PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Engineer, Allison Price, recently spoke at the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) High Velocity Learning Summit about her experiences in the Next Generation (NextGen) Leadership Development Program to encourage employees to consider applying for this year’s program.
“The NextGen Program is a portion of the NAVSEA Leadership continuum catered towards new professionals,” said Price. “The one-year program focuses on leadership development with a blended course approach of classroom and online courses, experiential learning, and individual development opportunities.”
This competitive one-year program seeks to enroll high performing journey level GS-7s through 11s, or Demonstration Administrative (DEMO) equivalent, employees from across the NAVSEA Enterprise and provide them with opportunities to develop and strengthen their leadership skills.
After listening in on the enterprise-wide information session, as well as the information session hosted locally by the NSWC PCD workforce development office, Price knew she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to grow professionally.
“While it is very easy to find technical developmental opportunities, I have found it sometimes difficult to develop your leadership skills or other soft skills,” said Price. “I have always been a planner, so I knew I wanted the chance to grow in those aspects before taking on greater responsibilities with my projects.”
Price said she spends about 15 percent of her time on NextGen work but the rewards far outweigh the costs.
“I have seen drastic improvement in my communication skills with both small and large groups. I have also learned to be more adaptable, with deadlines, tasking, and other people’s communication styles,” said Price. “I was fortunate to be my group’s team lead, so I have been able to immediately put into practice some of the different leadership styles and tips with my group members. I highly recommend this program.”
If you are interested in learning more about the NextGen Leadership Development Program, consider attending an Information Session Friday, June 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Building 110, room 3B8