CAREER VOICES C
complex engineering and technology problems. He’s been a professor and a researcher, and he currently serves as Director, Engineering & Technology, Cyber Solutions for Lockheed Martin Corp. He’s also BEYA’s 2018 career achievement industry winner.
The advice he gives students and young professionals who are seeking success in their own career paths is simple and straightforward:
Be yourself. Let your personality and interests
show through at job fairs and during interviews. Explain what you want to do, and never say, “I’ll do anything.” You should express what you’re passionate about and provide some idea of the direction in which you want
to head. Share your ideas and aspirations. Let people know what you
aspire to do. “Don’t keep it a secret,” said Johnson-Bey. “Then people can help you.” Learn to listen well. Do your job.
Johnson-Bey also emphasizes the importance of pursuing
work and a career that one loves. Johnson-Bey said workplaces are becoming more
accepting of the diverse characteristics of its workforce. He said that personal choices, such as wearing dreadlocks, are no longer taboo in many places of employment, and individuals should feel comfortable showing who they are on the job. “If you want the talent, you have to attract the talent and
keep the talent,” said Johnson-Bey. He also advises those seeking their first jobs to have some idea of what they want to do and to never say, “I’ll do anything,” to a recruiter. It’s crucial that individuals talking to human resource personnel express what they are passionate about.
At 51, Johnson-Bey has already had a wealth of
experiences. He earned his doctorate in electrical engineering, worked at Motorola research labs and Corning’s Research and Development Center, and is in a 14-year tenure at Lockheed Martin. He also cautions against getting “caught up in other’s mess” on the job.
for leadership, management, and integration of Air Force civil engineering, force protection, logistics readiness, supply, transportation, and aircraft and missile maintenance. He is also responsible for setting policy and preparing budget estimates.
T Bridges, who was active-
duty military for 17 years before retiring at the rank of colonel, is now a member of the Senior Executive Service. Bridges said mastering
communication is key to having a successful career.
“Learn to communicate, not
just text,” said Bridges, adding that being able to express oneself and convey
ideas is vitally important. This applies to written and spoken communication. Those who need to enhance their speaking skills should consider organizations such as Toastmasters, he said.
It’s also important to learn to interact with other people
and to build relationships. “People are often reluctant to interact,” said Bridges. “You have to invest in relationships.”
“Some of the most important decisions made are based
on personal relationships—who you know, do they trust you…” Bridges said. One’s personal credibility also shouldn’t be underestimated. “You have to have a set of values you follow, your own
personal code, sense of morality, and ethics. People need to see that in you,” said Bridges. He advises young professionals to also focus on those
things they can control as well as take care of oneself and stay in shape.
Bridges suggests that traits he looks for in employees and
supervisors can provide insight to those in the early stages of their careers: • Innovative thinking • Expert knowledge • Loyal to mission • Determined to make a difference • Self-motivated • Confident and committed • Embraces challenges • Problem solver • Accepts responsibility when things go wrong S
18 USBE&IT | CONFERENCE ISSUE 2018
www.blackengineer.com
by Gale Horton-Gay
editors@ccgmag.com
BEYA WINNERS’ ADVICE FOR LAUNCHING AND ADVANCING ONE’S CAREER harles Johnson-Bey has spent his career solving
imothy K. Bridges is Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics, Engineering & Force Protection for the U.S. Air Force. Bridges is responsible to the chief of staff
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