Jason Jacondin, Marist '09 

American Studies Major, with a minor in Political Science

What has your career path been to this point?

Since graduation, my career path has centered around supporting the National Defense mission of the United States. After stepping across the black and white marble floor in Langley, Virginia, my career moves led me from law enforcement, to intelligence, to logistics, and finally to export management all while remaining under the veil of the U.S. defense and intelligence sector. Each position brought valuable learning experiences which contributed to my current profession as a Global Supply Chain Intelligence Analyst for Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, but the research and analytical skills I attained during my undergraduate work really set the foundation for my career.

Can you share an experience from your time at HRVI that stands out as meaningful?

To this day, my second internship still stands out as meaningful because I had the privilege to witness and support the transformation of the 19th century Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into the Walkway Over the Hudson. It was a remarkable achievement of rehabilitation and innovation that saved the bridge from total demolition. It was amazing being a part of a strong grass roots movement that worked tirelessly to save this key landmark in the Hudson River Valley. We wrote papers, digitized old postcards/photos, and interviewed local community members for oral history preservation. It was a true honor to support this historic effort.

How has your experience at HRVI helped you advance your education and/or professional pursuits since graduating from Marist?

My experience at HRVI helped me answer the question of why humanity must study the past. Studying history sharpens the analytical skills necessary to understand problems and experiences witnessed between people, societies, and even nations. It goes beyond memorization of who or why an army was victorious in battle (albeit interesting to learn), but also helps build empathy through studying the lives and struggles of others. These lessons are invaluable in the workplace where struggles, problems, and historical context are continually at play. For example, while working for Boeing my role was to manage and track U.S. government property issued to manufacture the military's CH-47 Chinook helicopter and V-22 Osprey tiltrotor. Instead of trying to perform this role all from behind my desk, I journeyed to the production floors and labs to meet with the people and see the machinery they were working on daily. Through forming good working relationships with these individuals, I was able to connect with them on a more personal level and better contribute to the success of the company.

As HRVI celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022, do you have any advice for future HRVI interns based on your time at HRVI and your experience in your professional field?

Take advantage of everything HRVI has to offer. Looking back, I know there were opportunities for one reason or another I did not pursue. College is a busy time with many competing priorities, but an internship at HRVI will offer a unique experience to work with great people. Once the internship begins, do not permit the fear of failure to thwart the embrace of new challenges. Continual challenge helps one to grow and mature.