Ernesto Casado, a retired U.S. Navy Chief, recently transitioned to a civilian career at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge internship program. Casado’s military service included working with international teams during peacekeeping missions, which he credits for shaping his leadership and adaptability skills.
As he prepared to leave the military, Casado participated in a transition seminar where he learned about DoD SkillBridge. With guidance from mentor Wendy Green and Chief of Staff Carolyn Johnson, Casado connected with Jeffrey Jack, CBP’s national Veterans Employment Program Manager (VEPM). Jack provided support as Casado explored how his experience could contribute to CBP’s mission.
During his internship with CBP’s Office of Accountability, Casado gained practical experience by shadowing staff, contributing to projects, conducting research, and attending training sessions. This exposure gave him insight into agency operations and helped prepare him for a permanent position.
Casado noted that participating in DoD SkillBridge allowed him to demonstrate his abilities directly to CBP over several months instead of competing with hundreds of applicants through traditional federal hiring channels. “A DoD SkillBridge internship...is like a prolonged ‘elevator pitch’ to an employer and, instead of getting only an elevator ride to prove your worth to an employer, you get the chance to demonstrate your work ethic and skillset over months in an office setting within CBP,” Casado said.
Now employed as a Management and Program Analyst at CBP, Casado encourages other service members nearing separation from the military to consider DoD SkillBridge as part of their transition process. He shared his personal motto: “Non desistas, non exieris—Never give up. Never surrender.”
CBP states it is committed to supporting veterans as they continue their service in new roles protecting the nation.
Transitioning service members interested in similar opportunities can contact Jeffrey Jack at Jeffrey.R.Jack@cbp.dhs.gov for information about DoD SkillBridge internships at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization and unified border management agency with more than 65,000 employees who work on land, air, and sea enforcing travel and trade laws while enhancing national security.
