Working at Nava

Nava launched our first state-registered apprenticeship program with the State of Maryland’s Department of Labor earlier this year. For the past six months, the cohort of four software engineers have been embedded on engineering teams across the company, working on government service projects and learning industry skills that will help prepare them for long-term careers. 

Nava is proud to support early-career professionals with mentors and resources that will benefit the greater civic technology community. We asked our four apprentices to share about their experiences and learnings so far.

What project have you worked on at Nava?

Amna Tasneem: Minnesota Paid Leave

Hasnan Khan: Maryland FAMLI

Jeremy Clark: Maryland FAMLI

Lee Mobley: Minnesota Paid Leave

What’s been the best part of your apprenticeship so far?

Amna: It’s getting to contribute to projects that have a real impact on people’s lives while learning from such an experienced and supportive team.

Hasnan: Working with my teammates.

Jeremy: A steady job, a great team, and lots of opportunity to grow and learn!

Lee: The hands-on work with my project team.

What are you most proud of so far? 

Amna: I’m most proud of becoming more comfortable tackling unfamiliar problems. At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I relied heavily on the guidance my mentor provided as a resource, but now I feel more confident investigating issues, understanding the codebase, and contributing solutions. 

Hasnan: My contributions to translation work.

Jeremy: That I am a small cog in the machine that’s turning to make a difference in Maryland. Our work will improve the lives of thousands of people.

Lee: I am most proud of seeing things that I have worked on go into production and impact real users.

What’s something you’ve learned about the civic technology industry, or understand better now, since working at Nava?

Amna: Before joining Nava, I knew civic technology was about improving government services, but I didn’t understand how much collaboration and thoughtful design goes into building those systems. I’ve gained a different perspective on what it means to be an engineer and the impact software can have beyond the technology itself.

Hasnan: I’ve learned that the best technology means nothing if it’s too complicated for the people who need it. Real civic tech isn’t about flashy software; it’s about making critical benefits accessible and easy to use for everyone.

Jeremy: I’ve learned just how fickle government contracts can be and interesting ways to address it.

Lee: I’m pleasantly surprised and refreshed at how much the people at Nava seem to really care about what they’re doing. It seems like everyone really believes in their work and that it is meaningful for public good.