Tom Stickney

Mentorship Commitment Preference: Engage in a long-term mentorship (connect with your mentee throughout the semester, outside of LinkUp events — frequency and format are flexible). Available for online and in-person mentoring.

Industry: Retired - Former Government Contracting and US Army

Job Title: Contracts Officer

Areas Tom is interested in mentoring: 

• Internship Guidance
• Career Planning
• Industry Insights and Trends
• Graduate School Advice 
• Advise about government service, particularly the US Intelligence Community, and the US Military

Bio: Record of demonstrated accomplishment with the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office. Managed significant major system procurements and large teams working in the fields of contracting and program management. Extensive specialized knowledge in agency contract processes and procedures. Additional experience as an Army Reserve officer, leading and guiding large units and teams in overseas and domestic operations. 

Describe how you got your first job: I took the PACE exam in 1980, a standardized test that was used by OPM to hire qualified career employees into the Federal Government. 

If you were starting your career today, what is the one piece of advice you would give yourself? Find something that you like to do. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different things.

In what ways has your career path been unique or unconventional? Served in Federal Government and (mostly) part time in the US Army Reserve simultaneously for 30 years.  Got to go on active duty, mostly in overseas locations. for 8 years for the Army.

What career paths have you explored or transitioned between? Worked for two years in private industry as a chemist prior to starting my government service, one year as a industrial manufacturing plant textile chemist, and a second year as a waste management chemist disposing of hazardous chemicals.  That job also involved driving large trucks up and down the east coast!

What skills or experiences have been most valuable in your career? Math and science skills, willingness to work hard, physical stamina, and a willingness to throw myself out of military planes 124 times as a US Army paratrooper from 1987 to 2014. Willingness to try new things and move to new positions in my government organizations 

Affinity group(s) Tom was part of during his time at Mason: 

• History Graduate Student Organization (HGSO)

Tom is open to participating in informational interviews