Caroline Gish, one of this year’s NobleReach Scholars, is currently serving in a yearlong role as a Project Analyst at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  

We caught up with her recently to discuss her experience in public service and her advice for anyone considering applying for the program.  

What made you want to become a NobleReach Scholar?

Applying for the inaugural cohort of NobleReach Scholars was a bit of an exercise in trust. Still although I had limited information about the program, I could tell from the board and team bios, as well as the language on the website, that NobleReach was committed to bringing together a community of individuals with a shared mission to solve complex problems for the greater good of all people, not just for profit. I believe technological innovation is most impactful when it is grounded in deep consideration of the human experience, particularly when addressing the challenges unique to government. As a computational linguist, I was eager to apply my technical and human-centered skillset in innovative ways for the public good. Being a NobleReach Scholar has given me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded, mission-driven individuals and contribute to projects that will create meaningful impact.

What tips do you have for preparing for the interview stage to stand out in this year’s competitive pool?

When prepping for your interview, I would recommend spending some time reflecting on your academic and/or professional journey so far and the decisions that have shaped it. Why did you choose your particular field of study? What motivated you to take that specific class or select that project topic? How have you been of service in your previous internships, school classes, or jobs? What are some challenges that you are excited to work on in the future? The initial NobleReach interview is your opportunity to go beyond your resume and showcase the passions and values that drive you as a person and a future leader.

While your on-paper degrees and achievements are obviously important, and commendable, aspects of your application, the purpose of the NobleReach interviews is really to learn more about you as a person. Be your authentic self when responding to questions in the interview. The interviewers aren’t looking for coined responses that sound good; they’re looking for the spark of an innovative spirit, a desire to make an impact, and a willingness to serve no matter the challenges that arise.

If selected, what can next year’s Scholars expect on their first day of the program?

Lots of learning! The first day, and the first week more broadly, of the bootcamp is set up as a series of introductions. You will be introduced to key members of the NobleReach team and learn about their varied (and super interesting) journeys into technology-focused public service, you will be introduced to your cohort of amazing, driven scholars and hear about their reasons for wanting to join the program, and you will learn about what it means to work for the public good both inside and outside of government.

Though you’ll most likely be a bit exhausted from the rush of the first day, you’ll get to come back the next day to a welcoming space and learn more from people who have undertaken impactful work while building up your skillset for your own successful future in mission-driven work.

What’s one thing you’ve learned since starting your role?

The biggest thing I have learned so far is that the skillset you come in with can be utilized in many different ways. The federal government has its own set of unique challenges that you won’t encounter anywhere else, and this requires creative applications of skills. In your role, you will inevitably be asked to take on tasks that lie outside of what you (think you) have the training for, but if you stay organized and passionate, you can tackle the challenges (and be excited to do so). You’ll ultimately come out of the experience with a much greater scope of ability. And no matter your academic background or specific skillset, if you keep service at the heart of your work and stay oriented toward the human, you will excel and be a successful asset to any federal agency or mission-driven, private sector organization.