Courtesy Photo | PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 24, 2018) - Civilian employees of Naval Supply Systems Command...... read more read more
Story by NAVSUP WSS Office of Corporate Communications
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Jan. 30, 2018) -Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) hosted its first Open House Mentor Events in Philadelphia, Jan. 24, in Mechanicsburg, Jan. 25, and in Norfolk, Jan. 30.
The events provided an opportunity for NAVSUP WSS's mostly civilian workforce to network and interact while learning about a program where the command's most valuable asset - its people - could feel a sense of purpose of how they impact the entire supply chain, their customers and the Navy at large.
NAVSUP WSS created a mentor pilot program in 2016 and saw a full year of successful performance in 2017.
"I was a Mentee during the Pilot Mentoring Program and I am thankful for individuals who shared some of their time to help guide me though this journey," said Nathalie Jackson, supply specialist for the Surface and Electronics Operations Directorate of NAVSUP WSS. "I rediscovered myself through this experience; I pushed myself harder and am constantly stepping out of my comfort zone."
After a brief icebreaker, mentor program coordinators gave an update on the program and had mentors/mentees share their stories to the attendees.
"As far as this program goes, I'm a big advocate for it," said Buster Jones, director of Price Fighters, NAVSUP WSS in Norfolk. "You can gain a lot of insight and a lot of advice. The goal shouldn't be necessarily, 'I want to get promoted,' although, that could be part of it. Make it 'how can I develop myself, and how can I grow personally and professionally?' I think that will really make your quality of work life improve."
The NAVSUP WSS mentor program is part of the NAVSUP Headquarters' Voluntary Civilian Mentoring program, and it is available to all civilian employees and supervisors of any grade level. It links employees with experienced professionals to help guide their career development, enrich their personal and professional growth and make a significant contribution to develop, maintain and retain a professional workforce.
"This is a great opportunity to see how you fit in and how you have a direct impact on what we do as an organization," said Lynn Kohl, vice commander of NAVSUP WSS, addressing a group of more than 30 at the Mechanicsburg mentor event. "These mentoring events are a way for you to open the aperture, see a sense of purpose in what you do and have something to look forward to in your careers."
Sonny Phillip, a Philadelphia mentee during the 2017 cycle, reflected on his 10-year career at NAVSUP WSS and the valuable experience he received through the mentor program.
"I was really happy with my mentor and with the program," said Phillip, who was among close to 50 people who attended the Philadelphia event. "My mentor and I talked about a lot of things that I was able to translate into practice in my daily job, like what to expect at the next level, how to organize projects better, leadership style, interview techniques, how to identify data trends and workload prioritization."
"The discovery of oneself through another person helps us on the journey to having a successful career," said Jackson. "With the change and growth of the Navy, it is only natural that one would constantly upgrade and enhance their knowledge. Upgrading professional knowledge and gaining new experiences added richness and growth to my career. I took on new perspectives, and I am thankful for this opportunity."
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 01.30.2018 16:29 |
| Story ID: | 263984 |
| Location: | MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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