NORFOLK, Va. (September 20, 2023)—I recently had the opportunity to meet with Rick Dyksterhouse, Military Sealift Command’s new Training Program Manager, to discuss the professional development opportunities available for MSC Teammates. Many of you will remember Dyksterhouse from his recent time as MSC’s Command Master Chief. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation.
“Late in my active duty Navy career, when I began to work more closely with my civilian counterparts, I was frustrated by what seemed to be a lack of intentional professional development for our General Service (GS) civilian Shipmates,” Dyksterhouse stated. “As a Sailor, the Navy provided me a leadership class at every new paygrade, and I wanted the same for others. I can emphatically say that in my thirty-two years of Naval service, I have not encountered an organization that devotes so many resources to develop their workforce as MSC.”
What are MSC's current and near-future professional development opportunities?
Dyksterhouse-There are tremendous opportunities for all employees to improve themselves and the organization. Ashore, GS employees can gain extensive experience in different specialty areas of MSC through the Civilian Rotation Training Opportunity (CRTO) program. We are offering a new Supervisor Refresher Course (Supervisor 301) which will be piloted in the Fall and roll out in Dec. Additionally, there are opportunities for the MSC Team to earn professional certifications and utilize educational tuition assistance, and at more senior levels, post-graduate certificates options are available. Other programs are available for Civil Service Mariners (CIVMAR) and service members. Each program has its own requirements, and some may require continuing service agreements (obligations).
Would you please provide a brief description of these opportunities?
Dyksterhouse-MSC’s Leadership and Development Programs are a comprehensive and dynamic initiative designed to cultivate leadership skills and foster personal growth among participants. These programs are tailored to empower individuals, from diverse backgrounds and career levels, to become effective leaders and make a positive impact in their organizations and communities.
We offer centrally funded leadership and development opportunities through commercial vendors and private industry, Department of Defense and Department of the Navy courses, in-house training, other nation partnerships, and academia.
For example, the Graduate School USA Center for Leadership and Management offers an Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP) specifically designed for GS 04-06, CIVMAR and their military equivalent, and offers the chance for employees at the beginning of their career ladder to gain foundational leadership skills and networking opportunities.
The New Leader Program (NLP) aims to develop future leaders currently working as a GS 07-11, CIVMAR and military personnel. This program’s objective is to motivate individuals the confidence and training they need to set and meet personal and professional goals, expand their network, and broaden their experience.
Bridging the Gap is a twelve-month Department of the Navy program for GS 14/15, CIVMAR and military personnel to develop the competencies, knowledge, and skills that can lead to becoming a member of the Executive Corps (SES). Similar programs include the Eisenhower School, the Defense Senior Leader Development Program, and the Washington Executive Seminar.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Exchange Program provides a senior CIVMAR the opportunity to participate in a two-year exchange program with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in the United Kingdom.
Old Dominion University, University of Denver Transportation Institute Naval Post Graduate School offer programs for senior level Teammates.
Who is eligible at MSC to utilize these training opportunities (i.e. GS Teammates, CIVMARS and/or service members)?
Dyksterhouse-There are programs available to all MSC Teammates, whether CIVMAR, GS ashore, or military, each with its own requirements. If you are unsure about your eligibility, ask your Departmental Training Representative or reach out to the MSC Training Administration Branch.
Why is it important for MSC Teammates to seek and utilize professional development opportunities?
Dyksterhouse-Both the Navy Leader Development Framework and the Navy Civilian Workforce Framework emphasize the importance of demonstrating character and competence to build teams that are not just competitive, but superior, when compared to our potential adversaries. The investment of resources in both individual and organizational development are vital to our success. These professional development opportunities will allow us to achieve exceptional performance and improve our warfighting advantage.
How do these professional development opportunities benefit MSC?
Dyksterhouse-Most successful companies would agree it is important to develop future leaders, but very few organizations actually offer professional development programs. MSC is one of the few who does provide these training opportunities. Intentional development of the workforce leads to improved productivity, employee engagement, retention, and succession planning. Employees who take advantage of development opportunities are more likely have high job satisfaction.
How can MSC Teammates gain more information and/or apply for current and future MSC professional development opportunities?
Dyksterhouse-To learn more about the professional development opportunities that MSC offers, you can visit the MSC Ashore Training SharePoint page at https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us.mcas-gov.us/sites/USFF-MSC-int/TRNG. GS employees should include these programs in the annual IDPs. You can also contact your Departmental Training Representative (DTR) or the Training Administration Branch at msc_ashore_training@us.navy.mil.
Is there anything else you would like to add in regards to current and future opportunities?
Dyksterhouse-If you seeking new challenges, try one of the workforce development programs. If you feel overwhelmed at work and would like to sharpen your professional skills, consider a workforce development program. If you don’t understand parts of MSC, the Navy, or the Federal workforce, MSC has the resources and opportunities to ensure you are prepared to meet MSC’s requirements while at the same time investing in yourself.
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.20.2023 08:53 |
| Story ID: | 453846 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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