JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- While the mission takes precedence, career enhancement opportunities are available to Airmen at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
Airmen are provided the opportunity to map a successful career path by making an appointment with a career assistance advisor.
“Service members should go to a career assistance advisor to seek proper guidance,” said Staff Sgt. Codi Walach, 633rd Force Support Squadron First Term Airman Center team lead. “It’s important to know how to go about things the right way. Career assistant advisors also make sure you don’t miss opportunities in your career.”
As a career assistance advisor assigned to the 633rd Air Base Wing, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lee assists service members by providing them with the most up-to-date information on qualifications and requirements for different careers to achieve their goals. Lee also advises commanders and supervisors on professional enhancement opportunities.
“Ultimately, I want them to understand that my job is to help them make the most informed decision possible on their career to help support them and their families,” Lee said.
According to Lee, service members sometimes run into difficulty finding information on potential career paths. He explained career advisors are there so Airmen have a centralized location to ask questions about their career and advancements.
Whether an Airman is active duty, in the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, they are able to go to the career assistance advisor for guidance.
“One of the big things we advertise, promote and council on is Developmental Special Duty opportunities,” Lee said. “With those jobs, they are only looking for the highest caliber Airmen to fill those leadership roles.”
Developmental Special Duties include jobs such as military training instructors, instructors at the various Air Force technical schools, military training leaders and military recruiters.
According to Lee, whether an Airman is looking for a DSD opportunity or just career guidance, JBLE career assistance advisors are available to help a customer reach their goals.
“We mentor, we lead, and we grow from each other. We are able to help them accomplish their goals but also gain information from the Airmen,” Lee said. “It’s a very significant thing, and it makes everything I do meaningful. I’m always happy to help somebody accomplish their goals.”