DME Interns

In this episode of Government Gateway, we sit down with Darius Chen, Senior Manager of Product Management at Amazon and owner of Industrious U-District, a community-focused fitness space. Darius shares his powerful journey from serving as a U.S. Army Captain to shaping innovation in global health, startups, and tech.We dive into topics like:Navigating career transitions with curiosity and convictionBuilding cross-sector impact through lifelong learningLeadership lessons from the battlefield to the boardroomThe role of mentorship and community in personal growthBalancing speed and quality in decision-makingEmpowering teams through trust and authenticityWhether you're a student, veteran, aspiring leader, or someone exploring new directions in your career, Darius’s story is a reminder that each path to success is unique. Importantly, purpose, community, and courage can guide you through every pivot.Tune in for a thoughtful, energizing conversation filled with grounded wisdom and real-world insight.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Candice Edwards, a seasoned leader in human resources and workforce development, to unpack her incredible journey through federal, state, and private sectors. From retail beginnings to rapid promotions within the VA and national recognition through the Young Gov Awards, Candice shares actionable insights for students and early-career professionals looking to break into impactful roles in government.Tune in to hear about:Building a meaningful HR career from the ground upThe power of networking, mentorship, and sorority/alumni communitiesTips on resumes, interviews, LinkedIn, and standing out as a job candidateWhy soft skills matter and how to grow themHow organizations like Young Government Leaders and SHRM can elevate your pathWhether you're curious about federal HR roles, seeking career advice, or exploring workforce development, this episode is full of gems you won’t want to miss.More resources: www.dmeinterns.org

In this special episode of the DME Interns Podcast, we kick off our new series, Government Gateway, with an inspiring conversation featuring Eli Khalil, Facility Space Coordinator at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. Eli shares his career journey, from community organizing to state and federal government roles, highlighting key experiences that prepared him for leadership in public service.Key Takeaways:✅ The value of exploring opportunities in local, state, and federal government✅ How the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program can launch a federal career✅ Essential skills for success in government, including communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence✅ The importance of networking, mentorship, and taking on challenging assignments✅ Advice for young professionals looking to break into public service and healthcare administrationTune in for a deep dive into Eli’s career path and actionable insights on thriving in government roles!

🎧 Episode Highlights: Meet Jordan Harper, a VA Digital Media Engagement Intern and Prompt Engineer Discover how a tech-curious psychology student transitioned into an innovative AI-powered internship Explore cutting-edge AI applications in government service Memorable Quotes: "No means next opportunity" - Jordan's approach to professional challenges. "Things are scary in the beginning, messy in the middle, and beautiful at the end" Perfect for listeners interested in: Government internships AI technology Career transformation Veteran services #AIInnovation #GovernmentInternship #CareerJourney

In this inspiring episode of the DME Interns Podcast, host Claire chats with Rahil, a senior coordinator for the accessibility team and a pre-law student at the University of Florida. They discuss Rahil's work ensuring accessible platforms for all, the intersection of law and accessibility, and how his experiences at DME align with his aspirations of a career in government. Rahil also shares his unique take on achieving balance in life, his love for nature, and a quirky debate about potatoes. Tune in for life advice, career motivation, and some fun side quests along the way!