DVIDS – News – NSWCPD Holds Affinity Group Interview Days for Recent and Upcoming College Grads

The Philadelphia District Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWCPD) hosted two affinity group interview days for new and prospective graduates on April 5 and April 26, 2023.

Candidates for NSWCPD staff headed to the Navy Yard in Philadelphia for interviews with some of the command’s managers, but before they were briefed by recruiting coordinator Victoria Gonzalez. Mr. Glenn, Director of Strategic Planning and Investment, gave an overview of the department. Mr. Ward and Dr. Eugene M. (Michael) Golda, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and he of the organization’s technical proving ground toured one.

“We split the Affinity Group Interview Day into two different days to accommodate our students during spring break. , but I’m still happy, the students who were able to participate,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez has been the recruitment coordinator for NSWCPD since 2018 and has been leading the planning of Affinity Group Day since 2019. She was the first point of contact for many people now working with NSWCPD. Gonzales takes great pride in being a Time employee at the helm.

“I always find it a very rewarding experience. I love being the first person a candidate meets on their way to work at NSWCPD. I’m sure it will be equally rewarding for those in charge,” Gonzalez said. “They meet these candidates in person, come in for an interview on interview day, and see them get hired. increase.”

NSWCPD managers interviewed a total of 12 candidates over two days.

Mr. Robert Goglia, NSWCPD Ship Management Branch Manager, was present as an interviewer and welcomed all involved in the Affinity Group Interview Day.

“The Affinity Day interview went well. This is a fast-paced event and Victoria and the recruiting team set the atmosphere with energy, rigor and a positive vibe to make this a success. The résumés provided at NSWCPD indicated that the candidates were skilled, and the interviews further emphasized this point.All the candidates I interviewed were prepared and They were enthusiastic,” Goglia said.

NSWCPD Engineering Operational Sequencing System (EOSS) branch president John Ayers always praised the candidates the recruiting team brought in for interviews.

“I conducted two interviews during my first affinity day and was very impressed with both candidates. I wanted to interview highly qualified and talented people who would be just as happy to join the team as the two of them, all candidates prepared thoroughly and presented very well. I was in the middle of nowhere,” said Ayers.

The enthusiasm and inquiring minds of the candidates were displayed throughout the day, and that’s exactly what NSWCPD Chapter President Joseph Amato expected from a prospective new member of the team.

“We have met several candidates who are enthusiastic about working hands-on to help sailors and fleets, and that is always a pleasure. We are looking for motivated and curious people who want to work with us, and our recruiting team is always happy to answer any questions they may have and support them,” said Amato. rice field.

After two Affinity Group Interview Days, Justin Spahr, Head of the NSWCPD Logistics Product Readiness Branch, provided some advice for future event attendees.

“My advice to candidates is to try to get the most out of the group interview structure, understand the employment options each interviewer presents, and speak openly about your personal and professional interests. By doing so, the hiring manager can align the needs of the command with the interests of the candidate and achieve mutual goals,” Spare said.

NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians and support personnel. The NSWCPD team conducts research and development, testing and evaluation, acquisition support, operational and logistics engineering of non-nuclear machinery, ship mechanical systems, related equipment and materials for naval surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization in providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.