Comprehensive Learning Assessment 1 Akshat Agrawal Westcliff

1comprehensive Learning Assessment 1akshat Agrawalwestcliff University

Discuss your internship experience, including the main duties and responsibilities, the supervisory support received, and the skills and attitudes developed, such as self-discipline, teamwork, responsibility, leadership, and personal strengths and weaknesses; also, describe career opportunities you are considering based on this experience.

Paper For Above instruction

Participating in an internship provides invaluable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world settings, develop key professional skills, and gain insight into potential career paths. My internship experience at Meridian Rapid Defense Group (MRDGC) was instrumental in expanding my technical competencies and personal attributes, offering a comprehensive view of the operational and organizational dynamics within a defense-oriented engineering environment.

Introduction

The primary goal of my internship at MRDGC was to enhance my engineering skills by engaging in deployment of security infrastructure, risk assessment, and research and development related to security technologies. This opportunity not only allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in practical settings but also facilitated personal growth through the development of essential soft skills such as self-discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. Throughout my tenure, I was guided and supported by my supervisor, who provided continuous feedback and mentorship, crucial for my professional development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

My core responsibilities included deploying Archer Barriers in strategic locations to facilitate pedestrian and emergency vehicle access, coordinating safety measures, and assisting in various research initiatives aimed at improving security devices. These tasks required meticulous planning, adherence to operational protocols, and effective communication with team members. Collaboration was a significant component, often involving team-based roles with engineering professionals and fellow interns, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, coordination, and collective problem-solving in achieving organizational objectives.

Supervisory Support and its Impact

My supervisor played a pivotal role in guiding my internship experience. Consistently offering support, the supervisor provided clear instructions, constructive feedback, and mentorship, fostering a supportive learning environment. Such oversight aligns with leadership principles like transformational leadership, characterized by individualized consideration and inspirational motivation, which motivate interns to develop their competencies and take ownership of their responsibilities (Jiang, Zhao, & Ni, 2017). This guidance not only enhanced my technical skills but also reinforced my soft skills, including communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

Development of Skills and Attitudes During the Internship

Self-Discipline

Adherence to strict organizational standards at MRDGC, especially given its affiliation with the Department of Defense, underscored the importance of self-discipline. Expectations around punctuality, appearance, respectful communication, and task completion within set timelines instilled a higher level of discipline in my professional conduct. My ability to manage time effectively improved, although I faced initial challenges due to unfamiliarity with certain operational devices. Nevertheless, persistent effort and supervision support fostered growth in conscientiousness and emotional regulation (Hoch, Bommer, Dulebohn, & Wu, 2018).

Teamwork and Collaboration

Working within diverse teams was fundamental to my internship, requiring effective communication, mutual respect, and cultural sensitivity. Initial difficulties in voicing suggestions and resolving conflicts taught me the importance of emotional intelligence and active listening. Over time, collaboration enhanced my soft skills such as cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution, which are vital in high-stakes security environments (Alshehri, 2019). The dynamics of teamwork strengthened my leadership potential by providing experiences in planning, monitoring, and executing collective tasks efficiently.

Responsibility and Accountability

Assuming responsibility for deployment operations and product research necessitated a high degree of accountability. Early on, I experienced difficulties understanding complex devices, but with mentorship, I gained confidence and technical proficiency. My ability to manage tasks effectively improved, aligning with my goal of becoming a project manager or security analyst, roles that demand meticulous coordination, risk assessment, and decision-making (Jiang, Zhao, & Ni, 2017). The responsibility I assumed during my internship laid the groundwork for future career pursuits in security-related engineering positions.

Personal Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

The internship was influential in strengthening my leadership abilities. I particularly mastered transformational leadership principles, including idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, and inspirational motivation, enabling me to motivate myself and others towards achieving organizational objectives (Jiang, Zhao, & Ni, 2017). I also broadened my technical skills, gaining proficiency in designing and repairing security systems, which positions me well for technical and management roles within the security engineering domain. Additionally, I developed project management capabilities, including risk assessment, team coordination, and strategic planning.

Weaknesses

Despite progress, I recognize that I struggle with anger management, which occasionally affects my interactions and decision-making processes. In stressful situations or when faced with dismissive colleagues, I have reacted impulsively, raising my voice or engaging in confrontations. To address this, I have actively pursued anger-management strategies, such as engaging in hobbies like football and attending social events to improve my interpersonal skills. Furthermore, my introverted nature can hinder my ability to effectively communicate in large group settings, a weakness I am committed to overcoming through continued practice and social engagement (Lamb, Maire, & Doecke, 2017).

Career Opportunities Based on the Internship

The diverse skills and competencies acquired during my internship have opened multiple career pathways. I am particularly interested in roles such as Security Analyst, Engineering Administrative Assistant, and Engineering Manager. The Security Analyst position appeals to me because it involves overseeing security systems, conducting threat assessments, and implementing risk mitigation strategies, aligning with my technical expertise and passion for security. The Engineering Administrative Assistant role would leverage my coordination, communication, and organizational skills, supporting engineering teams in developing security solutions. Finally, aspiring to become an Engineering Manager, I aim to lead projects, manage teams, and develop innovative security technologies, relying on the leadership, teamwork, and technical skills I cultivated during my internship (Meridian Rapid Defense Group, 2020).

Conclusion

Overall, my internship at MRDGC was a transformative experience that enriched my technical skills and soft skills, especially in self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership. It provided a realistic view of the demands and responsibilities within the security engineering sector, preparing me for future career advancement. Continuing to address my weaknesses, such as anger management and extroversion, will further enhance my professional development. I am confident that the skills acquired will serve as a strong foundation for pursuing roles in security analysis and project management, contributing meaningfully to the field of security engineering and defense technology.

References

• Alshehri, A. A. (2019). Augmenting engineering undergraduates’ generic competencies aligned with ABET outcomes 3 and 5. Global Journal of Engineering Education, 21(3), 123-135.
• Goller, M., Harteis, C., Gijbels, D., & Donche, V. (2020). Engineering students' learning during internships: Exploring the explanatory power of the job demands–control–support model. Journal of Engineering Education, 109(2), 234-256.
• Hoch, J. E., Bommer, W. H., Dulebohn, J. H., & Wu, D. (2018). Do ethical, authentic, and servant leadership explain variance above and beyond transformational leadership? A meta-analysis. Journal of Management, 44(2), 501-529.
• Jiang, W., Zhao, X., & Ni, J. (2017). The impact of transformational leadership on employee sustainable performance: The mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior. Sustainability, 9(9), 1591.
• Lamb, S., Maire, Q., & Doecke, E. (2017). Key Skills for the 21st Century: an evidence-based review. Center for International Research on Education Systems.
• Meridian Rapid Defense Group. (2020). About Meridian Rapid Defense Group. Meridian Rapid Defense Group, LLC. Retrieved from https://meridianrdg.com/about