SkillBridge/Military Intern: Josh Fuleki

Josh was accepted into the SkillBridge program in October 2022 and was matched with GD Mission Systems at the beginning of December 2022. His fellowship ran from Jan. 16, 2023, through April 3, 2023, after which he competed for and was offered a full-time position. He is currently a senior integrated logistic support specialist in Virginia.

What led you to apply for a SkillBridge internship with GD Mission Systems?

Once accepted into the Hiring Our Heroes fellowship, I attended numerous informational seminars with presenting prospective employers. Richard Moore from GD Mission Systems gave a presentation one evening that piqued my interests! He encouraged me to search the GD Mission Systems Careers page to find the potential matches for my skills/ambitions.

I found the PERFECT job and sent it to him with a tailored resume; the unfortunate thing was that my position was not originally a SkillBridge fellowship. So, Richard used his influence and was able to convert the job for me! I interviewed a couple of times with my hiring manager and team where I could get a feel for the culture. I loved what I saw from the beginning.

While I was courted by several other large corporations, I knew of GD Mission Systems and their reputation for supporting the warfighters globally. This created a stronger connection in my opinion, and while I may not have been able to continue serving on active duty, working for GD Mission Systems would allow me to continue serving in a different capacity. The efforts that Richard put in converting this job and the culture that I was introduced to from the interviews completely sold me on GD Mission Systems.

How did the SkillBridge/GD Mission Systems Military Internship Program help your transition from active duty to a civilian career?

This program made things seamless! I was so worried and stressed about what was going to happen after leaving the Air Force. Knowing that I was participating in a fellowship that had a job lined up at the end eliminated my stress. Additionally, this program allowed me to build skillsets and gain valuable experience that will propel me forward.

What did you find most surprising or rewarding about the program?

I was elated at how accepting people are at GD Mission Systems! The flexibility and adaptability are beyond anything I’ve experienced to this point in my life. So, kudos on leadership for building such an environment. I was also surprised at how quickly I assimilated into the team. Zero hesitations, and my team just pulled me into the fold!

What would you tell others thinking about applying for the internship?

Do it! Apply now! The scope and scale that GD Mission Systems has in this industry is fantastic. There is an opportunity for every service member looking to make a transition. Best of all, the internships allow you to walk a mile in the job before going full-time. This gives you not only new skills, but also experiences that can change your trajectory and help you find that perfect fit. It’s a wonderful thing knowing you’re gaining experience and working towards a brighter future.