Halfway Through My Esri Internship: A Journey of Growth, Learning, and Passion
It feels like just yesterday I was sitting in Esri’s orientation, excited (and a little nervous), meeting fellow interns from all over the country, shaking hands with my mentor for the first time, and stepping into the world of GIS. Now, I am halfway through my summer internship at Esri, I can honestly say it has been one of the most impactful experiences of my academic and professional journey.
My name is Steven Castenda, and I am currently interning in Esri’s Technical Support department, collaborating with an extraordinary team of analysts and engineers who have been nothing but supportive. Coming from a background in cybersecurity and IT, I was curious about how GIS would fit into my skill set. What I discovered is that GIS is not only relevant, but also essential. And Esri makes learning exciting.
One of the things that impressed me early at Esri was how mission-driven the company is. Everyone here cares deeply about the work they do, the people they help, and the impact of GIS across industries and communities. From day one, I felt welcomed, supported, and part of something much bigger than myself.
What I Have Been Working On
Throughout this internship, I have had the opportunity to:
- Shadow experienced analysts through Y-cabling sessions to learn how they troubleshoot and communicate with users.
- Collaborate with mentors on real support cases.
- Learn how to write workflows for bug reports and enhancement requests.
- Participating in weekly intern events like Monday Meet Ups, Tech Tuesdays, What’s Next Wednesdays?, Training Thursdays, and Fun Fridays.
- Attend meetings with team leaders and network with senior managers in departments like Marketing and IST Services.
So far, I have completed two personal GIS projects that I am proud of:
ArcGIS Online: Mapping Mental Health Wellness in Riverside County – showing the need for more accessible mental health resources.
ArcGIS Pro: Foster Care Placement Gaps – highlighting the need for more safe and stable foster homes in California, especially in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
I am currently working on my final personal project using ArcGIS Enterprise, and I cannot wait to share it. Each project has helped me see how GIS can be applied across industries from public health to child welfare to national security.
Building Confidence in Communication
One of the unexpected highlights of this internship has been taking part in ToastMappers, Esri’s internal Toastmasters chapter public speaking group. It has helped me build confidence in speaking clearly, thinking on my feet, and expressing my ideas to a larger audience. Skills that go together with technical support and cybersecurity communication.
Recently, I even had the honor of winning a Table Topics challenge, where participants are given a surprise topic and asked to speak about it on the spot. I was proud to take home the day’s trophy, even prouder to step out of my comfort zone and grow as a communicator.
Lessons & Growth
Shifting My Mindset. One of the biggest challenges I have faced during this internship has been shifting my mindset. Coming from a background where I was used to following direction, it took some adjustment to step into a role where I needed to manage my own calendar, take initiative, and solve problems independently. Through that challenge I have grown, both professionally and personally.
Technical Writing. Another area of growth has been technical writing. Learning how to document bug reports, create workflows, and communicate clearly with users has pushed me outside my comfort zone. With the guidance of my mentor and support from my team, I have started to develop more confidence in how I express technical information.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome. There have also been moments where I struggled with imposter syndrome. Being one of the older interns, it is easy to feel like everyone around me is naturally more advanced, more technical, or has been doing this longer. I sometimes caught myself questioning whether I belonged in the room. But then I remind myself of how far I have come. This blog post by Lupe Perez at Esri is a great resource for overcoming Imposter Syndrome and encouraging you to own your wins!
In 2023, I made a life-changing decision to leave my long-term job, move back to my hometown, and return to school with a clear goal: to start a new career in tech. That decision was not easy, but it came from a place of determination and a desire to build a better future. I carry with me the lessons, ambition, and resilience that I gained from my earlier experience. That same grit is what drives me to succeed now.
I may be newer to this industry, but I know I bring something valuable to the table. I am here to grow, to contribute, and to stand out, not by being the most experienced, but by being the most driven. This internship is a steppingstone toward something greater, and I am committed to making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
Reflecting on the Esri User Conference
I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Esri User Conference 2025 in San Diego, and it was truly a highlight of my internship. It was a privilege to connect with thousands of GIS enthusiasts and witness firsthand the groundbreaking technologies powered by GIS.
A major takeaway was the benefit of networking; meeting fellow Esri colleagues was most insightful. I had several engaging conversations, especially regarding ArcGIS Enterprise, which provided me with invaluable knowledge that was relevant to my personal presentation. They were incredibly generous, sharing their experiences and deep knowledge of ArcGIS products.
Given my background and major in cybersecurity, I was also incredibly grateful for the chance to speak with The Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT). Their insights into their responsibilities and the essential skills I should focus on developing after my internship were truly eye-opening, and I deeply appreciate the time they dedicated to me. I also enjoyed spending time with the Technical Support crew, observing their commitment to providing excellent service and helping customers troubleshoot complex issues, and my time at the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) booth was fantastic, fostering great conversations and connections.
This internship at Esri has undoubtedly been the most impactful experience of my academic and professional journey. I have not only enjoyed every moment of learning and contributing but have also discovered a profound alignment with Esri's mission and culture. I am genuinely enthusiastic about the work here, and I would be absolutely thrilled to continue my career working with Esri full-time.
A Note of Gratitude
Being halfway through this internship, I can genuinely say this has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. I am thankful to everyone who has welcomed me, mentored me, and challenged me to grow.
I hope to continue my journey at Esri full-time after graduation, ideally in a role that allows me to combine my cybersecurity background with the power of GIS. I have been actively networking with managers, mentors, and colleagues across departments to better understand how I can contribute long-term.
This experience has been more than just an internship, it has been a meaningful chapter in my life. Thank you to the entire Esri Community for investing in us and creating a space where curiosity, education, and passion truly thrive. As I embark on the second half of this incredible internship, I can't wait to share more about the rest of my internship journey. Stay tuned for more updates!