Last year, I read an article about the federal workforce and how a significant number of federal executives would be up for retirement over the next 5-7 years. After a little research, I learned that an astonishing 50% of the federal workforce would be up for retirement over the next 5 years and that agencies are struggling to attract new talent. While taking in this information, the first thing that crossed my mind was that as agencies begin to fill those jobs there will be a need to get the new hires ramped up. So, I started to think about what resources and information the new hires may need to be successful in their new roles- and the idea for FedMentors was born.
I have learned about the importance of having good mentors first hand, having benefited from the guidance and advice of several smart and caring mentors that have helped guide my career path over the years. I thought it would be great if we could help the new federal workforce by creating a platform for today’s leaders to share career best practices and management advice and tips with the next generation of leaders. As we began putting this project in motion, I was both touched and excited by the overwhelming support we received when reaching out to the first 30 FedMentors.
FedMentors is FedScoop’s way of giving back to our community. We will be featuring a “FedMentor of the Week” on FedMentors.com. We are also encouraging agencies to engage in a “National FedMentors Day,” on Friday, April 22, for the federal government community to celebrate and connect with one another on career and leadership related issues. FedScoop will conclude 2011 with an awards ceremony celebrating the best FedMentors in late November. If there is someone you would like to nominate as a FedMentor, please email me at goldy.kamali@fedscoop.com; I’d like to hear from you!
Check out the video to learn more about FedMentors and why it is so important for our community.
