My Professional Experience
I began my college journey feeling unsure about how to find experiences that would help me grow and shape my future career. I remember seeing my peers take part in amazing opportunities where they were able to connect what they learned in class to real-world work. That inspired me to start looking for my own ways to gain experience and figure out what I wanted to do. Over time, I realized how important it was to step outside my comfort zone and try new things, even when I was nervous or unsure. Each opportunity I took taught me something different about myself, my goals, and the kind of impact I want to make through my work.
Indiana State Fairgrounds Emergency Operation Center Internship
Indiana State Fairground and Event Center Emergency Operation Center Intern
was at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center Emergency Operations Center for the 2025 Indiana State Fair. Throughout the summer I created Emergency Action Plans and updated Threat Assignments for the State Fair. I attended meetings with key agencies such as the Indiana State Police to plan for the safety of the State Fair. I gained firsthand experience in
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Managing an Emergency Operations Center by answering all emergency phone calls and radio communications that came through the EOC
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Effectively communicating with first responders in a fast-paced environment
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Coordinating with state, local, and federal officials
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Documenting incidents for future reference and analysis
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Developing an understanding of EOC operations and procedures
This was my first internship, and I had an outstanding time learning from my peers and meeting professionals in my career field. I gained incredible firsthand experience in emergency management, safety planning, and real-world emergency response.
Human Rights and War Crime Violations
Human Rights War Crime Violations Research
I had the incredible opportunity to work with Homeland Security Investigations’ Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, where I helped investigate human rights violations around the world. Through this experience, I built skills in:
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Open-source research and analysis
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Professional and analytical writing
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Working with federal partners
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Public speaking and briefings
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Investigative work and critical thinking
I took this graduate-level course as a undergraduate student and conducted in-depth open-source research for a federal agency (DHS). I gained skills in investigative research, data collection and organization, communication, and professionalism in the federal workforce.
Marion County Emergency Management Internship
Marion County Emergency Management Intern
During the Spring 2025 semester, I interned with Marion County Emergency Management. I helped organize and update emergency plans, revised Emergency Support Function documents, and took part in exercises with local, state, and federal partners. I also joined exercise trainings, worked on flood assessments with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and supported the Month of May events, including the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. Through this experience, I built skills in:
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Emergency planning and coordination
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Community engagement and communication
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Disaster response and preparedness
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Problem-solving and adaptability
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Attention to detail and documentation
My internship experience with Marion County Emergency Management taught me valuable skills in emergency preparedness and confirmed my passion for this career path. The knowledge and experience I gained will continue to be valuable as I move forward in my professional journey.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Internship in Los Angeles
FEMA & Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management Intern
This summer, I had the incredible privilege to participate in the ORISE HS-POWER internship program with FEMA Region 9 and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. I conducted research at the Joint Field Office focused on long-term temporary housing planning following a catastrophic earthquake in Los Angeles County. Through this experience, I built skills in:
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS Mapping)
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Post-disaster housing and recovery planning
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Communication and collaboration
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Research and data interpretation
My internship with FEMA taught me a lot about myself and the career path I want to pursue. It was my first time living on my own and in a different state, which helped me gain independence and learn how to adapt to a new environment. I also made an effort to engage with the community I lived in and gained valuable experience working within an agency I hope to be part of in the future.
My Professional Experience Reflection
Looking back on my experiences, I can see how much I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Each opportunity challenged me in different ways and taught me the importance of an open-mindset. My time with Marion County Emergency Management gave me my first real look into how local agencies prepare for and respond to emergencies, while my internship with FEMA allowed me to see that work on the federal level. These experiences helped me build confidence in my abilities and confirmed that I want to continue working in emergency management and public service.
Living in new places, meeting new people, and adjusting to new environments also helped me develop independence and flexiability. I learned how to communicate better, adapt quickly, and approach problems with a calm and thoughtful manner. These experiences showed me that growth happens when you take risks and challenge yourself. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and finding new ways to serve communities through my future career in emergency management.