Opportunity of a Lifetime

Devin Patterson, MJur, found his calling through a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) internship, opening the doors for his crucial work with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease (NCIRD).

In March 2023, Patterson began the Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE) Internship through the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness & Employment Office. Patterson was placed at CDC where, as an intern, he supervises strategy and implementation efforts to support NCIRD’s diversity and recruitment initiatives.

Patterson, a 12-year veteran of the Air Force, admits that the VA internship has been overwhelming at times, but in the best ways possible. He highlights that for many veterans, learning how to transfer from military to civilian service can be challenging.

“Veterans and those in military service have very unique resumes that don’t always translate to civilian jobs,” said Patterson. “We have so much talent out there that’s not being used. There are plenty of service members out there with clear career goals and valuable skills that just need additional training to sharpen those skills.”

The VA Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE) program provides eligible Veterans and Servicemembers with training and practical job experience. This program is ideal for Veterans and Servicemembers who have clear career goals. It is also beneficial for those who learn well in a hands-on setting and may have had a hard time getting a job due to lack of experience.

Opportunity in Abundance

Patterson said he appreciates the team camaraderie, mutual respect, and value of individual ideas. For the first time in his career, he feels validated by the CDC and NCIRD cultures of teamwork.

“This is not the case at many other agencies,” Patterson confided.

Patterson leads the CDC/NCIRD-Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) mentorship program, as well as serves as a mentor. The pilot program uses the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) as a platform to guide participants through weekly assigned goals. NCIRD seeks to strengthen this mentorship program to support the growth, development, research, and career progression of diverse individuals serving as fellows and interns. To enhance the recruitment of veterans, Patterson is forging partnerships with institutions, such as Trident University International (TUI), that have large populations of students with prior uniformed service. He also leads the NCIRD Champion Initiative, soliciting internal staff to serve as Center ambassadors at various recruiting events.

Patterson lamented how much the internship has changed the trajectory of his professional journey.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Patterson. “The internship affords me countless opportunities to learn new skills, as well as network with colleagues at NCIRD and CDC.”

Patterson also said that the culture of work/life balance at CDC is second to none. “It allows me to build a career that helps me and my family, as well as the community,” said Patterson.

From 2005 to 2017, Patterson served in the Air Force, reaching the position of Certified Pharmacy Technician (Section Supervisor) while stationed in Landsthul, Germany. He also worked at the VA in Durham, North Carolina for nearly a decade, serving as an Inventory Management/Procurement Technician before enrolling in the NPWE program. Patterson obtained a Master of Health Law from Texas A&M School of Law, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Trident University.

Patterson remarked that he wishes he would have learned about the NPWE program as soon as he got out of the military. Yet, it is this new wealth of information and experience that has laid the groundwork for his true passion.

“Ultimately, I want to guide veterans, as well as those from other underserved populations to programs like NPWE, so they can have a similar chance to excel in life,” said Patterson. “I know that what I’m doing is a part of recruiting a workforce that reflects the populations CDC and NCIRD protect and serve.”

Networking with students at higher education institutions is a top priority for CDC leadership and central to the agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) strategy. CDC leadership is determined to make inclusiveness a priority for its workforce. Recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a workforce with significant contributions from marginalized diverse populations is vital in meeting these goals. Building relationships, securing applicants, and creating partnerships with individuals.