My NTS Journey: Sarah Schill

What was the moment that you knew you made the right decision to come to work here at NTS?

It would have to be from the mentorship I’ve received. I began as an independent consultant, I worked with Mike Griffin in the security shop, and then I started working under Sedric Roberson with Logistics and Operations, and now I’m working with Tim Gonzales, Sr. Program Manager. They held my hand through the process and didn’t make me feel intimidated by the level of internal knowledge that you need to work with the government, so I think that’s probably when I knew I’d made the right decision. This is a learning atmosphere and that makes me feel more comfortable.

What drew you to NTS?

At MacDill there’s an organization called “Hiring Our Heroes”, and what they are is a job networking non-profit organization that helps veterans and military spouses find jobs whenever they move. As a military spouse, it’s a little frightening to admit to someone who’s about to hire you that, “Hey I’m going to leave in “x” amount of years. I have an expiration date on me.” But I made the decision to lead with that.

In my first contact with NTS I said, “I’m a military spouse, I want to let you know that up front.” And what comforted me about NTS was that it seemed like you wanted a military spouse, someone who understands the customer, and who understands the warfighter. I took that vulnerability and turned it into a source of strength and confidence. Beyond that, I like being here, it’s a fun place to work.

What has been your proudest moment in working for NTS?

My proudest moment was definitely supporting a high-ranking military civilian’s retirement ceremony here at the Mission Support Center. It was the first of its kind to be hosted here and since then we’ve had three other high-profile events like that. So, I’ve led the coordination with that first event, and it was a success because, again, I had my team with me. I had the security shop, I had Sedric’s support, I had the support of the IT people, so that was really fun.

The lead coordinator there actually coined me which is a sign of respect and appreciation in the military. I still have that coin and it’s sitting on my mantle. I think that was the proudest moment I’ve had here at NTS.

How has your career grown since you joined NTS?

My career has blossomed here at NTS. I started as an independent consultant and moved into a logistics analyst role. Then I was approached about the emerging talent program. I had always wanted to be a program manager. I got a Marketing degree in college and that helps you along that process. But I thought I would be a program manager in about 5-10 years, I didn’t think that was something that was achievable now. However, I’m in this pipeline, and I’m seeing what real program managers do, and I’m seeing that my goals are extremely achievable. So, I’m shadowing someone, getting lots of on-the-job training, and working through the Defense Acquisitions University on their Program Manager – Level 1 certification has really tied the knot on all of those things.

What surprised you the most about NTS?

There are two things. One, I was surprised by how flat the organization is, and how we get visited by our corporate leadership every month.

They know my name, they sit down and talk to me, they know about my life and I know about theirs. So, that power distance at NTS is really tiny.

The other thing was their willingness and enthusiasm for young professionals, people who are fresh out of college or fresh out of graduate school. They value seniority here, but they don’t let that be a determining factor in your success. There are lots of under-30 people that work here that are seen as leaders.

Here at NTS our people are our greatest asset, we invest in our employees and make sure everyone is appreciated, listened to, involved and challenged. Are you ready to join the NTS family? View our current open positions today.