Happy New Year!

Potential resolution for 2013—find a mentor! This was the 2012 resolution for a friend of mine and it gave her the learning experience and connections she needed to move her career forward. NCMA has the Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMLDP), but because relevant work experience is one of the eligibility requirements, you should consider establishing your own mentorship in the interim. As a mentee, you will certainly learn from your mentor, but you should also leverage this relationship by asking your mentor to introduce you to people in his or her network. The connections you make through this mentorship will help you build your professional network and the knowledge you receive will be an asset to your career. 

Correen Dingle
Marketing Specialist
cdingle@ncmahq.org

What Does a Contract Professional Do?

My Top Government Contract Career Advice—Get Your Certifications!

Here’s a good overview from NCMA member Sterling Whitehead on the role of contracting professionals. He touches on the tasks performed as well as the competencies needed to complete these tasks.

The interview went well and now it’s time to talk salary, what do you do? Don’t lose out! This article provides the basic “no-no’s” that you need to pay attention to.       

This quick-read by NCMA-certified member Kevin Drummond provides you with a member’s perspective on why you should get certified. Drummond also discusses the path he took toward earning all three NCMA certifications.  

 

You are in the early stages of your career, so it is even more important for you to take advantage of all the professional development opportunities available to you. You also want to make yourself known. So please get out and meet, network, and get to know the people that can help guide you. The following are just a few upcoming events. Contact your local chapter and view NCMA’s online calendar for additional events. February 20: George Mason University Career Fair - Fairfax, VA* February 21: George Mason University Career Fair - Fairfax, VA* February 28: GovLoop’s Virtual Career Fair - Online *NCMA HQ will have a table at this event. Stop by and see us!