Mind

Mind

Internships – A Path to the Future

For wounded, ill and injured (WII) Marines who decide not to continue their Marine Corps career, one way to prepare for transition is to engage in an internship. The Wounded Warrior Regiment’s Transition Section works with WII Marines to determine strengths and skills that would be applicable to positions outside the Marine Corps. Then, working through Operation Warfighter or directly with government agencies, they can place WII Marines in internships.

Captain Tommy Elliott, a Marine who was diagnosed with a chronic disease has taken advantage of the internship opportunities. His internship was with the Office of the Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment (PM-ISE) within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He will be continuing his experiences with an internship at a different agency. By participating in a federal internship, Capt Elliott has been able to increase his skills and network with potential employers.

“The internship program has brought me in with open arms and I’m particularly impressed with the personnel here and their professionalism,” stated Capt Elliott. “They have helped me to assimilate into the culture; their goal has been to mentor and help me.”

Participating in an internship has also helped Capt Elliott’s recovery. Working towards a civilian job has helped put his mind at ease about his ultimate transition goal – taking care of his family. The added benefit is he can continue to fight the good fight, even if not within the Marine Corps.

Capt Elliott shared words of wisdom for WII Marines considering an internship:

1. Start early. Many internships require clearances before you can begin working at the jobsite. If you wait until close to your EAS, you will not have time to get the clearance and participate in your internship.
2. Start classes as soon as possible to make yourself more marketable. Even if you already have a degree, additional education, especially related to your civilian job goal will make you more attractive to potential employers.
3. You get out of it what you put into it. If you treat it like a job, show up regularly and take on responsibilities, you will gain valuable experience and contacts.

For more information about Operation Warfighter, check out the Fact Sheet.

For more information about the Wounded Warrior Regiment’s Transition Support, check out our website.