For Vernon Simmons, the 2024 UDC Operations Summer Internship program was an up-close and personal look at the tech world as well as a professional work environment.  

“My goal for participating in the program was to focus on fostering strong work relationships that would support my new leadership role, as well as prepare me to navigate the real work environment after graduation,” says the political science and urban sustainability major and 2024-25 UDC Board of Trustees student representative. 

Simmons was one of seven interns selected to engage in database management, accounting, capital construction and other skillset development areas over the summer in a first-of-its kind pilot program at UDC.  

The full-time internship offered an hourly wage, free on-campus housing, free lunch vouchers and opportunities to meet with key decision makers at the university, including members of the Senior Leadership Team. 

“This program has allowed students to learn from industry experts by connecting what they learn in the classroom to the organization’s real operational direction and workplace needs,” says UDC Chief Operating Officer David A. Franklin. “We structured the program to minimize any potential financial burden for participants by offering a competitive hourly wage, free on-campus housing, weekly meal vouchers and specially curated learning sessions with senior university leaders and administrators. The launch of this program puts UDC one step closer to becoming a national model for urban student success.” 

The pilot initiative was launched this summer as a student-focused program to develop eight career-readiness competencies—career & self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity & inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork and technology—in accordance with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), as well as to provide relevant learning opportunities in professional work environments. 

“Having multiple interns in OIT significantly enhanced our operational efficiency and innovation,” says Harry Moore, client services support manager. “The fresh perspectives and enthusiasm each intern brought to the team inspired new approaches to problem-solving and project execution.” 

The eight-week work plans created for the internship represented a “forward-thinking approach” for developing career-readiness skills, Moore says.   

“The plans served as a training road map for our interns and unit supervisors. The work plans allowed us to combine both theoretical knowledge and practical applications for a comprehensive learning experience,” he says. 

UDC hosted an array of internships and academic enrichment programs this summer, including multiple STEM opportunities through the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. 

For Travis Henderson, the Summer Operations internship had him feeling a bit like a sponge. 

“My goal was to absorb as much information as possible to make sure I’m able to thrive in my career in the near future,” Henderson says. The business management senior and 2024 Mr. Firebird completed his eight-week experience with the Office of Information Technology. 

Henderson wouldn’t have to wait long. He has taken advantage of every opportunity that has come his way—earlier this summer, he represented UDC at Capital One’s Launchpad: Legacy and Leadership program, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. At the conclusion of the Operations internship, Henderson was selected by Hewlett-Packard (HP) to participate in their Corporate Venture Capital & Business Analytics externship. Henderson has also secured his first full-time career role with DC Water, where he will put his newly refined skillsets to work as a program analyst starting in January. 

Operations interns were immersed in three critical operations units at UDC: The Office of Information Technology, The Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Facilities and Real Estate Management. The 2024 Operations Summer interns were: Miles Haggerty, Natasha Hamilton, Travis Henderson, Bjorn Powell, Serena Prince, Vernon Simmons and Azmera Tsige.