Guest blog post by Isabel Bolivar, Urban Alliance USPTO Intern

During my senior year of high school, I was presented with an opportunity that not only taught me about professionalism, but also about how to be a better me.  In the fall of 2014, I began my final year at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. As a requirement for graduation, all seniors conduct a research project throughout the school year and present what they have learned after completing 120 documented hours.  This is an intimidating task from the time one walks through the Wakefield doors freshman year.

For my research project, I chose to participate in Urban Alliance. Urban Alliance is a program that teaches high school seniors about professionalism by placing them in paid internships.  I have been working since I was 14 years old, but never in a professional office. I wanted to be placed in an environment where I could possibly see myself 10 years from now.

I was fortunate enough to be placed in an internship at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with the Office of Human Resources (OHR).  There, I worked under the Compensation and Benefits Division with the Benefits and WorkLife Team.  My experience working with OHR taught me so much about work benefits, wellness, and what to expect in a professional working environment.

During my internship, I completed a variety of tasks ranging from updating spreadsheets, to assisting with the USPTO Wellness Fair. Although I did do my fair share of printing, copying, and faxing, I was also analyzing, reviewing, and updating entire workbooks in Excel through researching the National Finance Center Database. I was very pleased to have been trusted enough to work with such sensitive information.  I know that I will carry the things I learned at the USPTO with me to future employment opportunities.

Urban Alliance provided me with a very strong support system, including my Program Coordinator, Christine McCurdy, and my USPTO mentors, Sharon Henderson – Branch Chief for Benefits and WorkLife – and Gina Colbert – Supervisory HR Specialist. My mentors were absolutely incredible!  They invested in my future with their knowledge and advice. They taught me how to be a strong, successful woman by setting great examples.  My mentors and other team members were key to my positive experience at the USPTO.

My internship at the USPTO helped to expand my horizons and continues to influence me and my future goals. I am eternally grateful for the Urban Alliance Program, and I hope that I will have a chance to return to the USPTO very soon!