Robert (Ben) Copper Email & Phone Number

Harrisonburg, Va

I worked part time during the school year as a Customer Support Specialist, in Frontline Support for JMU. The JMU Computing HelpDesk provides IT support services to customers in the JMU community. In this position I applied advanced problem-solving skills to analyze technical issues based on available evidence over the phone. Often times, information was lacking or contradictory and I had to make judgments on how to fix the problem and then be able to successfully communicate those judgments to the customer. After each call, I wrote concise, yet detailed reports on the particulars of each call. In this position I honed my customer service skills, involving effective communication and logical lines of reasoning that others can easily follow.

Roanoke, Va

At this medical school, I worked full-time as an Administrative Intern, under the Chief Business Officer, Treasurer. The School of Medicine hired me to help assemble the databases necessary for their final accreditation. I analyzed and manipulated Excel data, and wrote a summary report from three survey datasets of about 40,000 data points total. I utilized advanced web programs and applications to assemble two accreditation databases, including some HTML coding/editing. I edited and reviewed all 355 pages of the medical school accreditation database in one week, and compiled over 1,300 pages of supporting documentation. I also wrote and edited two full policies and procedures for the school, which were later posted to the AAMC forum for medical school policy. Finally I handled sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information for the Registrar. For this job, I handled specialized responsibilities that exceeded that of most internship experiences.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

At the Wilson Center, I worked full-time as a Program Intern for the Program on America and the Global Economy. The Center is a non-partisan research institute producing quality policy solutions. At the Center, I conducted independent research on American competitiveness for Program publications, as well as supported my Director with research requests. I coordinated special events and symposiums for the Program to disseminate its ideas to a wider audience. This included writing brief, comprehensive summaries of events to publish on the Program’s website, administering the Program’s blog, Facebook, Twitter and other communications to enhance its web visibility. I also gained administrative skills such as editing, drafting, and disseminating official correspondence, communicating with clients and visitors, and scheduling meetings for my Director.

Roanoke, Va

Exelis provides advanced solutions for defense, imaging, and communications. I worked in the Contracts Department, and learned valuable skills in managing the full life-cycle of a contract. I applied computer skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Outlook, Word), accessed federal contract bidding sites, and various government databases such as those run by DFAS. I analyzed Excel and Access data on contract turnaround times, and created tables and graphs for presentations to senior management. I took part in collaborative teams to help draft government, DoD, and commercial contracts to aid soldiers and police in their missions. This involved communication with US government and foreign trade officers to ensure compliance with relevant export/import regulations and production standards for our US Munitions List product. I became familiar with INCOTERMS, FAR, and ITAR regulations as part of this process. Lastly, I conducted an independent review and updated department policies and procedures to reflect changes at the corporate level. This project was completed ahead of schedule, and verified with limited oversight by my Director.