What sort of activities did you attend at Space Symposium?

I primarily attended the NewGen track and supported MTSI specific discussions with government customers and other partners. I also went to a few of the speakers and walked through the exhibition halls meeting vendors and other potential partners. Specifically, for the NewGen track, I was able to participate in a speed mentoring session providing me with an opportunity to speak with many different professionals with varied backgrounds to included retired senior government officials. I was skeptical at first considering being on the more senior range of the NewGen track, but I found great value with the more engaging discussion part of the NewGen track.

What are some of your take aways from the symposium?

The main take away I have from the symposium is priceless and unlimited exposure. I was able to meet a lot of experienced professionals in our domain covering backgrounds ranging from prime contractors, government officials, SETA, and SE&I. I was able to have immediate discussions with senior leadership from multiple organizations at any point in time. Though I would say, the most valuable takeaway was having the opportunity to sit in (and have active) discussions with our senior MTSI leadership including our president and CEO. Even just being a fly on the wall provided great insight on how we operate and where our company focuses lie.

How can you apply your Space Symposium experience at MTSI?

I was able to meet face to face with organizations and companies I directly manage. I was able to have working sessions throughout the week to better address and align current program direction and priorities. Having the ability to meet with the most senior government customer for the program I manage will help me better support the government customers at the levels I work with directly as a SETA Program Manager. Also, by being able to sit in on some of the prep-meetings and discussions, I am better postured to align Program Management execution to the efforts I support. I’ll be able to communicate the greater company vision and strategies.

How do you think events like these contribute to shaping the future of MTSI?

Events like these are critical to shaping our future by providing face-to-face feedback and collaboration with our government customers and partners. These events also provide an opportunity for various business units to come together and align on MTSI vision, strategy, and execution. The adhoc meetings pre and post planned discussions are incredibly fruitful by providing space for real-time feedback and adjustments.

Would you recommend future Space Symposium attendance?

I would highly recommend attendance with an open-mind. I was slightly intimidated in the beginning knowing that I was the “new” guy, but the exposure and collaboration as the week progressed made it a very smooth transition. Being able to connect dots and gain increased insight across the various MTSI levels of leadership on specific efforts and strategies help re-emphasize current goals and tailoring on execution as needed. I will also have great take-aways that I can provide my immediate govt customer. Having discussions with our leadership also helped me with better considerations for my career path. Space Symposium provides the opportunity to just introduce yourself and engage in technical discussions with almost anyone of any professional level and background. It’s easy to get lost in the sauce, but if you take initiative and engage, what you get is what you make of it. I’m very grateful to be chosen to attend this year as the NewGen and would love to attend follow-ons if the opportunity arises.

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