John Sutton, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vencore’s Civilian and Defense Group, served as keynote speaker for the WashingtonExec Millennial Leadership Development Council’s kickoff meeting on the topics of career development and how high potentials can best stand out among their peers.
Sutton advised the group to engage with associations that are affiliated with the company’s customer accounts. Joining such organizations will set individuals apart from peers in similar fields. Having structured involvement with outside organizations shows an employee’s willingness to go the extra mile and it junior employees opportunities to indirectly market themselves. When approaching an employer to discuss the possibility of joining such an organization, it is good practice to compile a business case that explains the cost, return, and why the organization should join.
Additionally, Sutton highlighted the importance of young professionals to mentor entry level or seasonal employees, in doing so these individuals become better protégés to their respective mentors. Along with this self-reflection through mentoring a junior employee, young professionals who take initiative in mentoring their staff and peers is one way to be identified a high potential by senior management.
The WashingtonExec Millennial Leadership Development Council, Chaired by Andrea Wright of AMERICAN SYSTEMS, is exclusively for young professionals/millennials (ages 22-37) in the Washington, D.C. area who work in the government contracting industry. The Council provides the industry’s future leaders a unique perspective of all aspects of the govcon business, including contracts, finance, marketing and business development. Whether in sales, operations, business development, program management, marketing or finance, participation from companies of all sizes and expertise is encouraged.
