Braeden Sparks, a sophomore computer science major at Otterbein University, completed an internship with the United States Department of Energy in Piketon, Ohio. Through the internship, Sparks gained hands-on work experience and further developed his skills in communication, team-building, and public speaking. He found the internship challenging but felt well-prepared by his coursework and experiences at Otterbein. Sparks hopes to earn a master's degree and work for the federal government, with a goal of joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a role involving information technology or cyber security.

1. Student Completes Internship with Department of Energy
Story by Eva Zielinski '15
At Otterbein University, we know one of the smartest ways for
our students to learn is through practical, hands-on experience
at internships and in other professional settings. Like
Otterbein, sophomore, computer science major Braeden
Sparks understands the value of these out-of-the-classroom
experiences.
“It is important to have internships in college because you gain
not only the experience in the workforce, but you gain
experience and knowledge in your major,” he said. “It is also a
great résumé builder when it comes time to find a job or
another internship.”
This summer, Sparks completed an internship with the United
States Department of Energy in Piketon, Ohio.
Sparks explained that he found the internship through a newspaper article and decided to submit an
application to see what could come of it. After two phone interviews, tedious paperwork, drug testing
and background checks he was approved and hired on the spot to work as an intern.
Sparks said that Otterbein made him well-prepared for taking on this position.
“I used my communication skills and team-building skills to help the other interns that I worked with. I was
faced with a presentation at the end of my term and my public speaking class helped me with this task,”
he said. “Also, taking the Strengths Finder test was a huge plus when I was interviewing for the position.”
Sparks, who also has a minor in sociology, said that he used his dream of joining the Federal Bureau of
Investigation to further advance himself in his academic career, as well as to gain more hands–on work
experience through internships.
“My plans in the future are to earn a master’s degree and work for the federal government, hopefully the
Department of Justice,” he said. “I attend to use my degrees for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
work with information technology or cyber security.”
At Otterbein, Sparks is involved on campus with residence life and the Campus Activities Board (CAB).
He also works two on-campus jobs as a tour guide and as an ePortfolio mentor.
Sparks said that through his experiences at Otterbein and his internship, he learned to have fun and to be
himself. He also discovered a passion for planning events, which allows him to exercise his creativity and
his love for meeting new people. He commented that developing connections and getting know other
employees could help him when it comes time to apply for a job.
“I learned I am a hard worker, and I want to do my best in everything I do,” he said. “I have also learned
that my major is needed more and more today because technology continues to advance day to day."