Experience
More about Devon and her Congressional nomination and Service Academy knowledge.
Intern for Congressman Doug Lamborn (Colorado’s 5th District)
In the winter of 2016, Devon worked as an intern helping with Service Academy nominations for the Office of Congressman Lamborn. Colorado’s 5th District has a very high volume of applicants for the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Devon was directly involved with candidate scoring - a score awarded to candidates based on many factors like GPA, ACT/SAT scores, extracurriculars, and leadership involvement to name a few. She read and scored many essays from candidates applying for nomination. She also worked through the interview process and was able to observe and understand what interviewers look for in a candidate.
Training & Perspective
While in school and training at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, she was able to experience a variety of military and maritime workplaces that gives her a unique perspective on the Service Academy experience and opportunities afforded by attending an Academy.
Pictured: U.S. Navy Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs) aboard USNS Comfort T-AH 20.
Devon trained aboard the hospital ship Comfort for a month in Norfolk, VA.
MARAD Ready Reserve Force & Military Sealift Command
At USMMA, midshipmen must complete a total of 12 months working aboard commercial and military support vessels. She trained aboard the USNS Comfort, a naval hospital vessel, which allowed her to learn about Joint Operations for military humanitarian efforts. She also trained aboard the USNS Henry J. Kaiser for 4 months, which spent most of its time replenishing the Pacific Fleet of Navy warships and carriers. Devon has a lot of experience working as a civilian and inactive reservist for several components of the military, and can help answer questions about military life, service, and potential career experiences for Service Academy candidates.
Commercial/Private Company Training Experience
Devon has also trained for her USCG license aboard commercial container vessels. This afforded her to opportunity to travel to many different countries and experience life at sea. Pictured is a sunset at sea while off the East Coast of the U.S.
U.S. Government & Private Sector Experience
Alongside working for Congressman Lamborn, Devon also interned at the United States Department of State in the Bureau of Counterterrorism. She has experience working for a government agency and applying for internship/employment at these types of offices. She would love to discuss her experience in applying for internship and other student opportunities at State and for other military/government internships!
After graduating the Academy, Devon was hired by Shell Ship Management, part of Shell Oil/Shell Global, and was selected among 5 other graduates from 150 applicants in the United States. She departed her position at Shell to pursue contract work as a Third Mate aboard unlimited tonnage vessels and has worked for companies like Maersk Line, Limited and Seacor Group.
Devon would love to share her knowledge of applying for nomination, admission, internships, and employment during any and all parts of your Academy journey! If you want to learn more about her work experience and qualifications, including checking out her own resume, click the LinkedIn button on the home screen bar (top right).