Internship Spotlight - Robert Covolo

	From:	Lyman, WY
	Major:	Information Systems
	Company:	Office of Naval Intelligence
	Location:	Suitland, MD

Rob Covolo likes buttons. When he was growing up, he liked to play "Red Baron" on his family's computer. "We had an old, old Tandy 1000," Rob said, explaining how primitive their computer was.

Rob knew since high school that he wanted to pursue a career in computers, but related jobs were hard to find. In his junior year, he found a job as Assistant Technical Director for Uinta County School District #6 that helped build his résumé in his field of study.

Of the forty-four interns selected from universities across the nation, Rob was among five BYU-Idaho students. "The Office of Naval Intelligence is looking for new blood, new ideas, and fresh thinking," said Rob, whose comment is a compliment to BYU-Idaho's students who represented ten percent of ONI's interns.

When Rob first arrived and received his briefing from Captain Tom Bortmes, he said "I'm glad I'm not military, because even as a civilian it was a little bit intimidating-he'll eat you alive." In spite of the commanding officers' intimidation, Rob said he had a great experience there.

As a computer aid for ONI, Rob worked on various security systems including an Information Assurance System, and In-circle devices, which assess system vulnerability. "I can't really tell you much more than that," Rob said. Most, if not all, of ONI's technology is protected by terms of strict confidentiality.

During his internship, Rob was able to evaluate potential new technology coming into command, and generally see how the Navy and its office of intelligence operate. "You gain an appreciation for all that goes into the defense of our country," Rob said.

Growing up his whole life in Wyoming, Rob was not used to riding the subway, plus the site shuttle, for the one-and-a-half hour commute to and from work. "It was really long, but fun at the same time since I'd never ridden the metro before," he said.

One of Rob's favorite experiences during his internship was going to Norfolk, Virginia on an exclusive tour of the U.S. Naval fleet. There he boarded a destroyer, saw a submarine, aircraft carrier, and an amphibious assault vessel. "But the F-18's," Rob said. "They were the coolest."

"There are major benefits to working for the government," Rob said. "I applied the knowledge I gained here at school, and tailored it to the needs of an intelligence agency." Rob also said that it was a chance to expand his marketability as an employee.

Rob does have a job offer waiting for him at ONI upon graduation, and though the possibility is strong that he will take it, he also wants to earn a masters degree in the near future. "I was looking for a valuable internship experience," Rob said, "and The Office of Naval Intelligence gave me that experience."