design problems from a much different standpoint. I usually receive the prompt with all the information I need to know and ask my professor if I have any confusion. These interactions taught me that this doesn’t really happen in the real world, the clients are no longer hypothetical, they are real. Learning how to ask questions and get the information I need in a professional manner was a learning curve for me. I feel that I’ve taken the first steps in learning to how to communicate as a professional which I believe will help me greatly in my future career. 

This internship relates directly to my major and future career, graphic design. Because this was my very first internship and experience outside of school, I believe this experience will be extremely valuable in my life. As I have alluded to previously, this experience taught me so much about technical skills, professionalism, and the industry that I will utilize for the rest of my career. For example, I didn’t really understand the difference between RGB and CMYK before this, and now I really understand the difference and what each is used for. This is is just one small example of the countless things I learned during the time. This translates to my academic and professional goals as it as provided me with many more tools to utilize in my class projects as well as my career. The experience was significant to my personal life because it taught me a lot about myself and how I handle situations. Specifically relating to what I previously mentioned about living on my own for the first time, I have seen countless benefits cmoe from my choice to move out. I was able to get a grasp on how to live this way before school started in a time that was much more relaxed and forgiving. 

Over the summer of my junior year, I interned at a local State Farm Office. Working 9 am-5 pm Monday through Friday I was trained on soft skills as well as some program management skills. I was in charge of providing timely financial updates, updating customers about their claims, and informing people about discounts and changes to premiums.

Coming into this workplace I felt confident in my abilities and my understanding of concepts. What I realized is how important it is to be able to demonstrate that to others even when you can get the work done right. Working in insurance is a unique environment where you usually aren’t dealing with happy people since no one likes paying for insurance or the trouble of using it, yet it’s very necessary. It is very typical to deal with ageist stubborn angry old people and if you can’t display maturity, knowledge, and confidence, then they will assume you know nothing because they don’t know you yet and you are a kid in the eyes of 80-year-olds.

The interactions I’ve had with customers, whether it was a positive interaction or an angry people who didn’t pay their bill, I was able to take something away. One of my main takeaways is the needed mindset. Sometimes some people just need a familiar face or voice to talk to because they have built trust. You can’t take customer interactions personally, it doesn’t mean you did something wrong, in my case I told them the same thing as the senior employee.

I probably answered the phone each day between 15-40 times, and because of this, I was able to build confidence with customers without being face-to-face. I was able to calm people down, help people understand things that might be foreign to them, and operate in a fast-paced manner.

I was given some opportunity to identify and develop business leads. For me this was very interesting because it allowed me to do more creative work. Using data I was able to make decisions to develop leads then pass those leads to liciensed insurance agents. This was one of my favorite projects, I defenitly will decide to work in a profession where I can use data to make decisions.

My end professional goal is far from insurance. In fact I probably will never work with insurance again. The people aren’t the best, kind of a boring, stable environment and we typically had more bad news then good. With that being said, working at State Farm brought a lot of value for professional development. I was able to futher development professionally. This includes coming to work everyday dressed in a professional manor, upholding myself in a professional manor regardless the situation. I also got an overview of many financial product and how State Farm works with them. With all of this experience I am able to come out as a more polished business man with a better understanding of insurance, financial servers, project management and customer support.

For my STEP Signature Project I decided to do an internship with Infinity Labs, a consulting tech company out of Dayton. I started off the summer with some training and meeting the team. Collaborating with a team, I got to create a project that the company now uses today. Also, I got to experience some AI in one of the innovating “crews” I was in.

I would say my biggest view that changed while working this summer is the importance of the workplace environment you are working at. This summer I got to experience an amazing small company, with a close company culture, and goal driven people. Because of that, I got to work somewhere I might not get at a larger business. Overall, it helped me narrow down where I want to work when I graduate because of the welcoming experience a smaller business has.

During my internship I was assigned to a team, that was lead by a project manager. The first day I met him he was full of energy and excited that I was joining my team. I instantly knew that I was going to have a good summer. As summer went on my PM was always looking for ways to get me experience and help me learn as much as I could. He also was very helpful with getting me in touch with coworkers that were experts in whatever problem I was running into. He was a big part of why I decided to return as a co-op this autumn.

At my company, there were innovative groups called “crews”. Everyone that worked at the company was in a crew which was specifically designed to help employees learn and create things that they are interested in. The company is paying people to learn! As soon as I heard about this I was intrigued by the idea and got into AI that is very upcoming. I got to learn and create things I did not think I would get the chance to.

One of the best things was company lunch! Almost every week the company would order lunch for everyone. During this I got to talk to coworkers and really get to know them. I learned that one of them lived in Alaska and the other ATV’s every 2 weeks in the summer. It was a good time to take a break from work and relax in, another perk, the courtyard. Also, the office was very nice overall with many different amenities at the location.

The amazing environment helped me stay focused and learn a ton throughout it. I was able to try and learn many different things that I can not experience in school. Because of that, it really helped me figure out I want my focus to be in my major. A big part of that was real life scenarios; Actually being there and seeing the problem all the way through. By doing this I was able to see what I enjoyed doing and what I might avoid taking a class in. I am now more confident on my path for the future because of my STEP Signature Project.

I completed an internship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as a Student Anesthesia Technician this past summer. In this role, I supported the anesthesia team by turning over operating rooms between cases, stocking the rooms according to the specifics of each procedure and patient, and ensuring that providers had all necessary equipment. When I wasn’t busy, I was free to shadow and observe different surgeries, nurse anesthetists, and attendings.

Completing this internship helped me develop a greater understanding of myself and my future career goals. It affirmed my hopes to become a nurse anesthetist. My position allowed me to become more familiar and comfortable with the OR environment as well as the roles of different healthcare professionals during surgery. I developed greater self-awareness of both my strengths and weaknesses that will impact my education and career.

I also gained a better understanding of healthcare and the pediatric patient population. Seeing infants and children under anesthesia led me to develop a greater appreciation for the technicality of the field. It was also interesting to see how different patients and families responded to the surgical environment, as this helped broaden my ability to empathize. Lastly, I loved seeing how the healthcare team adjusted care to the specific needs of each patient. Being a good anesthetist involves a high level of both technical and compassionate care.

One key aspect of my experience that led to growth and transformation was being able to observe so many surgeries. I got to watch cases in various surgical specialties including neurological, cardiothoracic, orthopedic, plastic, and more. I gained a greater understanding of how different conditions impact daily life for each patient, which challenged my previous assumptions regarding various diseases. I learned about various methods to administer anesthesia, which are dependent on the patient and many significant factors.

Another important aspect of my experience was the relationships I created. I met so many great CRNAs who have become resources and mentors for me. They helped instill greater confidence in me that I can accomplish my goals. I also got to interact with many student CRNAs. This was great because I got to hear from people currently going through school. They gave me good advice about applying and what I should be doing to best prepare myself for school and my future career.

Lastly, the responsibilities of my role helped form my experience. I was able to become familiar with the anesthesia machines and equipment. As part of my job, I set up the machine for the next case, which included selecting the correct size gas mask according to patient age and weight. I learned about different blades, handles, and tubes as well. Already being familiar with some of the supplies will give me a small head start when it comes to my future anesthesia education.

In all, this experience has been incredibly valuable in my life as well as for my academic and professional goals. I feel so much more excitement about my future career as a CRNA and so much more confident that I will be able to accomplish this plan. Although I was limited in what I could do, I learned so much about the field of anesthesia as well as the OR environment. I was equipped with many great resources and mentors who can help support me along the way. I was also fortunate to watch so many cool surgeries at one of the country’s best pediatric hospitals, which deepened my admiration for both the incredible providers and the kids battling these horrible diseases. I am so grateful for my experience, which has strengthened my passion for the anesthesia field and further encouraged me to pursue a career as a CRNA.

I participated in an internship with Chipotle for my STEP Signature Project. During this internship, I worked as an IT Infrastructure Intern to learn about IT as a career, automate menial processes, and bring new technology to the team I worked on.

Initially, I had always assumed that IT could never be something that I saw myself doing long term, as I have always been someone who likes to be on the cutting edge of technology rather than on the support side. After my time at Chipotle, I came to see that many of the previous assumptions I made about the field weren’t necessarily the case. For example, there are areas in the field where you can be on the cutting edge of technology and aren’t always doing support work. However, beyond just past assumptions, I was able to learn a lot as well. An example of this is the attention that needs to be given to business needs/constraints when making decisions. I now realize that IT is a field where decisions can have significant impact on an organization as a whole. As a result, this STEP experience has made me want to pursue a career in IT.

Originally, my impression of IT was quite simple: it was a job that I could never see myself doing because I wanted to be on creating new technology, not supporting old technology. My assumptions immediately changed when I was given my first project. I was given the opportunity to work with the network engineers and learn more about their day-to-day processes. After spending some time with them, I was assigned some of their tasks to do. It became apparent to me that there were several ways to make the process more efficient. After creating and testing my solution, I was able to create a time-savings of over 75% for the company! This alone showed me that I was still able to use my software engineering background in the field of IT to provide value to an organization.

Similarly, the second project that I was given was to create an LLM to help our support team more efficiently answer questions for the restaurants. This gave me the opportunity to do something that was used modern technologies and was a completely new product for the business. With this, I was able to implement a system that was able to more effectively train and support our support team and reduce their overall response time by over 40%. Yet again, I was blown away that IT meant more than just supporting old technologies; it means supporting them while finding ways to make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

After this experience, I found IT to be really cool! It felt like every day had a routine, but also gave me the ability to make it my own by using my creative freedom to find unique solutions to unique problems. I am motivated to continue to explore the field of IT further because I enjoy using software to provide value, solve problems, and make things easier/more efficient.

This was an extremely impactful experience overall, as it gave me a new outlook on career choices and what I can do with my degree. With two internships in the food industry, I can definitely see it being a place where I can succeed, but I am motivated to try to branch out and try new industries as well. Nonetheless, I feel as though this experience have given me the confidence to succeed as a computer scientist, no matter the pathway I choose, and this is because IT/software engineering in practice not something that can be taught in a classroom; it truly is something that has to be experienced hands-on in a stressful, fast-paced, real-world environment and where decisions have real consequences on the organization.

After my experience, I walked away with two great mentors: Zach and David. Zach was my direct manager at Chipotle, and we initial bonded over shared passions. He was an excellent manager, as he encouraged learning and gave me several opportunities to do so. He was also a great culture cultivator, which inspired me to take away these qualities into the teams that I work with in the future. Beyond all of this, he has continued to support me with student organization endeavors simply because he was passionate about and wanted to give back.

As mentioned previously, my time at Chipotle yielded me yet another mentor: David. From the day I walked into the office to my very last, David has been a supporter of mine. Without fail, he has always ensured that he is checking in on me and seeing if I have free time to come take a look at some of the work he was doing. I have always wanted to deepen my understanding of the Linux world; David single-handedly made that dream a reality for me! He even gave me a Raspberry Pi to mess around with!

I can confidently say that my experience at Chipotle was one of the best I’ve ever had in an internship. I met a lot of great people and worked on some really cool projects, so I have no complaints about it! I came out of this internship with a bunch of new skills and several people I can fall back on when it comes to my professional career. I look forward to where this experience will take me next!

Annual Chili Cookoff Belt!

Clippers game with the interns!

My STEP project was my software engineering internship at a company called Infinity Labs, which is a startup in Dayton. My main project over the summer was working on an autonomous robot quadruped and my main responsibility was to work on the computer vision systems.

Initially, my main impression of robotics before this internship was very negative. I had taken a few electrical engineering classes before this internship and assumed that I wouldn’t like my project since it was robotics heavy. My main worry was that I would have to work with a lot of circuits, which I did not like based on my experience with it in my classes. My internship drastically changed that perspective since I better understood all of the different aspects of software engineering that played a part in building a robot. After having this experience, I learned a lot more about robotics and AI than I had ever expected since those were two different subjects that I had originally gone into not being very interested in.

During my STEP Signature Project, my technical lead played a crucial role in my transformation. His extensive background in robotics and AI allowed him to break down complex concepts in a way that was both understandable and applicable. As we worked on building an autonomous robot quadruped, he introduced me to key topics such as sensor integration, motion planning, and AI-driven navigation. His method of teaching involved not just telling me what to do but explaining why certain choices were made, which fostered a deeper understanding of the project’s intricacies.

Our interactions were a turning point in my learning process. Prior to this project, I often found advanced robotics and AI concepts overwhelming. However, my technical lead’s guidance helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. He provided insights into problem-solving strategies, enabling me to approach challenges systematically. His mentorship also encouraged me to ask questions, explore different solutions, and experiment with new ideas, which boosted my confidence in handling complex tasks.

This experience had a lasting impact on me. Working closely with someone so knowledgeable changed my mindset about tackling challenging problems. I learned to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as insurmountable barriers. By the end of the project, I felt more capable and curious as an engineer, ready to take on more advanced projects in robotics and AI. This growth has continued to influence my approach to technical projects, as I now actively seek out challenges that push my limits and expand my skill set.

This change is significant because it has fundamentally shaped my approach to problem-solving and learning in both academic and professional settings. Gaining confidence through my STEP Signature Project has made me more proactive in seeking out complex challenges that push my technical skills in robotics and AI. I’ve also become more resilient, now viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than discouragement. This mindset shift has not only made me a more capable engineer but also equipped me with the adaptability needed to thrive in high-pressure situations, which will continue to benefit my future studies and career.

During the summer of 2024 as a STEP Signature Project, I maintained a full-time internship at PCC Airfoils in Crooksville, Ohio. With this role I supported engineers with daily tasks and focused on reducing scrap product in the facility. My responsibilities included generating 3D CAD models, troubleshooting process inefficiencies, and designing tools and fixtures to enhance manufacturing efficiency.

Completing my STEP Signature Project significantly changed my understanding of myself and my perspective on engineering and manufacturing processes for the aerospace industry. Initially, I approached the project with a focus on technical skills and problem-solving abilities. However, as I continued in my roles the human factors of working on a plant floor became way more important. This was a significant change from previous experience where the roles were purely technical. In the position I worked in I often interacted with dozens of employees and plant workers daily. This resulted in a heavier emphasis on communication skills.

Furthermore, collaborating with engineers and addressing process inefficiencies shifted my view of engineering from the solitary pursuit of innovation to a collaborative and iterative process. I realized that successful engineering requires continuous feedback, teamwork, and a willingness to adapt solutions based on real-time data and field conditions. This project taught me that the true value of engineering lies not only in developing advanced solutions but also in understanding how those solutions fit into larger manufacturing ecosystems and contribute to overall operational effectiveness. This deeper awareness has reshaped my approach to problem-solving and my appreciation for the broader impact of engineering practices.

Several key aspects of my internship were pivotal in shaping my changed perspective. First, working on the design and implementation of tools and fixtures exposed me to the practical challenges engineers face in manufacturing settings. For instance, designing fixtures and guards for pressure grinding machines required me to consider both the technical specifications and the practical constraints of the manufacturing environment. This experience made me realize how critical it is to align engineering designs with real-world applications.

Second, collaborating with engineers to address equipment malfunctions and quality concerns provided insight into the iterative nature of problem-solving in engineering. I saw firsthand how continuous improvement involves not just technical adjustments but also ongoing communication and feedback. This experience underscored the importance of teamwork and the iterative nature of engineering work.

Additionally, the task of performing time studies and sampling studies to assess process utilization and variation helped me understand the value of data-driven decision-making. Compiling data and generating diagrams for statistical process control illustrated how careful analysis and informed decisions can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and product quality.

The transformation I experienced during this internship is highly significant for my future career in aerospace engineering. Gaining hands-on experience in reducing product waste and improving manufacturing processes has not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the engineering discipline’s broader implications. This experience aligns with my academic and career goals by providing a practical foundation for future roles in aerospace engineering. It has also reinforced the importance of integrating technical expertise with a collaborative approach and data-driven decision-making, which are crucial for addressing complex engineering challenges and advancing in the field.

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

R.P. Gatta creates custom equipment and automation systems for industry and the government. I spent the first 2 months of this internship on the assembly floor of the facility constructing parts and machinery. This involved assembling and adhering pieces together, routing cables or pneumatic tubing, and packaging up completed machines to be shipped to customers. In the last month at R.P. Gatta, I had the opportunity to work in the office designing the parts and machines that I had previously been building.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

Initially, I was disappointed after my interview when I learned that this internship would likely only consist with assembly and construction. I acknowledged that this work would likely help me in the future, and I knew that it would at least give me the chance to work in the engineering office during future internships. I accepted the position even though it didn’t offer the design work I hoped for. Luckily, I had the opportunity to move into the office early and I realized how helpful that time on the floor had been.

I really underestimated the intricacies of machine design because of all the little decisions that must be made in the design can be seen when its time to assemble. Because I spent time on the floor, I gained an intuition for many of the decisions that need to be made during design: where to make parts connect, what fasteners to use, how big to make a plate, etc. All of the parts I designed in my last month were better because of my experience on the floor. The learning of course didn’t stop when I started working in the office and in fact, I think that the greatest takeaways were from the office as that is more similar to the career I hope to go into after I graduate. I got to see a bit about what it is like to be a design engineer, and I really enjoyed what I saw.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

On my first day at R.P. Gatta, I showed up wearing business casual attire feeling nervous but excited to start a real engineering job. After torquing down around 50 massive bolts to 250 ft/lb, I quickly realized that that was not the right clothing and that I had a lot to learn before being able to do the engineering work I hoped to do. During my time in the shop, I think my most transformative experience was when another intern and I were tasked with the assembly of the cableway.

A cableway is a structure to contain cables and tubes and on this project it was a large rigid structure that would surround the whole assembly line. It had already been designed and ordered but we were tasked with unpacking it prepping it to be painted and assembling it around the machinery without interfering with the testing to ensure we didn’t miss the installation window. This was the first opportunity I had to work on something without a more experienced person by my side guiding me and I made a lot of small mistakes at first but ended up learning a lot. The first challenge was just figuring out how the cableway was supposed to operate as nobody at rpGatta had worked with this type before. Once we had everything assembled, and painted, it needed to be installed. This was by far the trickiest part because we were instructed to maintain all current connections and work on it when the controls engineers weren’t present to run tests. We made some small progress but were unable to get very far as debugging was the top priority. Eventually after working on it on and off for a week there was an opportunity where the engineers were focused on fixing another part of the line and everyone on the floor was tasked with finishing the cableway. It was pretty chaotic at first, but I felt I had a big opportunity as I knew the most about how it needed to go together and it felt pretty great to finally be the person who can instruct the rest of the workers on what needs to be done and where things are. I think I grew a lot in my problem solving and leadership skills from that opportunity.

Another transformative event was when I first got the into the office. That was the first time I really felt like an engineer, and it really changed the way that I look at objects all around. There are so many small decisions that go into everything around us and when I was first told to make a part I didn’t know where to start. I felt that I needed to ask questions about every little detail to make sure I wasn’t doing anything wrong and then I had the realization that I already knew what to do. I had been working with similar parts for the past month and I generally knew what things looked like. I realized that I had built up an intuition of how strong parts needed to be to withstand industry because I had been working with parts like that already. After making my first few parts and assemblies the complexities of the many products became a little bit clearer. I gained a lot of insight about how things are made, and I really enjoyed the process.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

Some impacts on my life were immediate for me because of the new tools and skills I acquired. When our dishwasher broke, I was able to repair it and when I needed to move a couch to my new house, I was able to take it apart and put it back together much quicker than I know I would have otherwise. I have always been somewhat cable at stuff like that, but I know based on the lessons I learned and confidence I gained that I can and will be able to fix more things and solve more problems in practical ways throughout my future.

I haven’t decided yet whether I will return to R.P. Gatta next summer, but it is currently my best option. I could see myself starting my career there based on what I saw from my time there this summer. Even if I don’t return, I will still incorporate the skills I learned from this opportunity throughout my life. I have always had an interest in making things which is why I went into engineering in the first place. This job gave me the opportunity to make things and learn a lot of skills to do so both in the physical and virtual worlds.

(A stamping press in my plant.)

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

My STEP Signature Project involved going to Wooster to work for Schaeffler, which is a company which designs, tests, and manufactures automotive transmission systems. My specific role was within the Stamping department, and I helped make their metal forming processes more safe, reliable, and efficient.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

During my internship, I gained a deeper understanding of life in small towns, which transformed my view of community and pace of life. Since I’ve lived in cities my entire life, I had assumed that smaller towns were limiting in terms of opportunities and experiences. However, living and working in one gave me insight into the close-knit relationships and the sense of belonging that are often lacking in larger cities. I witnessed firsthand how people in these communities work together, support each other, and maintain a deep connection to their environment. This reshaped my perspective on the diverse ways people thrive and lead fulfilling lives beyond the hustle of big cities.

Additionally, the internship gave me a clearer understanding of what I want my lifestyle to look like after college. Experiencing a different pace of life, I realized the importance of balance between work and personal time, something I’ve struggled to maintain during college due to the intensity of classes and extracurriculars. The internship allowed me to envision a future where I can prioritize both a fulfilling career and personal well-being. I gained insight into the kind of work-life balance I hope to achieve, where I have time not only for my career but also for hobbies, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones. This realization has shaped my perspective on the type of lifestyle and career environment I’ll seek after graduation.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

Interactions with the operators on the plant floor were pivotal in transforming my understanding of life in a small town. Working closely with them allowed me to see how deeply interconnected their lives were with the community. They shared stories about growing up in the town, their family traditions, and how much their relationships with neighbors and coworkers meant to them. These conversations made me realize that smaller towns foster a sense of belonging and support that I hadn’t fully appreciated before. Their sense of pride in their work and community left a lasting impact on how I now view the balance between career and personal life.

In addition to these conversations, my decision to explore the town beyond the typical tourist spots also contributed to this shift in perspective. By visiting local markets, small businesses, and lesser-known parts of the area, I gained a deeper appreciation for the slower pace and simplicity of life there. I saw how people connected with one another in more personal ways, from local events to everyday interactions. It wasn’t just about what the town offered, but how the people there created a strong sense of community and supported each other, which made me rethink my assumptions about where fulfillment can come from.

Another key aspect of the internship was the guaranteed free time I had after work, which gave me a chance to reconnect with personal interests that often get sidelined during busy college semesters. I spent time playing board games and watching sci-fi shows with other interns, which not only helped me unwind but also reminded me of the importance of balancing work with leisure activities. These experiences highlighted that pursuing hobbies and connecting with others over shared interests is something I want to make a priority in my life after college. It made me realize that the lifestyle I envision for myself involves both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

This transformation is significant because it has given me a clearer perspective on how to evaluate job offers based on location and lifestyle. Before, I mostly considered job offers based on the role itself, but now I can factor in the quality of life that different locations might offer. Having experienced both small-town and urban life, I now better understand how each environment might impact my personal happiness, sense of community, and work-life balance. This understanding will allow me to make more informed decisions about where to live and work after college, aligning my career path with the kind of lifestyle I want to maintain.

The experience of interacting with others during my internship gave me valuable insight into maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Observing how my colleagues managed their time between professional responsibilities and personal lives helped me see the importance of setting boundaries and making time for personal interests. Unlike the fast pace of college, where balancing work and relaxation is often difficult, this experience showed me that a fulfilling career doesn’t have to come at the cost of personal well-being. This lesson has become a key consideration as I think about my future, as I want to ensure I find a career that allows me to prioritize both work and life outside of it.

For my STEP project, I participated in an internship with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). I got to shadow both background investigators, industrial security representatives, and an investigative assistant. I also built and analyzed a survey that gauged gaps in background investigator training. 

I realized how important our national security is and why good analysis is so important. I got hands-on experience with professionals who are protecting the country from insider threats daily. I saw all of the different procedures and preventative measures for insider threats and spoke with counterintelligence analysts about how important analysis of insider threat reports is. I also learned more information on how the private sector helps support our national defense mission. While shadowing the industrial security representative I got to visit many defense contractors and learn how they operate and collaborate with the U.S. government. 

I already touched on it some, but shadowing professionals in the national defense arena really opened my eyes to how important our national defense is. I spoke with background investigators and heard different stories of how they are often the first to see signs that somebody could be attempting to gain a clearance for nefarious purposes. 

When learning about industrial security, I saw how important it is tha companies that have a contract with the government follow the rules and regulations set in place by DCSA. The industrial security representative told me stories of companies that were so lax with their classified information they ended up losing their clearance and their contract with the government. He explained to me why it was important that companies follow these rules.

Getting to experience first hand how these professionals support the national defense mission impacted me deeply. I was able to envision myself performing these jobs and it expanded my knowledge of what kind of jobs there are in the security and intelligence job field. I realized I really enjoy industrial security and am currently considering returning as an industrial security intern. 

Learning about the different career fields in the security and intelligence industry opened my eyes to a whole new career path I wouldn’t have considered previously. I learned how flexible DCSA is with changing careers and I am now more open to different career options such as industrial security. 

I will use this information when applying for more internships and future jobs. I will not close myself off to opportunities and I will say yes to anything that comes my way. This internship has given me a foot in the door for government work so I have way more options now for a career than I did previously.