The following blog post follows one of our CS Consultants, Amber Donnelly, through a day in her dynamic work life.
Transitioning into a career in consulting within the Department of Defense (DoD) wasn’t just a logical step for me—it was a culmination of my upbringing, military service, and a desire to continue supporting the mission. Let me guide you through a typical day and shed light on why this path resonates with me.
Growing up around Fort Cavazos (formerly known as Fort Hood), Texas, instilled in me a deep respect for the military and its values. Joining the Navy felt like a natural step where I specialized as a Mass Communications Specialist and embraced the ethos of service before transitioning into civilian life.
A Strategic Shift: Embracing Consulting in the DoD
Transitioning into consulting was a strategic decision informed by my background and a keen interest in leveraging my expertise in communications to contribute to national defense. Joining the Department of the Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, aligning perfectly with my professional aspirations and personal values.
I thoroughly enjoy contributing to initiatives that support small businesses. One of my ongoing projects involves coordinating events across the US to raise awareness about doing business with the Department of the Navy. Apart from these projects, I’ve found immense value in learning from my colleagues, both within our company and among our clients. This experience has expanded my knowledge in areas like procurement readiness and business development, which were initially outside my expertise.
Navigating the Day: Morning Routines and Afternoon Focus
A typical morning starts with ensuring my family is set for the day before diving into work. Logging on around 8 a.m., I outline my tasks for the day and prepare for my morning meeting with the client. From there, it’s a blend of project management, strategic planning, and client engagement. From developing briefs to managing website updates, my schedule is packed with a diverse range of tasks but it’s the creative projects, such as graphic design, that I find most fulfilling.
In the afternoons, I prioritize focus time to tackle emails, writing projects, and strategic initiatives. I like to dedicate time to focused work, whether it involves crafting engaging content for social media or simplifying intricate government terminology and concepts. It’s crucial to ensure that the copy I develop is both comprehensible and compelling for broader audiences.
The Balancing Act: Consulting Challenges and Rewards
As a consultant, balancing client expectations with company objectives can be challenging. It requires strategic time management, effective communication, and a deep understanding of both client needs and organizational goals. However, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and support the warfighter makes every challenge worthwhile.
For aspiring consulting, I recommend conducting thorough market research to identify companies that support government agencies aligning with their passions. Personally, my dedication to supporting the warfighter has driven my work with the Department of Defense.
My journey from military service to consulting within the DoD has been a fulfilling and purpose-driven path. It’s a testament to the seamless fusion of military values with professional expertise, allowing me to continue serving in a different capacity.
