Brecken Mellon is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma. She started with Flash in December of 2023 during the second semester of her senior year. When hired as an intern, Brecken held the role of Research Assistant in the Grants Department. Upon graduation from the program, she was offered a position as Research Analyst. Read on as we interview Brecken to learn about her internship experience.
How would you describe your experience at Flash to others?
I would just say I really lucked out. I am so happy to have found Flash; everybody here is so supportive of my goals and is doing everything in their power to help me get there. Getting real-world experience while I was still in school has been a godsend. Flash was so flexible with my demanding schedule between classes, volunteering, and my tutoring job at OU. It really is the perfect internship to have. I have learned so much; not just about the job as a research assistant, but about the telecommunications industry, engineering, the world of federal, state and corporate bidding, and working a professional job in general.
How would you describe Flash’s culture?
It is unlike any big-fish corporate environment. Because we are such a small business, I have the opportunity to work directly with directors of every field, and directly with the CEO and COO. Each team member works on a variety of tasks across the technical and creative spectrum, which is what I love to do. It really allows me to have a well-rounded understanding of working for a small business in the real world. They are so flexible and understanding. Flash uses flex hours, which was fantastic as I wrapped up my degrees at OU. I was able to work for my internship right after I finished my homework at the coffee shop. My supervisors are great people and fully supportive of me as I navigate the learning process.
What has been the most rewarding thing about working with Flash?
Flash has offered me limitless opportunities in learning about the industry and learning the skills that are important to me and my career. Not only have I learned so much, but Flash has also supported my growth in every way they can. The head of my department, Stacia Clayton, connected me with her sister because she worked in the industry and field I want to pursue. Flash has also offered me a full-time position working remotely, because I have mentioned I wanted to travel after earning my degrees. Our CEO, Tami Wilson, opened avenues for me both educationally and professionally, because she knows how I value learning and wants to help me propel my career even outside of Flash Networks. I have gotten so many new opportunities because of this program, and I am forever grateful.
What are the most valuable skills you feel you’ve learned as a result of this internship program?
I have learned a ton of technical skills that will be valuable in any industry. I’ve learned the entire Microsoft Suite, from doing analyses with Excel to learning organizational skills with SharePoint. I have also learned soft skills like efficient communication and professionalism in the industry.
Would you recommend this internship program to other students?
Absolutely!! I am in such a better position than I was this time six months ago. I am more knowledgeable about life as a full-time worker, and being somewhere so flexible and understanding as I make this transition is perfect. I have so many options for the next step in my career thanks to the people I’ve met at Flash Networks Group. I can’t recommend it enough!