For National Intern Day, we are excited to spotlight Joyce Mercedes Tavares. Her inspiring journey from business and marketing intern to a full-time analyst specializing in business management within the MIL Financial Services Sector showcases the incredible growth and opportunities our internship program offers. Joyce joined us with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology from Virginia Tech and a passion for problem-solving. Over the past four years, she has contributed to numerous projects in business and financial management, making a significant impact with her comprehensive analysis and support for clients.
In this interview, Joyce shares her experiences and insights from her time as an intern at MIL, reflecting on the mentorship, projects, and skills that paved the way for her successful transition to a full-time role. Her story is a testament to the value of determination, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities. Join us as we celebrate Joyce and the bright future she represents for all our interns!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you studied in school?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology from Virginia Tech where I developed a strong foundation in decision support systems to provide analysis, conclusions, and solutions. I have been a full-time employee at MIL for about four years now and throughout this time have worked on multiple projects pertaining to MIL/client Business and Financial management. In my experience as an analyst, I have really enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of my job in addition to supporting client decisions with valuable information and comprehensive analysis.
How did you come to join the MIL Corporation initially as an intern?
While I was looking for internships online, I came across MIL’s Business and Marketing internship position and was immediately interested after researching the company values and services. Although it was not exactly specific to my IT studies, I was keen to apply and implement my experience and knowledge to the position. Throughout the several rounds of interviews, I vocalized my career goals and had the chance to learn more about the company’s culture, management, and projects which solidified my interest.
How was your internship experience at MIL? What are some of the key things you learned during that time?
The internship position provided me with a very fast paced environment in which there were new experiences and things to learn each day. I was able to shadow and learn from multiple VPs in different departments as well as learn more behind the inner workings of government contract proposals and consulting. Throughout my internship experience I was consistently receiving feedback from managers and very frequently had open discussions about my goals and career path. These open discussions made me feel extremely supported within the company and it was very apparent that my growth mattered.
Can you describe some of the projects you contributed to during your internship?
In the beginning of my internship, I created a variety of internal marketing materials ranging from presentation decks to graphics for proposals and documents. My responsibilities soon expanded throughout the internship, and I contributed by writing and reviewing task documents, RFPs, RFIs, and IDIQs, as well as supporting the marketing manager and executive team in assembling labor category descriptions and key personnel qualifications for proposals.
How did your internship prepare you for your current full-time role at MIL?
I oftentimes still reflect on my internship experience — the individuals I met, guidance I received, and knowledge/experience I gathered really impacted my career in a positive manner. During my internship, I gained hands-on experience in proposal writing and encountered valuable learning opportunities including client meetings, course trainings, and internal discussions. I was fortunate to work closely with experienced individuals who provided continuous feedback and mentorship. This exposure helped me develop a deeper understanding of the government consulting field while simultaneously improving my problem solving and soft skills which are pivotal to my career today. My internship was instrumental in preparing me for my current full-time role and allowed me to step into the position and take on challenges with confidence.
Joyce’s journey from intern to full-time business management analyst is a testament to the opportunities and growth our internship program at MIL offers. Her success story highlights the value of our supportive environment and the real-world experiences our interns gain. As we celebrate National Intern Day, we invite you to explore the possibilities within our internship program. Apply today and start your own journey toward a fulfilling career with MIL!