Several years ago I trained four interns on my team ... and to see how much they have grown and learned makes my work worthwhile.


What one skill or ability is most important in doing your job effectively?


Communication: We need to be sure everyone understands the same thing so we are all successful in what we do.


How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Work- force, and why?


I had worked for several years in the supply field, receiving and cataloging equipment, and I wanted something more challeng- ing. I entered the Army Acquisition Workforce as a procurement clerk, handling typing and mail tasks. After typing several jus- tifications and approvals, business clearance memorandums and statements of work and reading what we were doing, I wanted to learn how to prepare packages, so I continued with my educa- tion and moved up the ranks.


When you first started, did you anticipate you’d still be here 30 years later?


Not at all. When I started working in contracting in 1989, I was very interested in staying in the field. But we had a reduction in force in 1993, and I was sent back to supply for three years. During those three years, I applied for work in the contracting field and eventually returned, so I learned early that anything can happen.


What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?


Watching new employees learning and understanding what we do. Several years ago I trained four interns on my team and then they were eventually assigned to other units. Today, they


are junior specialists, issuing RFPs [requests for proposals] for substantial amounts, and to see how much they have grown and learned makes my work worthwhile.


If you could break the rules or make the rules, what would you change or do?


I would try to streamline procedures and “lock” procedures for six months or a predetermined time so that no changes could be implemented. Te constant changes in procedure are the most challenging aspect of my work.


Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you? Have you been a mentor?


Shirley Kelly [former branch chief for the Services Division at ACC-APG] and Kathy Bankerd [current branch chief at ACC- APG] were my mentors. Tey taught me not to accept “no” until I have exhausted all resources. Troughout my career, they both continuously challenged me, and each subsequent assignment was more difficult—and more rewarding when the effort was complete. I have mentored the specialists on my team, challeng- ing them to move to the next level and teaching them what I have learned over the years.


What advice would you give to someone who aspires to a career similar to yours?


Work hard, and be open to continuously learning something new.


—MS. SUSAN L. FOLLETT ASC.ARMY.MIL 107


CONTRACTING


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