2026 VERTOSOFT SUMMER INTERN WRAP-UP
As Summer 2026 comes to a close, we’re excited to recognize the contributions of our interns. This year, Vertosoft welcomed a talented group of interns across several departments, each bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Throughout the summer they gained hands-on experience, built meaningful connections, and made a lasting impact on our team.
In honor of National Intern Day, we invited our interns to reflect on their time at Vertosoft and share what they learned, the experiences that stood out, and how the internship has shaped their professional journey. We’re grateful for everything they accomplished this summer and are proud to highlight their stories.
Read about their experiences in their own words:
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during this internship?
Kendall Hawley: This summer, I gained valuable hands-on experience in sales and business development by learning how to cold call, prospect, and qualify contacts for meetings. I became proficient in using Salesforce and LinkedIn Navigator to research leads, identify key decision-makers, and manage outreach, while also strengthening my communication, professionalism, and ability to tailor conversations to different prospects. I also developed a better understanding of the public sector sales process and the unique challenges government agencies face.
Mark Colvin: During my internship at Vertosoft I learned a lot about Microsoft 365 administration, including SharePoint, Entra ID, Intune, Exchange, and Power Automate. I also developed skills in cybersecurity, IT support, and business process automation by working on projects that improved efficiency across the organization. I became much better at troubleshooting technical issues, documenting processes, and using AI tools to increase productivity.
Cameron MacIntyre: This internship helped me develop skills I did not even know I had. I began the summer with very little cold-calling experience, but by the end, I felt confident and comfortable on the phone. I also learned how to navigate prospecting tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator and ZoomInfo to identify the correct points of contact. This experience gave me foundational sales skills that I will carry into my professional career. I also gained a better understanding of how Vertosoft operates within the complex government marketplace and how businesses navigate regulations when selling to government agencies.
Taylor Weaver: I gained many foundational skills that I will take into my last semester at college and my future career. I learned how to navigate software systems I didn’t even know existed before the internship, became more confident with cold calling and developed the ability to plan around other people’s schedules. I also learned how to build relationships and establish rapport with federal and state leaders over the phone. I developed resilience throughout this internship by learning how to handle rejection, adapt my approach, and continue improving after every conversation.
Maya Almeda: During this internship, I was familiarized with the SLED and federal contracting worlds. I became more familiar with the FAR and learned how both contract modifications and reporting works, while also developing an overall deeper understanding of Vertosoft’s SLED contract vehicles. I also became more experienced with Salesforce, while improving my Excel, research, and organizational skills.
Ethan Jones: I learned a great deal about how Vertosoft’s internal websites are built and maintained. I also gained hands on experience using OutSystems to develop, improve, and support professional web applications.
Zach Kartsen: During my internship, I gained valuable experience in business to government sales, prospecting, and professional communication. I developed my cold calling skills, learned how to identify and qualify decision makers within government agencies, and became more confident scheduling meetings with executives. I also improved my ability to write professional outreach emails, use CRM and sales engagement platforms, research prospective customers, and tailor sales messaging to different industries and job roles. Overall, I strengthened my communication, time management, and relationship building skills while gaining a much better understanding of the public sector sales process.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
Kendall Hawley: I enjoyed the supportive and welcoming work environment at Vertosoft the most. Everyone was always willing to answer questions, offer guidance, and help me learn, which made it easy to grow professionally and feel like a valued member of the team. Working alongside such kind and knowledgeable people made the internship both enjoyable and rewarding.
Mark Colvin: The thing I enjoyed most about my internship was the culture of Vertosoft. Everyone is very hardworking and easy to work with. We all have alike goals of making each other’s lives easier and supporting peers the best we can.
Cameron MacIntyre: What I enjoyed most was being placed directly into the responsibilities of a full-time SDR. From finding my own leads to booking and participating in my own meetings, I never felt like just an intern. I felt like a valued member of the company who was making a meaningful contribution.
Taylor Weaver: The aspect I enjoyed most about this internship was learning that it’s worth trying something new, even if you’re skeptical about how well you’ll do. I enjoyed being in positions where I was constantly learning, solving problems, and figuring out my own way of doing things. I initially had misgivings about succeeding in this role, but my buddy Claire Caprio mentored me to be confident!
Maya Almeda: I enjoyed working with the contracts and legal team during my internship, and getting to know those I worked with beyond the office. I really appreciated being able to understand each individual role within my team and how our everyone makes their own impact within the company.
Ethan Jones: I really enjoyed working on projects that had a meaningful impact on the company and helped make my coworkers’ jobs easier. I also enjoyed getting to know the amazing people at Vertosoft and being part of such a welcoming team.
Zach Kartsen: What I enjoyed most about my internship was the opportunity to speak with professionals from a wide variety of government agencies and organizations every day. I enjoyed the challenge of building relationships through cold calling and learning how to communicate effectively with different types of decision makers. It was rewarding to see my outreach turn into scheduled meetings and to know that my work directly contributed to the company’s sales efforts. I also appreciated working in a supportive environment where I was able to continuously improve my skills and gain real world business experience.
What was the biggest takeaway from your internship?
Kendall Hawley: My biggest takeaway from this internship was learning that success in sales is built on consistency, preparation, and strong communication. I realized the importance of researching prospects, asking thoughtful questions, and building genuine relationships rather than simply trying to book a meeting. This experience also helped me become more confident in my abilities and showed me how valuable persistence and adaptability are in a professional setting.
Mark Colvin: My biggest takeaway was learning about how government software distribution and how we work to provide value to small businesses and all forms of government.
Cameron MacIntyre: One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of learning from people who have more experience than you. I found that I improved the fastest when I listened to my experienced coworkers’ calls, observed their techniques, and asked them for advice on my own approach.
Taylor Weaver: My biggest takeaway from this internship is the importance of asking questions now to put yourself in a better position later. There were many moments when I was confused or unsure of the next step, but I learned that no question is a bad question. If I hadn’t asked those questions, I wouldn’t have gotten nearly as much out of the internship as I did.
Maya Almeda: My biggest takeaway from this internship was that the contracting field is always changing, and it’s important to learn how to adapt and problem-solve to these changes.
Ethan Jones: My biggest takeaway was experiencing a professional work environment that values collaboration, accountability, and delivering quality work on time. It showed me the importance of taking ownership of my responsibilities and continuously improving.
Zach Kartsen: My biggest takeaway from this internship was learning that success in sales comes from persistence, preparation, and building genuine relationships. I realized that every conversation is an opportunity to learn, even if it doesn’t immediately lead to a meeting or sale. The experience taught me how important effective communication, adaptability, and consistent follow up are, while also giving me confidence in my ability to work professionally in a business environment.
What is your favorite memory of your internship so far?
Kendall Hawley: My favorite memory from my internship was our team outing to Topgolf. It was a great opportunity to get to know my coworkers outside of the office and see how welcoming and supportive everyone at Vertosoft is. It made me feel like part of the team and was one of the highlights of my summer.
Mark Colvin: My favorite memory was our company outing to Top Golf where we could network and see everyone in the company in a less formal setting.
Cameron MacIntyre: It is difficult to choose just one, but two memories stand out. The first was getting dinner with the sales team after my first week. It was the first time I had the opportunity to meet everyone outside of the office, and it confirmed that it was going to be a great summer. I also have to mention challenging my coworkers to games of ping-pong.
Taylor Weaver: My favorite memory from this internship was the team outing the sales team did at Pinstack! It was a fun and collaborative way to get to know my team!
Maya Almeda: My favorite memory from my internship so far was definitely being able to attend the GSA Small Business Contracting Opportunities and Category Management Conference. This was the first conference I have ever attended, and it was very insightful being able to learn from both GSA representatives and small business leaders in the same field.
Ethan Jones: My favorite memories were the company outings and spending time with my coworkers outside of the office. The boat ride on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., and the friendly competition at Topgolf were both unforgettable experiences.
Zach Kartsen: My favorite memory from your internship so far is definitely the PinStack outing.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned this summer?
Kendall Hawley: The greatest lesson I learned this summer is that success comes from consistency and being willing to learn. Whether it was making cold calls, researching prospects, or handling objections, I found that every experience helped me improve. I also learned the importance of asking questions, accepting feedback, and stepping outside of my comfort zone, as those were the moments that helped me grow the most both personally and professionally.
Mark Colvin: I think the best lesson I’ve learned is always say yes, no matter how small or boring a task is. I also would say communication and working with a team can be the best way to get work done.
Cameron MacIntyre: The greatest lesson I learned was the importance of persistence. The days when I found the most success were the days when I continued dialing. This role can be challenging, especially when several calls go unanswered, but giving up too early could mean missing the next three calls that might turn into meaningful conversations or meetings.
Taylor Weaver: Before beginning my internship, I expected there to be a significant learning curve. I had to understand new software systems, learn how to position my supplier’s solutions for the federal market, develop confidence in cold calling, and understand technical terminology that was unfamiliar to me. Because of this, my greatest lesson was to approach every day with the mindset of being a sponge. I focused on absorbing as much knowledge as possible and applying what I learned to each new opportunity, which helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Maya Almeda: The greatest lesson I’ve learned this Summer was the importance of taking advantage of learning from those around you. As someone entirely new to the contracting world, asking questions, staying curious, and making an effort to do my own research throughout the summer was crucial. I’m very grateful that those I worked with were always looking for ways to help me familiarize myself with this field, and answer my never-ending stream of questions.
Ethan Jones: One of the greatest lessons I learned was how to be more professional by taking ownership of a project from start to finish. Presenting my work to my manager and the CEO also taught me the value of accepting both positive feedback and constructive criticism to continue growing.
Zach Kartsen: The greatest lesson I learned this summer is that persistence and consistency are key to success.
What is one thing you will remember most about your summer internship?
Kendall Hawley: One thing I will remember most about my summer internship is the mentorship I received. Having the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who encouraged me, challenged me, and invested in my growth gave me the confidence to pursue a career in this industry after graduation. Their guidance made a lasting impact on both my professional and personal development.
Mark Colvin: I’ll remember the people from Vertosoft most after the internship ends. The connections made and collaboration as a company we had was impressive especially as most people were very young and hardworking.
Cameron MacIntyre: I will remember Vertosoft’s company culture the most. Coming into the office each morning did not feel like simply going to work. It felt like an opportunity to collaborate, improve my skills, and learn something new every day from the experienced people around me.
Taylor Weaver: The one thing I will remember most about my summer internship is the collaborative, family dynamic that Vertosoft fosters. Even as an intern, you are given autonomy and encouraged to have a voice. Rather than simply observing, you are immersed in the role while being supported by others. The balance of independence and mentorship was the key to me being successful in this position.
Maya Almeda: One thing I will remember most about my Summer Internship is definitely the environment and people I was surrounded with. Getting to know my team from either a tiki boat, our weekly meetings, or grabbing Rita’s together definitely made this Summer very memorable.
Ethan Jones: What I will remember most is the time spent working alongside my team in the office and the genuine friendships I built throughout the summer. The supportive and collaborative environment made the experience both enjoyable and rewarding.
Zach Kartsen: One thing I will remember most about my summer internship is the people I met.
Would you recommend the Vertosoft summer internship program? Why?
Kendall Hawley: Yes, I would absolutely recommend the Vertosoft summer internship program. It provides hands-on experience, meaningful mentorship, and the opportunity to develop real-world skills in a supportive environment. The team genuinely invests in interns’ success, making it a great place to learn, grow professionally, and gain confidence for a future career.
Mark Colvin: Yes, I would recommend the Vertosoft summer internship because I learned a lot about IT departments at a government provider and implementing cybersecurity controls and troubleshooting. I have been able to learn a ton about how software government distribution works and working with a team to achieve similar goals.
Cameron MacIntyre: Yes, 100%. I was given the opportunity to take on the responsibilities of a true SDR and make a meaningful impact for both Vertosoft and its suppliers. Vertosoft also makes a strong effort to teach interns about every part of the company, including how it successfully navigates the complex nature of government sales.
Taylor Weaver: I would recommend the Vertosoft Summer Internship without a doubt. The program gives you the opportunity to truly step into the shoes of a full-time employee and experience what the role is really like. While the learning curve was intimidating at first, it is incredibly rewarding. Every day, you leave with more knowledge than you had when you walked in. Throughout the internship, you are supported by your buddy, mentors, and teammates, who are always willing to answer questions and help you grow.
Maya Almeda: Yes!!! This internship surpassed my expectations of the volume of hands on experience I would be gaining. It has definitely been an invaluable opportunity to also be surrounded with a team so encouraging, welcoming, and eager to help me learn as much as possible.
Ethan Jones: I would highly recommend the Vertosoft Summer Internship Program to anyone looking to gain valuable, real-world experience in a professional environment. The independence I was given allowed me to learn, grow, overcome challenges, and create projects that I am genuinely proud of.
Zach Kartsen: Yes, I would absolutely recommend the Vertosoft summer internship program. It provides hands on experience that goes far beyond what you learn in the classroom. Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to work on real projects, communicate with professionals from government agencies across the country, and develop valuable skills in sales, communication, and relationship building. The team was supportive and gave me meaningful responsibilities, which helped me build confidence and grow professionally. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that gave me a better understanding of the business world and prepared me for my future career.