Featured Interns

Joel Irvine worked for The FTC as an engineering intern assigned to DMEA for almost two years. He chose to pursue an engineering degree because of his extensive background in the engineering field working as an Aircraft Mechanic/Engineering Technician for the U.S. Air Force for several years.
Before coming to The FTC, Joel considered working for Hewlett Packard and Intel. However, because of his 14 years of employment with the federal government, he decided to join DMEA.

Joel appreciated his work experience at DMEA because it "enhanced his academic career" by enabling him to incorporate the theories learned in the classroom to real-world applications. He enjoyed the flexibility his position provided, allowing him hands-on experience at various production and design work stations, as well as administrative desk work.

During his internship, Joel learned how the microelectronics fabrication process fits together. He has also learned the value of close communication between fellow employees, clients and vendors.

When asked if he would recommend the DMEA internship to other engineering students, Joel indicated that he had already recommend it to fellow students and he will continue to do so because this is a "good opportunity to learn about this line of work and about working with the government."

When Joel is away from school or work, he enjoys cross country skiing, running, swimming, playing the piano, working on the computer and on home improvement projects.

Rebecca Harris
Marketing Intern

During the Summer of 2001, Rebecca Harris, Marketing Intern for The Federal Technology Center (The FTC), reconfirmed what we at The FTC had already firmly believed.

We've found that internships can be of great value both to our business, as well as to the student interns. Interns can provide countless new ideas and viewpoints to businesses, while businesses can provide many learning opportunities to interns. That is why Alice Astafan, CEO of The FTC, validates that Rebecca Harris "has been a great asset to our Technology Marketing Team."

Harris is a very talented young intern from the University of Arkansas who has brought value to our organization through her fresh and innovative perspective. When asked about her background, her education/career decisions, and her future goals, she attributed her positive attitude and perspective on life to her parents, who have been great role models in her life.

Harris chose to attend the University of Arkansas because its business school, Sam Walton School of Business, is ranked 36th in the nation. When she considered internship opportunities for this summer, she looked at several businesses in the Sacramento area before selecting The Federal Technology Center. One of the reasons she accepted an internship with The FTC was because The FTC had an established internship program, which she hoped would provide her a sense of direction.

Through this internship, Harris has had several beneficial opportunities to learn about marketing. She values her time spent at The FTC because she has been able to develop her skills to become more marketable when she graduates from college. She now has a better "feel for marketing." Harris emphasized this when she stated she had learned "a great deal [during this internship], especially on the computer." "I have learned what I like and don't like about marketing," she affirms.
Her future goals are to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing in May 2002, and then, work for two to three years before applying to graduate school. She would like to obtain a marketing position with an organization that will provide excellent financial benefits, as well as personal fulfillment.