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ATEC HQ G1 offers a Rutgers Mini-MBA Program to invest in workforce development

By ATEC Human Resources DirectorateJune 2, 2021

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Within the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command’s (ATEC) Next Campaign Plan, ATEC’s Human Resources (HR) Directorate (G1) continues to evolve LOE 1, designed to ‘Recruit, Develop, and Retain a Skilled, Innovative and Adaptive Workforce.’

Recently, 13 Acquisition Workforce Members from across the ATEC command graduated from the virtual Rutgers Mini-Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Program for Engineers and Technology Managers. The pilot program, initiated by the Acquisition Readiness and Development Branch (ARDB) in coordination with the Rutgers Business Development Manager, focused on highly specialized curriculum by combining real-world business concepts and engineering best practices. The program funded by the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account, integrated cross-discipline leadership and engineering concepts to help participants master skills to contribute to multifunctional teams.

The virtual program was a 15-week or less combination of expert-led instruction and peer interaction provided on a self-paced on-demand platform from Jan. 11 to Apr. 5. During that time, participants learned how to align technical outcomes with broader organizational goals, balance technological experience with business management to enhance multidisciplinary leadership, and couple traditional expertise with multi-disciplined perspectives.

According to the ARDB Chief, Lori Rhoades, the fiscal year 22 future cohort opportunities may become available pending the funding. “Keep your eyes open for fiscal year 22 announcements from the G1 mailbox (usarmy.apg.atec.mbx.g1 distribution@mail.mil) on the application process.”

All graduates came with varied backgrounds in areas such as Biomechanics, Electronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research, and Physics that added to the program’s success. Congratulations to all the graduates of the 2021 Rutgers Mini-MBA Program.

Here is what the graduates had to say about the program!

U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center:

John “Jake” Christopher, biomechanical engineer with the Warfighter Directorate – “Enriching professional development experience that greatly expanded my business knowledge.”

Daniel Torrecampo, mechanical engineer with the Warfighter Directorate – “Improved my managerial skills in the engineering field.”

U.S. Army Evaluation Center:

LaShonda Carroll, test engineer with the Ballistic Missile Defense Evaluation Directorate – “Excellent program that provides you with an exceptional business experience!”

Patrick Wilson, operations research analyst with the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Evaluation Directorate – “The course work motivated me to learn and know more about the fundamentals of business management skills.”

U.S. Army Operational Test Command:

Kutessa Garnett, operations research systems analyst with the Aviation Test Directorate – “The class was engaging and efficient.”

U.S. Army Redstone Test Center:

Robert Fratangelo, account manager with the Test Program Integration Directorate – “An invigorating drink from the business firehose provided by industry experts!”

Charles “Chuck” Freeman, test director with the Environmental & Component Test Directorate “Excellent program that has vastly increased my business acumen.”

West Desert Test Center:

Eric Schmidt, environmental specialist/general engineer with the Operations Directorate – “A perfect summation of a two year MBA in 12 weeks.”

White Sands Test Center:

Richard Martinez, test officer with the Materiel Test Directorate – “Awesome class! Can’t wait to continue with the mini-MBA program!”

Carlos Rodriguez, electronics engineer with the Range Operations Directorate – “Amazing in depth MBA program that furthered my business skills.”

Frank Sage, director with the Survivability, Vulnerability and Assessment Directorate – “Private industry’s core mission focus is a great approach to improving our Test and Evaluation mission.”

Yuma Test Center:

Jered Ford, chief with the Artillery and Mines Branch in the Ground Combat Systems Directorate – “Enjoyable concise program which provided useful knowledge from a business perspective."

Jose Luis Rodriguez, electronics engineer with the Air Combat Systems Directorate – “Excellent learning setting filled with great advice accompanied by real-world anecdotes!”