JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- More than 200 employees from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, or NAWCAD, Lakehurst learned about the various branches and departments across the organization as well as opportunities for job rotations at the second annual NAV(F)AIR May 10.
Hosted by the NAWCAD Lakehurst Professional Development Group, or PDG, NAV(F)AIR was created last year to provide an opportunity for engineering interns to learn about the divisions and branches within the Support Equipment and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Department. It was modeled off of a career fair-like set up but with an internal focus.
“It’s to help developmental employees with rotations and to help all new hires really get a feel for what NAVAIR [Naval Air Systems Command] is, what we do at Lakehurst, and how their competency fits into all of the rest of NAVAIR,” said Cathryn Lankert, PDG chair.
This year PDG opened NAV(F)AIR to all NAWCAD Lakehurst competencies and encouraged all employees, not just new hires, to attend to learn more about the organization, said Connor Hagerty, PDG deputy chair.
Participation included more than 30 booths from Research and Engineering, Program Management, Logistics and supporting competencies such as Information Technology/ Cybersecurity. There were also booths representing NAVAIR’s Diversity Advisory Teams and Leadership Development Programs.
“I think it’s important that the young folks, or the interns coming through, are well aware of the opportunities that are out there for them,” said Danielle Baldwin, Aircraft Servicing Branch head who had a booth at the event. “It’s also good just for some of the folks that have been here for several years, for them to meet some of their coworkers and for them to also get a better idea of what we do, the different parts of the organization and what’s going on in different competencies.”
Attendees could visit the booths at their own pace and have the opportunity to talk with department representatives about their mission and opportunities.
"NAV(F)AIR was an excellent opportunity to meet fellow coworkers while learning about different competencies that embody the core of NAVAIR,” said Lauren Rowek, a Logistics employee. “As a participant, I was enthusiastic to learn about the modern technology and innovations that currently support the Fleet, and was introduced to new organizational committees that are offered for all NAVAIR employees."
Management also found benefit in NAV(F)AIR, commenting on the opportunity to promote their departments and network with new employees.
“It’s a great opportunity for the management at Lakehurst to see what potential candidates there might be that are looking for different opportunities,” said Dave Inferrera with Program Management.
Supporting information was offered at the booths via videos, technology displays and brochures, allowing employees to review the information after the event.
“As a new employee fresh out of college and still getting accumulated to the work life, I believe the event opened my eyes to the bigger picture of NAVAIR's impact on the Warfighters and will help me land a rotation to enhance both my skills and contribution to the cause,” said Ibrahim Kargbo, an Acquisition Intern Program employee.
The PDG hopes to expand NAV(F)AIR next year to include more departments and branches in order to truly represent all NAWCAD Lakehurst has to offer, said Lankert.