As a senior in Information Technology at Point Park, I have undertaken an internship at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of their Information Technology Specialists at the Bruceton Research Center. The mission statement of the CDC is to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. Our team supports this mission 24/7 by providing the required technological expertise and support to the various departments within the research facility.

I am excited for this opportunity as it will challenge me to utilize, not only what I have learned as an IT major at Point Park, but it will also allow me to utilize skills from my previous professional IT experience working in the military and the Walt Disney Company. I am also excited for the continuing learning opportunities available to me. The team here is extremely knowledgeable in the field of Information Technology with a wide variety of experience and industry certifications.

This first week was spent mainly in the administrative process of getting initiated into the federal system. I began my training learning the various security policies and procedures associated with the federal government.  Followed by getting my government smart card issued which will me allow me access to my computer and the facility. After getting my administrative account and super user smart card issued, I began learning the systems, software, and procedures that our department uses. My supervisor, Sheila, has been extremely welcoming and has already help set goals to help me forward my career. On our 1 to 5 rating on personal performance, I would give myself a 3 due to my lack of productivity having to focus primarily on administrative training at the onset.