Juan Amezquita shares his transformative practicum experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, highlighting the skills he developed, the complexities of government contracting, and how this opportunity shaped his career ambitions and personal values.
My name is Juan Amezquita, and I am a senior business student graduating in Spring 2025. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This organization plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety through infrastructure management. During my three-month internship, I worked as an Army civilian, gaining firsthand experience in various departmental functions.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is divided into multiple divisions, and I was employed at the Fort Worth District, established in 1950. The primary purpose of this district is to ensure the safety and maintenance of the area's infrastructure. My responsibilities included designing, maintaining, and organizing the SharePoint for our Contracting Department, which served as an efficient reference point for daily operations.
One of my significant accomplishments was the implementation of the Contracting Division's SharePoint system. This initiative streamlined departmental operations and enhanced collaboration among various teams. I gained valuable insights into the complexities of government operations, particularly how different departments work together to achieve shared goals. This experience deepened my understanding of project management within a larger organization.
Throughout my internship, our supervisor guided us through different departments, allowing us to interact with engineers, legal teams, security personnel, and managers. This exposure was invaluable in understanding the multifaceted nature of contracting and the importance of collaboration in achieving project objectives.
While I did not directly apply many specific skills from my business classes, I reinforced the importance of reading comprehension and attention to detail—skills crucial for market research positions. Additionally, I developed technical skills related to SharePoint design and organization, which will serve me well in my future career.
As this was my first internship and office experience, I faced challenges in communication and understanding the hierarchy within the organization. Initially, I found the prospect of working in an office tedious, but my training officer's positive energy transformed my perspective. I learned that office environments can be supportive and collaborative rather than just mechanical.
Working in the Contracting Department revealed the convoluted nature of awarding contracts to businesses. I learned about potential ethical issues, such as favoritism in contract awards, which can undermine the fairness of the process. Although I did not witness these violations directly, I understood the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations to maintain trust within the organization.
This practicum has significantly shaped my views on the business world, particularly regarding the structured and regulated nature of government contracting. I identified areas for improvement in my communication skills and confidence, especially when interacting with senior professionals. To address these challenges, I plan to seek more opportunities for public speaking and team leadership.
My future goals as a business professional have evolved through this internship. Initially, my aspirations centered around wealth and success. However, reflecting on my experiences and the philosophies I studied, I now seek a career that balances success with a meaningful, purpose-driven life. This shift in perspective has inspired me to pursue opportunities that align with my personal values and goals.
In conclusion, my internship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was a transformative experience that allowed me to develop valuable professional skills and gain insight into the intricacies of government operations. The appreciation I received from the department, including a thoughtful gift, reinforced the value of my contributions. As I move forward, I will continue to work on improving my communication and leadership skills while seeking opportunities that align with my values. This practicum has been a key step in my journey, and I welcome any questions or comments about my experience.
