The American Council for Technology/Industry Advisory Council (ACT/IAC) has created a special leadership development program for “rising stars” in information technology. The Voyagers Program fosters dialogue between young Feds (GS 11-13) in the IT or acquisition professions with mid-level private sector professionals. The objective of the program? To better prepare mid-level managers for their future roles in both industry and government.
The program offers a variety of professional and leadership workshops and meetings that will run from April to December -- as well as a follow up conference in mid-2008. It's designed specifically to help Young Feds:
- understand the changing needs/roles of today's IT workforce;
- introduce and r einforce proper roles of government and industry;
- develop leadership and management skills; and
- provide real and practical career development.
The need for such a program is critical, especially today as government and industry employees move more freely between the private and public sector. The Voyager Program breaks down barriers between government and industry in a safe, mutually-beneficial environment so that both sides can work within the ethical boundaries of government contracting and achieve the level of communication necessary for mutual success.
Each Federal participant in the Voyager program is paired with a private sector participant: their “co-pilot” for the program. Each pair will be expected to participate in both structured group activities and self-study activities. Voyager participants are grouped into “flight crews” and are responsible for drafting their own individual leadership development strategy, or “flight plans.” Voyagers are also mentored by senior leaders in government and industry.
Who's eligible? Federal employees (Grade 11-13) involved with IT management, program implementation, development, or acquisition. Newly-promoted GS-14s will also be considered. Applicants must have a well-rounded background in their discipline and/or career within their agency; be considered a “rising star” in their agency; be unencumbered by long-term and/or time-consuming commitments, such as graduate programs, military service, or sabbaticals; and be willing to dedicate one or two days per month for ACT/IAC Voyager activities between April and December 2007. Selection of program participants will be done through a highly selective nomination process. Interested candidates must be nominated by their respective agency and submit an application which will be screened by a panel of senior executives from government and industry.
The fee for government participants is $2,945 and covers the costs of the program, including food, lodging and programming for two local (driving distance) off-site meetings, breakfast meetings and teambuilding events, graduation reception in December and conference registration fee and two nights lodging at ACT's Management of Change Conference.
If you feel as though this voyage is worth embarking on, hurry and apply now! The deadline is March 2 nd at 5:00pm for all applications. For more information on the program, or to apply, go to www.actgov.org/VoyagersProgram .
