For years, Praescient Analytics has run a highly successful internship program where leadership executives and team members alike have helped to mold the next generation of business and intelligence data analysts. Two individuals in particular, Bryce Leech and Ellie Kervick, are two of Praescient’s youngest and most intelligent team members that have taken the path from Interns to Employees.
Prior to being an employee for the company, they were walking down the same path that many of us interns are currently on. With hard work and dedication to the craft, they have turned what was once an opportunity, into a career that will mend their future and the rest of their lives. To find out more, we asked these two a few questions about their Praescient experience, along with some advice they may have for current and future interns as we make advances towards our futures.
“What role did you hold as an intern and what team were you a part of?”
Ellie was part of the internship program from January 2019. She worked alongside team leader, Mo, on the intelligence cell team and conducted research and all-source intelligence on Chicago police surveillance and operations. She went through the internship twice before receiving a job the following summer.
Bryce began his internship right after Ellie in June 2019 and was also a member of the intelligence cell team. He also worked with Mo as the lead intern on his Venezuela capstone project. On this project, he gathered large amounts of geospatial data for an A2S demo and performed other general IC taskings such as briefings, reviews of publicly available information, and providing intelligence information for important decision makers.
“What is your current role at Praescient?”
Ellie is currently a Junior Analyst and intern coordinator, working with a wide range of software tools to get ahead in the field of data analytics. But, she also has experience under multiple branches within the company including business operations, intelligence analysis, and more.
On the other hand, Bryce does a little bit of everything. He likes to call himself, a ”jack of all trades.” Bryce’s work as a full-time analyst, SME, and intern coordinator has allowed him to gain immense experience in all aspects of the company. These include business, operations, finance, recruitment, and services & training, working with partners to pursue opportunities and performing analysis under various contracts.
“As an intern turned into a full-time analyst, what is important to make yourself stand out during the internship program that could eventually land a permanent position?”
Ellie, Bryce, and most everyone working at Praescient agrees that it is important to be flexible and willing to learn with your first job or internship. It also helps to go after an internship that is somewhat related to the job you’re trying to achieve. This allows you to build up the experiences and connections within the industry you are looking to get involved in.
“What was or has been your favorite part about working at Praescient?
All Praescient employees can agree that their colleagues are extremely talented, relaxed, fun to work with, and intelligent individuals. Ellie can account to that, claiming that Praescient’s “work hard, play hard” mentality has been her favorite aspect of the job. “We know how to get the job done and how to have fun while doing it.”
Bryce has always been one to challenge himself to improve as a young professional. He has always wanted to make a difference in the community/country, and working alongside Praescient allows him to achieve his personal goals as well as strengthen national security. Along with that, both Ellie and Bryce can agree that the mentorship aspect of Praescient’s program is what truly makes it stand out. This dynamic Praescient provides has made the learning experience much more enjoyable and worthwhile.
“What was the most important factor about Praescient that led you to come back after graduating?”
Ellie was drawn in by Praescient’s diverse client base and the potential to work with a wide range of software tools to get ahead in the field. On the other hand, Bryce had grown up on the West Coast and only recently moved to the East Coast/DC area. Though it wasn’t his biggest factor, he made a point that Praescient has the perfect blend of West Coast culture and East Coast hustle.” This made the transition into the area much easier for him. Bryce also loves the traveling factor of his job, which has allowed him to travel frequently and work with partners and clients, helping him expand his knowledge in the field, something he has always aimed to do.
“What would be your biggest piece of advice that you have learned while working at Praescient that you can pass down to all of the interns as we move into these next stages of our careers?”
Bryce feels that it is crucial to have a good work ethic coming into the industry because it can be fast-paced, and people expect a lot from you. Mo, Bryce, and Ellie’s past advisor says that it is important in any job to understand and adapt to human behavior because you will have to deal with many different clients and employees. Skills such as understanding people’s body language and signs, knowing how to react in different situations, and being aware of your surroundings will be very helpful in the future when entering the workforce.
Making the Transition
Though we all know it can be scary and intimidating to be in the position of an intern, it is clear through the work of these two hard-working and talented individuals that anything could be possible as long as you put your mind to it, show dedication and love the work that you are doing. As everybody makes their transition from an intern lifestyle to full-time work as an employee, just remember that we have all been at the bottom of the barrel before. But, the work and efforts put in now will help shape and mold our future for the betterment of ourselves, the people around us and the companies we will all soon be working for. So, thank you Praescient for helping to mold our future and good luck to all future interns, this is where it all begins!