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NAVAIR Lakehurst holds speedy-mentorship workshop

  • Published
  • By Tom Worsdale
  • Naval Air Systems Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Naval Air Systems Command Lakehurst and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Women's Advisory Group held a speed-mentoring workshop for newly hired engineers, logisticians and contract specialists who were just starting their careers with the federal government Oct. 22, 2013, here.

The concept of speed mentoring allows an employee the opportunity to sit face-to-face with numerous senior managers from throughout the organization for a few minutes to discuss anything and everything pertaining to their jobs and careers. They ask question, receive advice and the next manager in line offers another perspective.

Sixteen mentors, including Kathleen Donnelly, Support Equipment and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment senior executive service director, spent the afternoon of Oct. 22 with a large group of new and old employees who were mentees under the coordination of Robin McDermitt, WAG team member.

Questions varied from, "How do I balance my career and home life?" and "What do I need to do to progress in my career field?" to "What does the future look like for DoD employees?" Mentors gave frank answers and personal advice from their years of experience before a mentee progressed to the next mentor for advice.

"The event was very well received by the mentors and mentees," said McDermitt. "It allowed for a personal connection that might not normally occur in the day-to-day workplace. Mentees got to meet with leaders from other divisions and received frank advice and guidance on what to expect from a civilian career with the Navy."

At the conclusion of the event, McDermitt encouraged the mentees to go to the NAVAIR mentoring website tool to search for a career mentor who could help guide them regularly as their career takes shape.