From Intern to Impact: Peter’s Career Path at GovCIO

Meet Peter
ServiceNow Developer
Peter Schwarzkopf began his journey at GovCIO as an intern, first supporting Mobile Device Management and later gaining broader experience as a Technical Intern. With curiosity, initiative, and a passion for technology, Peter embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.
His hard work paid off—after two successful internships, Peter transitioned into a full-time role as a ServiceNow Developer. Armed with hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the ServiceNow platform, he earned his ServiceNow Certified System Administrator certification and immediately began contributing to high-impact projects, including building a customer portal from scratch.
Peter is known for his adaptability and team-first mindset. He credits his success to the supportive culture at GovCIO, where he says “your work is meaningful and your growth is supported every step of the way.”
His journey is a testament to the power of entry-level opportunities and the pathways GovCIO creates for emerging talent.
Q: What first attracted you to intern with GovCIO?
A: From the moment I learned about GovCIO, I was drawn to the unique blend of professional growth, collaborative spirit, and strong sense of purpose that GovCIO embodies. It offered everything I was looking for in terms of meaningful hands-on experience, a welcoming and dynamic community, and a culture deeply rooted in teamwork and innovation.
Q: What was the most valuable thing you learned during your internship?
A: One of the most valuable takeaways from my internship was gaining hands-on experience with ServiceNow from both an administrator and developer perspective. This dual insight deepened my technical understanding and equipped me with practical skills I can carry forward in my career. Just as importantly, I became familiar with navigating the professional landscape of a corporate environment. I learned how to collaborate effectively, adapt to new workflows, and contribute meaningfully to a team.
Q: What inspired you to return to GovCIO full-time, and how did your internship prepare you for the role?
A: I genuinely enjoyed the work I was doing with ServiceNow during my internship and felt supported and engaged as part of the team. That experience made me want to continue building my skills with the platform and grow within an environment that valued my contributions. My internship gave me a strong foundation in ServiceNow administration, which helped me earn my ServiceNow Certified System Administrator Certification and prepared me well for the responsibilities I now take on in my full-time role.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at GovCIO?
A: My favorite part about working at GovCIO is connecting with my team beyond just day-to-day tasks. Whether we’re catching on what’s going on in our lives or collaborating on a project, that sense of camaraderie has made our team stronger and made work more enjoyable.
Q: Why is GovCIO a great place to start your career and grow professionally?
A: GovCIO is a place where your work feels meaningful, and your contributions are genuinely valued. From the beginning, you’re encouraged to grow through mentorship, hands-on experience, and collaboration. It’s a great environment to build your confidence, expand your skill set, and take on new challenges.
Q: What’s one project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
A: I’m especially proud of building a customer portal from the ground up for one of my clients. It was a challenging project that required careful planning, development, and testing, but the result is a system that meets their needs and runs smoothly. Seeing it come together and knowing it makes their day-to-day easier has been really rewarding.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting their first job out of college?
A: Take the time to connect with the people around you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone starts somewhere, and curiosity is strength, not weakness. There will be challenges, but don’t give upp,- you have something valuable to offer. Be confident in your abilities and make sure others see that too.
Q: What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting your career?
A: That it’s always better to speak up when you’re unsure. Trying to figure everything out on your own can waste time and cause unnecessary stress. Most people are more than willing to help, and no one expects you to know it all right away. Asking questions shows initiative, not weakness.

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