Weeks Ten and Eleven: Wrapping Up
The last two weeks have been as busy as ever. I continued training and transitioning direct communications with consultants and organizations that was responsible for to our temporary hires since they will work through September. I created a training manual documenting everything I had learned related to consultants. From making first contact with them, getting their agreements written and signed, setting them up as a supplier so they can receive payments, working with them to revise their expense reports, etc. When I first started at Tetra Tech DPK, I did not have the high-level understanding of how each part of the process fit together. So, I took it upon myself to create a training document and a folder with all relevant documents and sample emails to help those who follow.
I still learned new processes and skills, like reviewing field expense reports, reviewing invoices sent to the client, and updating actuals in project operating budgets. And I got more experience working with consultants, as we had three very urgent consultants to set up for one of our projects in Mexico, each with their own special requirements and time constraints.
On my last full day in the office I was asked to add information for one of our Mexico projects to the Rule of Law Indefinite Quantity Contract (ROL IQC) Quarterly Report that gets sent to USAID. Without any guidance and a very short turn-around time (because it was already past-due its internal deadline by the time it landed on my desk), I figured out what needed to happen and submitted it for the project.
Today, I had my exit interview, turned over my laptop and keys, and said “bye” to my coworkers who were in the office (not many since several people are traveling to the field or on leave). I am very grateful for my time at Tetra Tech DPK. I learned a lot of new, transferable skills, especially related to project management and government contract work. I have a deeper appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes of international development projects. Technical activities in the field truly could not take place without home office support. I am proud to have contributed to such valuable Rule of Law projects.
Last weekend, I met my friends (who are visiting from Switzerland) in Santa Cruz. It was great to get out of the city and spend some time outside in redwood forests and on the beach. We had the opportunity to drive Highway 1 back to SF, which was beautiful. This weekend, we head to Napa for a night, then two nights camping in Eldorado National Forest and two nights camping on Lake Tahoe. Then I’ll be heading back to Michigan to spend some time with family before driving back to Williamsburg. Now that 2L summer is officially coming to a close, I am looking forward to 3L and all that the future brings.
