Colleen Adams

Years with MIL: 1.5

1. Why did you decide to join MIL?

I worked as a manager at the Department of State for 11 years. During my tenure, I both worked with and oversaw the daily activities from contract personnel from various private companies. MIL’s employees clearly and consistently stood out above the rest in level of professionalism, work ethic, quality of product, and responsiveness to the client. I appreciated the fact that MIL has their own managers and/or supervisors on-site. I believe this lends to the immediate and long-term success of MIL’s employees. For personal and family reasons, when I decided to transition from a U.S. government employee into the private sector, it was a no-brainer for me to pursue MIL for employment. I have continued to be impressed by MIL over the years and wanted to become apart of the MIL family!

2. What are you working on now?

My current portfolio supports the U.S. Department of State’s ICASS program. This program is a cost distribution platform by which all U.S. federal agencies performing work at or conducting foreign policy from our U.S. embassies and consulates overseas share the costs of running those U.S. facilities. My direct area of oversight involves the shared costs of the security program at each embassy and consulate, with an annual budget of $1B.

3. What is important about your daily work?

My daily responsibilities directly support a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, protecting people, property, and information at 275 U.S. facilities around the globe.

4. What are the best aspects about your current job?

The best aspects of my current role are being able to resolve funding issues for my overseas counterparts, both U.S. employees working internationally and the personnel that were locally hired. This often requires in-depth review and interpretation of complex policy, and solutions-oriented teamwork across many offices. It is rewarding to know that I have helped secure the resources necessary and guide their proper use to accomplish the mission each and every day.

5. Why do you enjoy working at MIL?

The culture of MIL, from the top, demonstrates that MIL is a company which truly embodies the key concept that happy employees create happy clients. I feel MIL provides an environment of tremendous support to its employees: providing the necessary hands-on training and daily assistance from MIL’s on-site managers balanced with the appropriate level of autonomy to facilitate natural growth in competence and confidence; openly encouraging the pursuit of process enhancement, innovation, and creative thinking; providing several avenues for recognition and reward of good employee performance; offering extensive opportunities for career enhancement through the MILTON training program and support in the personal pursuit of job-related education and/or formal credentialing; hosting many fun-filled events throughout the year; and offering a very competitive health insurance and benefits program, including commuter benefits and a matching 401(k) plan!

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

As a company, MIL is constantly in pursuit of growth and opportunity, which translates into the same for its employees. If you are inspired by the possibility for new ventures, and an environment which supports you to be your best, then you’ll love being part of the MIL family. From day one, be sure to take advantage of all that MIL has to offer!

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

In addition to the many fun-filled social events throughout the year, I attended a networking happy hour hosted by MIL. Participants were internal and external to MIL. It was a lively evening, and fascinating to meet folks from other companies and learn about the tremendous diversity of ventures and opportunities within our local area and nation-wide, discovering how they converge, and/or delving into the richness of their differences. I also really enjoyed meeting other members of the MIL family; it was a fantastic and interactive way to learn more about the diversity of MIL’s projects, programs and offices, and continue to develop personal and professional relationships.