BREMERTON, Wash. –
Command University and the Command Career Center conducted two joint “pop-up” outreach events at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, April 9.
Representatives from each organization staffed a table with information about the services they provide, in two locations at the shipyard, for interested employees.
“This is a great way to connect with our customers by meeting them where they are,” said David Tift, academic program manager, Command University.
The first pop-up event took place during lunch in Building 435. The second was conducted near Dry Dock 6, during the swing shift change, to give employees a chance to learn about other career resources available to them.
Tift acknowledged that it can sometimes be hard for employees interested in expanding their careers to leave the CIA and come to Command University, or to the Command Career Center at Olympic Lodge.
Both organizations hoped to increase awareness of their services and to spark interest in workers’ minds, by delivering the information inside the CIA.
During the event, employees took time to inquire about the After Hours and Tuition Assistance programs, the shipyard’s mentorship program and career coaching.
“I recently changed careers here and wanted to see what was available,” said Alyssa Noblezada, financial management analyst, Code 850, Accounting. “It’s always good to see what resources there are to help.”
The pop-up event was a way for others to plan for their future.
“I’ve been wanting to go back and get a degree,” said Cody Vandersluis, maintenance mechanic, Shop 06, Tooling and Maintenance. “This was good. I’m normally busy and don’t think to get out to check on things like this.”
Statements like these are one of the reasons events like the pop-ups take place.
“We are planning more events so swing and night shifts get the information,” said Heidi Anderson, lead career counselor, Command Career Center. “We make appointments to see anyone on any shift. We want to ensure employees recognize there are many command resources to support their careers and professional development.
Employees interested in scheduling an appointment with the Command Career Center should call 360-627- 6262 or visit the center’s SharePoint page. Employees interested in setting up an appointment with the Command University can call 360-689-8838 or email the program at PSNSAcademicprograms@us.navy.mil.