NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – In the time it takes to update your status on Facebook, 23 team members from the Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft program (PMA-207) experienced a full session of speed mentoring at a NAVAIR event this summer.

Contrary to popular belief, mentoring does not require a large time commitment to receive robust, useful guidance for your career. Speed mentoring is a fast-paced, time-efficient method to obtain advice and guidance from several mentors in a short period of time.

“Speed mentoring allows you to test out the process before beginning a search for a formal mentoring relationship,” said Karen Ann Talbott, training & resource coordinator for AIR-4.4 propulsion & power engineering. “It provides an opportunity for “quick-hit” information and to gain confidence before attempting an ice breaker meeting with a potential mentor.”

Nine leaders, representing the NAVAIR program management construct, including Todd Balazs, deputy program executive officer, Air, ASW Assault and Special Missions program, participated as mentors providing their unique perspectives to those who may not interact regularly with senior leadership.

“This is your opportunity to bump your toes and learn a few things,” Balazs said. “Take this opportunity to try new things, learn from them and network.”

At the session, a bell sounded every nine minutes, signaling the speed mentoring rotation which allowed each mentee to engage in multiple short conversations with a variety of acquisition professionals.

Participants had an hour and a half to ask mentors about career path opportunities and journey, challenges and messaging.

Mentees revealed a strong desire to understand how to find a formal mentor; recommendations for training or developmental programs and trade secrets on how to manage a work/life balance while trying to excel in their career.

“You are responsible for your careers,” said Michele DeMoss-Coward, mentoring externally directed team lead and coordinator of the event. “Speed mentoring is one example in discovering the value of mentoring.”

After the event, mentees gauged the effectiveness of speed mentoring and its usefulness in gathering different perspectives in a short period of time. Several mentees plan to pursue formal mentoring relationships in the future.

“In PMA-207 we follow seven pillars for mission success which spell out the acronym PERSIST,” said Doug Dawson, principal deputy program manager and mentoring champion for PMA-207. “Our first pillar, P- stands for people. We continuously strive to develop our workforce so mentoring is among our top priorities.”

Dawson added, PMA-207 encourages its workforce to pursue mentoring opportunities as a way to better themselves and give back to the command at the same time.

“PMA-207 is always the team to step-up and set the standard for other programs,” Balazs said. “You are an example of what great things can be achieved with a small, committed team.”

The Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft program is responsible for research, development and acquisition of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps light, medium and executive lift transport, aerial refueling, adversary training and tactical mission aircraft.