Emily Lotridge

Program Manager

Years with MIL: 4.5

What were you doing before joining MIL?

Before I joined MIL, I was an Account Manager for a tech company specializing in consumer feedback management solutions. However, most of my previous experience was working for a staffing firm which exposed me to the IT industry. While there, I recruited and managed clients hiring needs for IT positions where I learned the ins and outs of a variety of technical environments, platforms, terminology, etc. which proved to be a good knowledge base when joining the MIL team.

Why did you decide to join MIL?

The opportunity was too good to resist. I knew this opportunity was going to be a pivotal step in my career and an amazing learning experience. MIL was looking for a “green” PM and I was VERY green. Truthfully, I was nervous about the challenges ahead but eager to take it on. I’m so glad I took this opportunity as it has transformed my career.

What are you working on now?

Alongside my team, we’re executing our client’s strategic goals by continuing to deliver new products and services, while optimizing our current systems and applications, and consistently providing support to meet the organizations demands/needs.

What is important about your work?

The ability for my team to deliver quality and advanced products and services by leveraging technology to transform how our clients go about their day to day work.

What are the best aspects about your current job?

The unlimited growth opportunities. As I stated, I started this role very green. When I joined MIL, my role was very task driven. However, as I’ve matured in my role over the years I’ve been exposed to many different aspects of the job and organization I support. I’ve transitioned into a much more strategic position rather than task driven. I’m continuing to grow each day in this role as it consistently presents new challenges and opportunities.

Why do you enjoy working at MIL?

No doubt, the people I work with. I truly enjoy coming to work every day and having the opportunity to collaborate, learn, support and grow with my peers. Also, the limitless growth opportunities and exposure to working with upper management is extremely rewarding.

What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on at MIL?

I don’t manage projects on an individual basis. However, one of the more challenging aspects of my day-to-day is the constant need to adapt to my client’s environment. They’re aggressively advancing, bringing in new technologies, federal employees, c-level executives, etc. When there is constant change I must be able to adapt and align myself to the organization. Change doesn’t come easy as there is never crystal clear picture of what to expect. It’s a lot of navigating new obstacles, personalities, competing priorities, etc. Adapting is critical to our program’s success to ensure we are delivering to the organization’s objectives.

What is the best piece of career advice you can offer someone in your field who is either applying to or beginning a career at MIL?

Insert yourself and don’t be shy about doing so. Coming in green, I learned I needed to prove myself and my value I bring as a contributing member of the team. Don’t hesitate to put your neck out there and get involved. I know at times you might say the wrong thing or ask a “dumb” question, but all those experiences lead to growth. At the end of the day you control and drive your career path. Put in the effort to make it what you want.

If applicable, please share a memorable/significant experience that has occurred during your time with MIL.

This is a small success overall, but personally a big win in my book. When I successfully delivered my first contract monthly report to my client’s c-level executives and upper management. These meetings provide a high level overview of all contract activities. The contract I manage has well over 40+ projects at a time. Having the ability to confidently report out, understand and answer questions on all activities in my program was a defining moment of where I really stepped into my program management role. At that moment for me, I truly felt I earned the respect but also confidence from my client that I was truly a consultant and advisor to them.