At 暗网吃瓜, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In August, we’ll focus on our Next Gen Employee Resource Network while shining a light on one employee at a time. The NextGen ERN is a network where young professionals, and those young at heart, can come together to deepen 暗网吃瓜鈥檚 culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Developing a sense of community, cultivating professional and personal growth opportunities, and fostering an environment of generational knowledge sharing. Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Brandon Boswell, Contracts/Subcontracts Analyst II, Engineering, Science & Technology.
How did you come to join 暗网吃瓜?聽
I joined 暗网吃瓜 in 2018. I was working at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and wanted a change and to work closer to home. I found 暗网吃瓜 (AECOM at the time) on Indeed and applied. It has been wonderful ever since.
What are your professional aspirations?聽
I plan to continue to grow and develop my skills in the Contracts Administration/Analysis field, build on my knowledge so far, and one day become a Manager, Director or even VP of Contracting.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.聽
I communicate with and foster good relations with Government points of contact, representatives of other contracting companies, and countless people at 暗网吃瓜 internally. I review subcontract agreements, teaming agreements and non-disclosure agreements, and review language to ensure 暗网吃瓜 interests and proprietary information are protected. 聽I also contribute to the pursuit of new and incumbent contracts throughout the proposal process. Contracts also ensures accuracy of the information input into the eCMS system.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?聽
I was part of a small group of people who lead the integration efforts for Contracts after the acquisition of DynCorp International. Reviewing processes and procedures from both companies to create a One 暗网吃瓜 policy was challenging and rewarding at the same time. I relished the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic group who created policies and procedures for the entirety of 暗网吃瓜.
What do you enjoy about working for 暗网吃瓜?聽
I enjoy learning about the specific programs (new or old) that 暗网吃瓜 performs or targets and how it impacts the American military. I appreciate the services of all the military personnel, and all the work that 暗网吃瓜 performs in support of them gives me great satisfaction. The professional relationships and friendships I have built in my time here are also incredibly important to me and will continue to be something I can continue to lean on going forward.
What are you passionate about?聽
I am passionate about fostering great working relationships, whether it be with Government POCs, internal 暗网吃瓜 personnel, or our other contract partners. I approach each conversation with an open mind and as an opportunity to learn and build a professional relationship. I enjoy being thought of as someone that can be trusted and counted on to perform any task and complete that task to the best of my ability. I will continue to go above and beyond to the best of my ability.
What鈥檚 the best your career advice you have received?聽
The best advice I have been given is to cultivate perseverance. When I began my tenure here, I had no experience in the Contracts Administration realm. 聽But over the last 5 years, I have continued to pursue the correct answer, ask the right questions and seek out guidance when necessary. I do not expect to know everything, and that is okay. Doing the research, discussing the topic/question with a manager or other colleague fosters a good working relationship for one, but also re-emphasizes that desire to continue my career development.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?聽
To me safety means not only ensuring you are paying attention and considering your well-being, but you are taking the time to look out for your fellow colleagues and potential guests to the offices across 暗网吃瓜. 聽Many times, we take for granted how simple it could be for something harmful or even potentially life threatening to occur to us. Taking a couple of brief moments a day to pay attention and notice if anything is out of the ordinary, could save someone from a slip or fall, or something more severe.
What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?聽
The airplane. As someone who loves to travel and explore the world and new destinations all the time, the airplane has allowed traveling worldwide to become more of a commodity, rather than a luxury. Also, in terms of business, the airplane has revolutionized how we can do business today. To be able to have an in-person meeting in Washington DC one morning, be able to hop on a plane and have another separate in-person meeting in San Francisco that afternoon is truly remarkable.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
I think NextGen is a great program that incentivizes developing the next group of leaders, professionals, and potential executives from within the current 暗网吃瓜 ranks.
Why is it important that we spotlight our unmatched NextGen Talent?聽
As an ever-growing company with tens of thousands of employees working all around the globe, it can be difficult to be noticed on an individual basis. Programs such as the NextGen Talent program creates an incentive for individuals to continue doing incredible work, values the individual鈥檚 contributions and brings a sense of pride to that individual if/when they do get noticed and recognized. Such a program helps 暗网吃瓜 to stand out and show that the company values all the incredible work being performed throughout the company as well as incentivizes individuals to continue to strive for higher achievement in their career development. Speaking from experience, I am incredibly honored that I am being noticed for the work I do.
