How do you know if an internship is the right fit for you?

The truth is..not all SkillBridge opportunities are created equal!

What the Best SkillBridge Programs Have in Common:

Structure
​There’s a clear schedule, learning plan, and defined role. You’re not just “around” or “online” - you’re plugged into a team with specific responsibilities and ready to give tangible results.

Regular Feedback
​Strong programs make time for check-ins. You know how you’re doing, where you can improve, and what your path to success looks like.

Exposure to the Business
​You’re not stuck in a corner. You’re getting exposure to different teams, meetings, and insight into how the company runs. This helps you determine whether this is the right industry for you in the long run.

Clear Expectations
​From Day 1, you know what you’re there to do and what success looks like. Even if you’re new to the field, you’re being set up with the tools and context to succeed.
​

🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Vague or undefined role – “We’ll figure it out as we go” is not a great sign. Your internship is short and every day matters. Look for defined responsibilities so you know you’ll have some wins on the other side of it.
  ​
• No clear point of contact or mentor – You need someone to guide your learning and growth. A lack of point person may mean you are stuck in limbo, unsure of next steps, or not getting the feedback you need to be successful.
  ​
• Little to no communication pre-start – If they’re hard to get in touch with now, it may not improve. This is often a solid indication of whether or not a company is organized and communicating well internally.
  ​
• No exposure beyond one small task – You want to learn the whole business, not just one corner of it. You will of course be on a team, but the goal is that you meet other leaders and teams to learn from.

❓ Questions to Ask Before You Say Yes:

Interviews aren’t only for the company.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to understand what they have (and haven’t) thought through when it comes to hiring SkillBridge interns.

Here are some questions you may want to ask -

• “What does a typical week look like for SkillBridge interns?”
  ​
• “Who would I be working with most closely?”
  ​
• “What kind of projects or tasks would I be responsible for?”
  ​
• “Has anyone from a previous SkillBridge been hired full-time?”

The answers will tell you a lot about how serious they are and how invested they’ll be in your experience.

You deserve a SkillBridge internship that challenges you, grows your skills, and helps you figure out your future.

Set some goals for what you want to achieve during this time.

Here's some example goals others have had for their SkillBridge -

• Get a well-known company on their resume
• Learn a new set of skills - sales, marketing, etc. - and get great resume bullets
• Try out a role before committing. (We’ve been told stories of people thinking they wanted to do project management or operations, only to discover during their internship that they really love sales!)
• Get a full-time offer

There may be a lot of options, but you’ll want to choose the right program for you and your unique goals.

Featured Jobs:

📍Multiple Locations - Equinix is hiring for interns for the DOD SkillBridge Internship Program. There are opportunities across Information Technology, Engineering, Human Resources, Finance, and more. This program will give you practical work experience and the chance to learn from some of the sharpest minds in the industry. Equinix prides itself on a culture that thrives on innovation and results. Work in a culture that thrives on innovation and delivering results.

📍Tysons, VA - Safire Technology Group is looking for a Product Manager! If you’re interested in learning the fundamentals of product management in a dynamic startup environment, this is a great opportunity for you. You will get hands-on experience managing both software and hardware products in the emerging electric vehicle infrastructure space, and you’ll work directly with battery engineers, scientists, and business leaders to develop and execute ideas that improve Safire's product portfolio.

📍 Tampa, FL - Legacy Service Partners is also hiring for a General Manager in Training. This program is for transitioning military members interested in learning the intricacies of running and managing a business in the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing industry. You will learn about sales growth, financial performance, customer acquisition, marketing, and more.

💬 Community & Networking

Looking for support during your transition? Join our ​​Discord​​ to connect with fellow transitioning veterans and share tips, resources, and job leads. ​ Have other friends getting out soon? Forward them this newsletter so they can ​sign up here!​​​

We’re here to support you every step of the way as you transition from military service to civilian success.

Keep an eye out for future editions with more opportunities, tips, and resources!

​Kathy + Andrew
Career PCS

​
​

Unsubscribe | Update your profile