Garrison mentor program begins
Story by: Calun Reece
1ST INF. DIV. POST
Garrison employees looking for a way to enhance their careers may now have the opportunity to do so through a local mentorship program.
The Garrison Mentorship Program has begun, and program officials are looking for mentees to participate in the initiative, as well as mentors.
The idea for the program originated when the Employee Satisfaction Improvement Team, or ESIT, discovered a need for a mentorship program for Department of the Army civilians in grades GS-5 through GS-9.
The program is tailored to these grade levels, but anyone can participate and be mentored, said Jim Hill, chairperson, ESIT.
"The Installation Management Command has a mentorship for the much higher grades, like (GS)-12's and (GS)-13's, but nothing for middle grades, so we thought we'd put that together," Hill said.
Mentorship is needed to assist employees with career advancements in the federal system, he said.
Mentees will be paired up with experienced or senior-level employees. The partnership is a six-month commitment, but it can be extended.
The mission for ESIT is to try to improve morale and make Fort Riley's garrison the best place to work, Hill said, adding the program is one way to achieve this.
Participants can broaden their experience and education, receive personal feedback and have greater insight through this program, Hill said.
"Personally, if I had a mentor that was very experienced, (then) maybe I could move up, too," he said. "(I would) try to take advice from my mentor and try to move up through the ranks."
A lot of people may have a goal to move up as high as they can before retiring, Hill said.
"I work for (the Directorate of) Public Works," he said. "A lot of people are retiring, so these junior grades can, when they are mentored properly, move into those vacant positions when those people higher up retire."
It's kind of a succession plan, too, Hill said.
"I think it's going to be a good program," he said.
For more information or to register for the program, contact Hill at 785-239-0446 or email james.hill8@us.army.mil.