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It took only one meeting for staff member Krystina Hawryluk to see that the Junior Exempt Employees Forum (JEEF) had wide appeal. “There was so much enthusiasm, and so many people took time to attend and plan activities,” says the Booz Allen Hamilton senior consultant.

That was almost three years ago. Today, Hawryluk is JEEF co-chair and—with 1,600 names on its Washington, D.C. distribution list—JEEF is one of the firm’s largest forums with liaisons at each area office: Rockville, Ballston, Crystal City, Skyline, Dulles, and McLean.

JEEF was created in 1996 to offer events and mentoring to enhance professional growth for junior staff. The group helps develop and strengthen skills in leadership, project management, teamwork, and communication in its target membership—Levels A through III. All employees, however, are invited to attend events.

Seminars, social activities, and publications help JEEF meet objectives that include:

• Fostering communications across all staff, including senior management
• Increasing awareness of Booz Allen’s professional capabilities and resources
• Encouraging professional growth and development
• Creating opportunities for idea exchange
• Building relationships across teams and geographic locations
• Sponsoring events that encourage personal development and a sense of community

A JEEF co-liaison for the Ballston office, senior consultant Scott Scheuer joined the forum almost two years ago because of its professional and leadership development opportunities. His initial expectations—to make connections with co-workers—were soon exceeded, he says.

“I’ve gotten to know colleagues in other markets, learned about career paths within the firm, and met leaders at mentoring events. I’ve learned how broad Booz Allen’s service offerings are to the government and other organizations. JEEF helps expand my horizons as I consider experiences I want to have in the firm.”

A Broad Range of Activities to Serve a Wide Variety of Individuals

JEEF’s event agenda is set by co-chairs Hawryluk and Natalie Scovel, a 16-member leadership team, and members of its five committees: Networking & Social, Professional Development & Vice President Events, Communications, Information Technology, and Liaison. Each committee has a distinct mission:

• Networking & Social: Plans and coordinates activities that range from community services to networking, in support of member interests.
• Professional Development & Vice President Events: Encourages career growth within the firm through workshops, luncheons, and speaker and roundtable events.
• Communications: A conduit for staff collaboration, feedback, and dissemination of JEEF information. Publishes the quarterly Bulletin.
• Information Technology: Maintains website and other technology to support JEEF’s recruiting and informational goals.
• Liaison: Coordinates liaisons for JEEF at six Washington-area offices and plans events for local employees.

JEEF sponsor and senior vice president Ken Wiegand is also closely involved in the annual planning and marshalling assistance from senior staff.

One of JEEF’s most well-attended networking events—and Hawryluk’s brainstorm, now in its third year—is Booz Allen’s Pro-Am Golf Tournament, which brings together staff of all ages, business teams, and professional levels to support the DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association. It teams “junior” staff (“Ams”) with senior (“Pros”) to provide networking opportunities and an old-fashioned day of fun. The Pros, however, do not necessarily out-golf their teammates, Hawryluk adds. “They’re Pros in their level of experience, but not always in their golf swing.”

A recent JEEF-sponsored global consulting presentation also drew an overwhelming response. It gave an overview of international capabilities and how to become involved in overseas assignments, and it was one of Scheuer’s favorite events. “That type of information is not widely available,” he says. “It’s good to know that the firm supports migration between groups when an individual has the skills and motivation to do so.”

Hawryluk found one of the panel discussions, “A Day in the Life of a Vice President,” especially interesting. “The VPs discussed how they got to where they are in their career and how the experience is different at that level versus when they first joined the firm.”

Also popular was a career coaching seminar that featured four coaches and Booz Allen vice president Janet Lyman. Among the topics discussed were how to find a reputable coach, and how to make learning a lifelong endeavor.

Making an Impact in the Local Community

What makes JEEF unique? Scheuer thinks it’s the attitude of the members and the responsibility taken on by JEEF leadership. “Those who participate in the forum share a common interest in succeeding within the firm and wanting to make an impact,” he says.

In addition to seminars and workshops, JEEF schedules at least one social event every quarter, and the JEEF Bulletin keeps members updated with forum news and local events of interest. “We try to make an impact on the community as well. For example, there’s always a push to support Children’s Hospital during the holidays,” says Hawryluk.

Currently, the co-chairs are compiling a survey to better understand their demographic. Among its plans this year, JEEF will host more speakers, including subject matter experts who have written books on applicable business topics.

“But we’re always looking for new ideas,” Hawryluk says.

story posted May 9, 2006

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