Shaping the workforce: Interns are emerging Army leaders

By Danae Johnson, TRADOC Communication DirectorateAugust 4, 2021

The Leader Professional Development webinar on Aug. 5, 2021, will discuss a variety of internship programs not only at TRADOC but the Department of the Army.
The Leader Professional Development webinar on Aug. 5, 2021, will discuss a variety of internship programs not only at TRADOC but the Department of the Army. (Photo Credit: Sarah Hauck) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT EUSTIS, Va. – The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command commitment to developing talented and emerging leader is not limited to only military members but for civilians as well through a variety of available internship programs. These efforts will be the topic of conversation during the next leader professional development session titled, “TRADOC Interns: A Win for All,” which will air at 11 a.m. EST Aug. 5, 2021.

The utilization of interns is a demonstration of the Army’s effort to increase the diversity of civilian talent needed to achieve total Army readiness. The LPD will discuss the importance of these programs not only within TRADOC, but throughout the Army as a whole.

Maj. Gen. Daniel J. Christian, deputy chief of staff, TRADOC, will be the host of the event. Hannah Scott, a human resource specialist, G-1/4 civilian human resource directorate, and Susan Anthony, deputy, command planning group will join the conversation along with four interns.

The discussion will focus on the command’s Student Volunteer Intern Program and the TRADOC Internship Program, which are pathways designed to provide practical and real-world experiences. Opportunities span across financial management, data analytics, strategic planning, general administration and support, communication, research, information technology and knowledge management.

Internships like these act as stepping stones towards a career in federal service, just as it was for Scott when she began as an intern with the Navy 12 years ago. Scott is now an Army civilian and currently oversees the SVIP for TRADOC.

“The Student Volunteer Internship Program is an opportunity for young professionals to try out TRADOC and see first-hand what we do,” Scott said. “It’s a cost effective and efficient means for our managers to partner with local colleges and universities and vet a robust pipeline of new, diverse civilian talent needed at TRADOC.”

While SVIP interns are unpaid, they are hosted throughout the school year with immersion into various areas across the command. One of the SVIP highlights is that prior experience is not required. Students typically make a three-four month commitment, with 10-20 hours per week. Additionally, the program provides maximum flexibility for various student scenarios.

“What I love about this program is its flexibility. We have established procedures to grant current college students access to perform meaningful work in person and we have students collaborating virtually as e-interns,” Scott said.

TRADOC also offers a paid opportunity for recent graduates through a two-year apprenticeship designed to foster expanded learning beyond college. Program lead Anthony, has led many interns through the TRADOC Internship Program to create unique and challenging experiences.

“Our TRADOC intern program is an extremely unique opportunity to learn, train and grow alongside some of the brightest minds of the civil service and military personnel,” Anthony said. “In this 2-year apprenticeship, interns are constantly challenged, but afforded the opportunity to make mistakes; this is essential to their growth as professionals and increases their confidence in the products they put forward.”

The program places individuals throughout the areas of the command based on their degrees and background. It involves rigorous training and the opportunity to rotate to experience, first hand, different career fields. Upon successful completion of the program and at management discretion, interns are placed in a job aligned with the experience gained.

“With the benefits our program provides, our interns will be well informed, able to delegate, communicate, influence, and uphold the integrity of our Army,” Anthony said.

To be eligible for both programs, individuals must be a U.S. citizen. Students should be enrolled at least half-time at an accredited institution for the SVIP, or be a recent graduate within the past two years for the TRADOC intern program. Requirements may vary based upon the program selection and prior experience.

To tune into the discussion, visit TRADOC’s Facebook or Watch page. Additionally, a recap will posted on TRADOC’s Vimeo page.