1.1 - Advertising My Availability
Preparing my resume was the first step toward finding a summer internship and a process that went through many revisions. I began by researching resumes on websites such as www.monster.com and looking at examples from other computer science students at JMU. This helped me form an adequate objective statement and gave me a starting point from which to create a first draft.

Because I did not have any relevant experience in the field of computer science, my education thus far was my strongest marketing point. I highlighted the relevant courses that I was either taking or completed. I was also advised to list my GPA and the date of my expected graduation. I also listed my highschool and a few of the major highlights.

Again, since my work experience was minimal, I only listed one employer mostly as a reference that I am a reliable worker. I also felt it necessary to include a skills section in which I could highlight my hardware and software familiarizations. This included programming languages, databases, platforms and software tools.

Once I completed the first draft of my resume, I read and re-read to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. I also sent it to several experienced family members including my father who is an English teacher, and my cousin who is in the IT workforce. They both offered knowledgeable advice that helped to further format my resume. I was finally satisfied with the finished product and was ready to begin searching for a job.
Completed Resume

1.2 - Finding Out About Job Openings
Finding the job was the most challenging part of the whole internship process. I registered with Madison Trak and faithfully searched each week for new postings. Unfortunately I did not find the service very help as there were very few internships listed. I also attended the internship fair which turned out to be a complete disaster! Of the handful of IT related companies that were scheduled to be there, only 1 showed up. Very frustrated I realized I would have to search elsewhere for a job.

My father told me about a technologies company headquartered in Warrenton that he had read about in the papers. They were called Command Technologies, and though I had not heard of any job openings, I decided to seek out this company on a whim. I had also recently found out that they had been bought out by a much larger corporation called MTC Technologies. Undeterred I drove to their headquarters with resume in hand. I explained my objective and was given the phone number of the multimedia division on the other side of town. Fortunately I would find that I would have to look no further after finding this company.

1.3 - Landing the Internship
In the next week I called the company several times until my future supervisor Richard Benedetto put me in touch with his head programmer JP McAveney. In speaking with JP, I explained my objective of finding an internship for the summer. I quickly found out that he was a Computer Science graduate from JMU! He explained to me some of the things the division does including Flash courseware for the Navy. I found it extremely helpful that he has had many of the same classes and professors and therefore he had a good understanding of my education. We then scheduled an interview for the next Wednesday and he asked me to email my resume.

Before I sent my resume I continued to find out as much about the company as I could. I also added a few things to my resume to customize it for the position. I spent the next week asking around for advice about how to interview. Most of the tips I received were to simply relax and be as prepared as possible. I tried to anticipate questions they might ask and I printed out several examples of work that I have done ranging from Photoshop designs to java programs.

Upon entering the office I quickly realized that it was a very casual work environment and the manner of dress is also very casual. Everyone was very friendly and the office was so close to my house that I was very excited and hopeful. The interview was conducted by JP, and consisted of him showing me some of the coursework and asking me some questions about whether I would be comfortable with a certain task. He also pointed out that he did not feel he needed to ask me any of the typical “on the spot” interview questions. The only thing I would have prepared more was to have more thoughtful questions for him about the company.

It was a pretty quick interview and he gave me a positive outlook on my chances to work with them. JP also asked what my goals were as far as my wages would be. We both came to a quick agreement on a fair wage. I left the office feeling very confident and in a couple weeks it was official that I had the job.