My Transformative Internship Experience at Hexagon US Federal

I am currently a Marketing and Communications Intern at Hexagon US Federal. I am a rising senior at Elon University, double majoring in Media Analytics and Strategic Communications, and I will be graduating in May of 2025. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in various projects and tasks that significantly contributed to my professional and personal growth.??

What I’ve Learned

During my time at Hexagon US Federal, I?gained so much knowledge and skills regarding what it takes to be successful?working in marketing as well as in government contracting. I learned how to write for different platforms (web vs. social media vs. emails), create conference content, how to market my own individual brand, and so much more.?

“These skills are not only valuable for my future career but have also boosted my confidence in my professional capabilities.” ?

Leadership and Mentorship

One of the most impactful aspects of my internship was the leadership and mentorship I received. My supervisors and colleagues, Beka Wueste , Claire Gray , and Thu Anh Luu provided invaluable guidance and support throughout my time with Hexagon US Federal. Through their leadership, I learned the importance of communication, desire to learn, and passion for the work that’s being done at Hexagon US Federal.??

This marketing team helped shape my understanding of effective leadership. I was regularly included in strategic planning meetings, providing insights into decision-making processes and encouraging me to always share my perspectives.??

Team Collaboration

Working within a team was such an important part of my internship. As someone who is fully remote, I was always on top of my schedule and continuously stayed in communication with my team members when asking questions or working together on projects. I was able to participate in pulling together the THRIVE Newsletter, the K9 for Warriors Campaign, AUSA conference copy and more. These experiences taught me the importance of clear communication, collective problem solving, and the strength to always ask questions when needed. I learned that everyone on my team was always willing to help, no matter the task, which helped me feel very welcomed when I first started.?

Personal Growth and Development

Even though I loved my work at Hexagon US Federal, it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Whether it was creating my own campaign, or presenting ideas of my own, I learned to adapt and overcome, resulting in a more self-assured version of myself. This internship has been a crucial stepping stone in my journey toward professional success. I also had the opportunity to enhance my soft skills, such as time management, public speaking, and critical thinking, which are essential to my career going forward.??

Personal growth has always been something I have focused on both in my academic and future career. One aspect of the Internship Speaker Series was Beka’s “Marketing Your Brand” session. Your personal brand involves showcasing your unique qualities, skills, and values to create an authentic identity. I continue to recognize the importance of building your personal brand.?

Reflecting on my time at Hexagon US Federal, I am immensely grateful for the experiences and opportunities provided. The skills and lessons I have acquired will undoubtedly shape my future career. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone at Hexagon US Federal, especially Beka Wueste, Claire Gray, and Thu Luu, for their continuous support and mentorship. This summer has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the tools and confidence needed to thrive in my career. I look forward to applying what I have learned and continuing to grow both professionally and personally.??

“Grayson Kelley is a Marketing Intern at Hexagon US Federal, headquartered in Chantilly, VA.”??