AMC commander meets with interns to grow the future force

By AMC Public AffairsSeptember 30, 2014

AMC commander meets with interns
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Materiel Command's most senior leader met with a group of the most junior employees of the organization, Sep. 26 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Gen. Dennis L. Via, AMC commanding general, shared words of advice and answered questions d... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
AMC commander meets with interns
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Materiel Command's most senior leader met with a group of the most junior employees of the organization, Sep. 26 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Gen. Dennis L. Via, AMC commanding general, shared words of advice and answered questions d... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Materiel Command's most senior leader met with a group of the most junior employees of the organization, Sep. 26 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

Gen. Dennis L. Via, AMC commanding general, shared words of advice and answered questions during a brown bag lunch discussion with 11 interns from across AMC's subordinate commands, including Communications Electronics Command and Research, Development and Engineering Command.

Via echoed one main theme throughout the discussion: AMC's most important asset is its people.

"Every person is an important part of the organization," he said.

Via began the discussion with his personal story and background, and how he rose from humble beginnings to one of only a dozen active duty four-star generals. Sharing several life lessons, he told the interns, "You never know how you're going to end up."

Via gave the interns professional development advice, tips and techniques to progress and expand their careers.

"Become an expert in your field," Via said. "Work hard, and always seek broadening opportunities."

Via stressed the importance of networking and relationships, sharing the story of an AMC headquarters janitor who took advantage of networking while at work to build his application for Officer Candidate School. That janitor is now a U.S. Army Officer.

"You're always being interviewed," he said.

The importance of building a solid reputation cannot be understated, Via said.

"Your reputation precedes you," he explained. "You will get your first job based on your resume, but your second and third jobs will be based on your reputation."

Finally, Via encouraged the interns to get out of their comfort zones and take advantage of career opportunities.

"Seek out opportunities. Be your own career manager," said Via, promoting mobility -- both in location and across organizations.

The interns also asked questions and provided feedback to Via and Bill Marriott, deputy chief of staff for personnel, who attended. They asked about topics ranging from sequestration and furloughs to career paths and future prospects.

"The group was energetic and excited for the opportunity to talk with a senior leader," said Marriott. "They expressed their enthusiasm for the work they are doing in public service and the opportunities the Army has given them."

The luncheon sparked Via and Marriott to look for ways and opportunities to strengthen the intern program, Marriot said. AMC is exploring venues for interns to dialogue and collaborate. And while AMC only uses a handful of available Department of Defense internship programs, the command is considering a holistic intern program that covers all opportunities.

Via left the interns with one enduring principle. "The point of the spear for all we do at AMC is the Soldier," he said.

"Having the opportunity to meet General Via was incredibly insightful and inspiring," said Brittany Hampton, an AMC intern for CECOM's Office of the Chief Counsel. "Not only did he offer great advice to me and my fellow interns, he truly made me feel valued and appreciated as an Army civilian. Although we may not know where our Army careers will lead us, we work for the warfighter, a goal that unifies us throughout the Army, regardless of rank or uniform."

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