AFMC hosts first virtual-hybrid symposium for interns

Due to current COVID-19 travel and physical distancing restrictions, this year’s PCIP internship is being conducted without the participants being on site. These changes were made to ensure the safety of the participants while maintaining the quality of the training experience.

“While the current pandemic has altered how we interact with and utilize PCIP interns, it doesn’t diminish the importance of this program,” said John Snodgrass, director, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The PCIP is an Air Force-wide training and recruitment initiative managed by the Air Force Personnel Center. The objective of the program is to expose interns to the Air Force culture and to provide knowledge of missions and careers in federal service. A team project and interaction with an assigned mentor adds to the experience.

The hybrid nature of this year’s PCIP event has reduced the number of regional symposiums from four to two, which will be held at Wright-Patterson and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. AFMC will provide mentors and senior leader briefers to assist with the virtual internship, with Wright-Patterson assuming the lead as the site which benefits most by receiving the largest number of recruits to Air Force service.

Since the focus will go from in-person to virtual, AFPC has formed an alliance with Air University to ensure the PCIPs have a valuable internship experience. The six-week hybrid virtual program, with a possible one-week in residence period, has been paired with a three-day symposium. “My Fit,” ”My Air Force” and “My Career” topics direct each day’s activities toward meaningful interaction.

“While the internship is virtual, the supervisor-PCIP relationship will still play a pivotal role for the intern’s experience with the Air Force and our ability to test-drive future talent,” said Snodgrass.

For more information on the Air Force PCIP program, visit https://afciviliancareers.com/students-and-graduates/ , then click on Programs for students to locate the AF Premier College Intern Program.