Andrew Baker

Senior Project Manager

When did you start working at MIL?
I joined MIL on April 1, 2019.

Describe your career path:
I’m a 27-year Army Veteran who retired in 2018. Throughout my career, I served as a Satellite Communicator and worked as a key member of integrated teams, completing five joint forces and multinational combat deployments. After retiring, I stepped into contracting with a large company, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit—I felt like just another number, much like in the military. Joining MIL has been a completely different experience. They strike the right balance between strong support and treating you as an individual, which is exactly what I was looking for in the next chapter of my career.

Did you further your education or obtain certifications while employed at MIL?
I earned my PMP in 2016, which I’ve kept current, and became an Agile Certified Scrum Master in 2019 after joining the MIL family. In 2020, I expanded my skill set further with PMI Agile training.

In terms of career growth, what is one piece of advice you would offer someone beginning a career at MIL?
Find your passion and lean into what you’re naturally good at, even if it takes you outside your original education path. Never let moss grow under your feet because time waits for no one. MIL has afforded me the opportunity to excel through the accomplishments of the team assigned to Ft Gordon.  I am surrounded by wonderful people within the locality as well as in Southern Maryland. It takes all of us to get this job done.

What is one professional highlight that stands out during your career at MIL and why?
I cannot pick one project, but I would say that in all the ten plus projects we have completed at Fort Gordon the proudest thought is that of my team and the way we “gel” together late at night or even the holidays to get task(s) done for the customer. People make all the difference in everything we do and knowing that you can count on one another is the key ingredient.

Listen and know you are not the smartest person in the room.  Always occupy the smallest chair in the conference room and be humble. Trust leadership and build trust lower as that takes sweat equity for payoff. I would like to think that the people I work with trust me and that my intentions are always in their best interests.