The Buzz with ACT-IAC
The Buzz with ACT-IAC
From College to Career: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from IBM
In our final episode of the Associates graduate series, host Yohanna Baez interviews Lila Najmyar, a senior federal developer at IBM and a recent participant in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Lila shares her journey from college to IBM, the valuable experiences and lessons learned during the program, and how it has influenced her career. They discuss the importance of networking, skill development, and cross-sector collaboration. Lila also provides insights into the community and ongoing professional growth opportunities facilitated by the program.
00:00 Introduction to the Buzz from ACT-IAC
00:28 Meet Lila Najmyar: Early Career Journey
02:11 Diving into the Professional Development Program
04:24 Impact and Insights from the Program
07:37 Post-Program Reflections and Future Plans
15:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)
Yohanna: [00:00:00] Hello, and welcome back to the buzz from ACT IAC. I am your host, Yohanna Baez. And today, we are diving into the experiences of early career professionals who have taken part in the ACT IAC Professional Development Associates Program. We will explore their journeys. Before, during, and after the program, what they learned, how they grew, and where they are headed next.
Yohanna: Okay, let's jump right in. Hello everyone. Welcome to The Buzz. I'm here with Lila Najmyar. How you doing, Lila?
LILA: I'm doing great. How are you? Thank you so much for having me. I'm doing pretty good. It's kind of cold. Where are you? I'm located in Northern Virginia, so about 30 minutes outside of D. C. in Loudon County, so it's very cold here, too, but we're supposed to get something warm.
LILA: Luckily next week. I
Yohanna: really hope so. Um, introduce yourself, tell our listeners a little bit about yourself.
LILA: Of course. Awesome. So yes, my career began, um, from my undergrad at Virginia Tech. I graduated from [00:01:00] Virginia Tech in May of 2021 with a bachelor's in computer engineering. Um, and then I started at IBM in July of 2021.
LILA: So I've been here for about three and a half years. I am a senior federal developer, um, and have done roles such as front end development, back end production testing, and now doing data. Consulting with cloud migration work.
Yohanna: Oh, that's pretty good. So, like, coding and stuff? Like, I'm, I'm not too familiar with, like, computer programming, but, like, a little bit of that?
LILA: Yes, a little bit about that, but currently, right now, my new project, it's more of, like, the data consulting side of more front end of everything else, but those were my past projects. So, a little bit of everything. Okay,
Yohanna: cool. So from college you went straight to IBM, or did you have, um, no, straight shot?
LILA: Yeah, straight shot. So I had two internships, um, both in the defense space with Lockheed Martin and Collins Aerospace, but yeah, I went straight to IBM. Um, got to connect with them at a recruiting fair, because Virginia Tech did a really good job at, um, all the engineers being able to go to all of those, and it [00:02:00] was
Yohanna: just a straight shot.
Yohanna: Great, congratulations.
LILA: Thank you.
Yohanna: So yeah, so I usually have a question about like, what was your career path? But you were just like, no, I'm on it. Um, so let's talk about the professional development program. Like what are some of the reasons that you, uh, looked into it and thought like this would be a good fit for you?
Yohanna: Was it learning new skills, expanding your network? Tackling any specific challenges? What was it about our Associates program that interested you?
LILA: Oh, yes. So I am in the transformation leadership development program at IBM, which is like this two year program that basically expands our leadership. And through that, I actually got referred to this program by, uh, the TLDP lead.
LILA: Um, so I, first, I initially did not know about ACT ix, so when I was told about it, I went into like the research mode, went onto the website, saw what they did, um, the COIs, the community of interest. And I love the emerging tech COI and the AI and how there's a product you work on with a team, but also get to network with [00:03:00] all these different professionals from all the different companies.
LILA: So I think seeing that and seeing the type of courses and classes they have throughout the program made me want to actually apply and see where it could take me. So very happy with my choice of doing that, but that's how it all started.
Yohanna: That's good to hear. So happy. You're happy.
LILA: Thank you.
Yohanna: Programs like these usually, I think sometimes they have an aha moment when you like, you know, first start, what was it that stuck with you when you first started our associates program?
Yohanna: Did anything maybe take you by surprise or. Something that you saw that you, that you really enjoyed.
LILA: Um, I would say the different topics that we had, like at first, when they were highlighted for us for the different sessions that we would have after work, I thought that it would just be, you know, when you're taking a class, Oh, just specific notes on this topic.
LILA: But after every session, I came out very knowledgeable and confident. And I felt like all of the sessions were very entertaining and more [00:04:00] collaborative rather than just sitting there and. Being like in a classroom format. So I think I'm happy with how it happened because it surprised me in a sense of.
LILA: Really actually learning a lot and being able to bring back to my client or bringing back to work with my confidence.
Yohanna: That's really good. So, yeah, so there was a little bit of personal growth there and you were able to like put things into action right away. Yes. Okay, cool. I think also one thing about our program that I've been noticing is how we blend government and industry professionals together.
Yohanna: Um, and you being on the industry side, what do you think was the biggest insight that you've gained from. Collaborating across sectors. Um,
LILA: I would say that it allowed me to expand my knowledge of it. Um, it was cool to see because I think majority of our associates class were industry folks. So I guess with my coach, she was obviously government, but got to see how the way they interact and how they operate.
LILA: Obviously government's less, um, [00:05:00] more to it and industry is more, less strict on everything. And so it was cool to see the different regulations and how they go about things. Um, and just be able to come together and still collaborate for them. And goal.
Yohanna: Yeah. So real quick, what was your silly name, please?
Yohanna: And who was your mentor?
LILA: It was Dream Team. So the reason why we did Dream Team is we capitalized the E in Dream and capitalized the T in Team. So it was Emerging Tech. Um, and Becca O'Bear was our coach.
Yohanna: Good. See, I knew, I knew you guys had a clever name. Everyone. Comes up with this clever name. This class was really, really fun to talk to.
Yohanna: Um, so with Becca, like good mentors, they leave, you know, really good advice at something that sticks with you. What, what was something that, uh, Becca said or did that, that you just remember to this day?
LILA: I would say she was so supportive first and foremost. Um, she was a great outlet and let us go. I [00:06:00] think basically just asking the questions.
LILA: Um, we never felt embarrassed to ask. She always told us that, um, especially from her position now. Um, cause everyone has been in our position at some point or in the same boat at one. For those who are in the Voyager program or whatever else. So I feel like a lot of times the questions that we have, we get too nervous or too scared.
LILA: So I feel like it made me more confident just to ask those dumb questions that I thought in my head were dumb, but they actually weren't because everyone else was thinking. But I guess it was more so she just allowed us to also use our own wings and not just think that we We weren't able to do our own thing.
LILA: And I don't know, I felt like our group was able to be very independent. And, um, she was obviously there for the best support too, but it allowed us to just spread our wings on our own and be able to be like, yes, I can do this. I don't need to have someone to tell me what to do step by step.
ET&I CONFERENCE: That's great.
ET&I CONFERENCE: Join ACT [00:07:00] IAC at the Emerging Technology and Innovation Conference. On May 4th through the 6th at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland, we will explore how technological advancements are changing the ways government operates, interacts with citizens, and delivers services. Topics include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G communication and cybersecurity, and of course, attend the innovation awards and meet the awardees.
ET&I CONFERENCE: If you would like to learn more about this event or any other upcoming events, please visit act iac.org/upcoming-events.
Yohanna: Welcome back. We've been diving into the experiences of professional development graduates, and now it's time to talk about what happens after the program, how it's made an impact, and what lessons are carrying forward.
Yohanna: So now that you've completed the PDA program, how do you feel it has influenced your career trajectory? Where do you see yourself going? What are some things that [00:08:00] you're looking forward to?
LILA: I think I was always going, going into this program. I was a confident individual, but I think it gave me more confidence to know that I have to like push myself to have those conversations with higher folks and the client and believe that I deserve to be where I am in the work I put forth.
LILA: Um, the Project that Dream Team did within our emerging tech COI was on ubiquitous technical surveillance and the future of it. So it's something very prevalent in the military, which my client is the Air Force at IBM. So it was something I could bring back in a lot of, um, cybersecurity issues right nowadays, especially with the future of tech in the next five to 10 years.
LILA: Um, it was something that aligned perfectly with my career path. Um, so it was cool to dive deeper into the risks and just learning more about a new technology. Um, but it also gave me the push I needed to go towards leadership positions within my client and know that I'm very capable of having those conversations and be able [00:09:00] to have those client discussions.
LILA: So I think it's influenced my career path by allowing me to my passions. And I realized I am really interested in this field and I want to continue with it. So it was good to have that in alignment.
Yohanna: Oh, that's amazing. That's really good. You, you always feel like, am I, am I on the right path? And then somebody or somebody comes along like, yeah, you're supposed to be right here.
Yohanna: Where are you going? You know, that's really
LILA: good. Yeah, exactly. Am I happy with what I'm doing? I'm like, yes, but there's just so much to learn. So I know that I'm on the right path. I'm just, Trying to, at this point, see what else there is because I feel like there's so many different paths
Yohanna: to take from the path I'm on.
Yohanna: All right, great. Um, you mentioned your team and the project. Are you still in contact with them? I think what I've noticed is a lot of the folks that have graduated from this program still stay in contact with all the folks that they, uh, were able to work with. So are you still in contact with, like, your coach or your cohort?
LILA: Mm hmm. Yeah, so we have like a WhatsApp where we all are in communication [00:10:00] with, obviously everyone's very busy. Um, we have some of the people in our cohort that literally travel overseas all the time every other week. So I remember when she would call us when she was in Germany for our, our cohort sync for our project.
LILA: So we keep in touch in that way. And then we also have our whole associates class discord channel where people talk about stuff and they do meetups. I think there's a brunch coming up in a couple of weeks that everyone's attending here. In the DMV area. So it's good to have those connections because everyone really was so sweet.
Yohanna: Yeah, that's good. All right, great Um, if there's anyone listening out in our podcast world And they are considering some of our professional development programs But there may be on the fence, you know, maybe they're, they're not sure they don't, they, they're listening to you and they're like, well, she's confident.
Yohanna: I don't know. I mean, can I do this? I mean, what, what would you say to encourage? Yeah.
LILA: Oh, for sure. Um, so when I first obviously applied program, I was a little hesitant. I was like with client work, with [00:11:00] work at IBM in general, everything, I was like, is this going to be too much work? I don't want to overwhelm myself, but I think Yeah.
LILA: Yeah. Yeah. It may seem time consuming or very overwhelming initially, but the work you put forward also is the work you get out of it. Um, so it was a nine month program and it seems like a lot, but over the course of time, it really balances out. And it's something that also takes you out of your comfort zone and.
LILA: You would think that when you're going into these type of programs that you're just gonna get the basics out of it, but I think it really also develops your character as not even just a person, but in the work especially. I don't know. It was just something that I feel like is very essential at this point in my career that I'm so early on.
LILA: Like I've only been in a career for three and a half years, so I'm still very young compared to everyone else. So it was good to have that confidence and push out of my comfort zone. So definitely recommend someone just To just do it because you don't, you never are going to expect what you're going to get out of it, and I think that it was a great [00:12:00] turnout for me.
Yohanna: Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Of course. Alright, so we've been having a great conversation about career growth and cyber security. But before we wrap up, let's have some fun. It's time for Acronym Wars.
LILA: Ooh.
Yohanna: Are you ready? Love it. I'm ready. I am so ready. So this is how it works. I'll throw some comment and maybe some tricky government acronyms your way and you have to tell us.
Yohanna: What they stand for. Okay. All right. Here we go. All right. Here's the first one. F E M A.
LILA: F E M A. That's FEMA. Right? FEMA. Is that what you mean by that? Yeah. So, that's actually, that's weird because I haven't heard F E M A spelled out. But FEMA is actually an IBM, uh, client and it's obviously all around the news right now.
LILA: Um, I would say. F Federal, Federal Emergency [00:13:00] Management. Federal Emergency Management Agency. That's what it is. I feel like I have to know that one because it's such a big client with us. So if I got that wrong, that would not be good. Congratulations. You got that one right. Thank
Yohanna: you. All right. Here's the next one.
Yohanna: N O A A.
LILA: Yeah, absolutely. N O A A. Absolutely no shot. I'm gonna get this one. N O A A. Try, try.
Yohanna: Here, I can try to give you a hint.
LILA: Agency at the end, because there's two A's.
Yohanna: Administration at the end.
LILA: Oh,
Yohanna: wow. And then, that's all I got. No, that's it? Alright. You gave up? Alright, time's up. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Oh, wow.
LILA: Yeah, I've never heard of this one, so that's really good to hear. Makes you feel [00:14:00] better, at least.
LILA: Yeah. I would not have been close if I even tried that one.
Yohanna: Alright, here's the last one.
LILA: CBO.
Yohanna: CBO.
LILA: Um, it could go a couple ways. Could it be Chief Business Officer?
Yohanna: Mmm, close. I know that's an acronym, but not for this one. That's another, that's another acronym. This is why it's a war, because there's so many. Not the one I was thinking of. I'll give you extra points.
LILA: Uh, that's a great question, CBO, CBO, Chief Business Officer,
LILA: COCO, Congressional Bureaucratic.
Yohanna: Close. I don't know. You got that first one right.
LILA: Congressional [00:15:00] business. Yeah, I give up. Time's up. Congressional budget office. Budget officer.
Yohanna: That's it. Love it. That's it. The end. The end. Thank you so much for playing. Of course. That was a blast. That was fun. Alright, so before we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to share with our listeners?
LILA: I'm just really excited to be here and excited that there's so many things that you can do also outside of the program now that I've graduated. So I joined the AI and machine learning working group. I'm currently working on white paper with folks. So it's cool in that end, but other than that, no, very happy with the program and hopefully excited for other programs in the future.
Yohanna: All right. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for your time. Lila. Awesome. Thank you so much. This has been such an insightful conversation. Thank you for sharing your journey and experiences with us. [00:16:00] And to our listeners, if you're interested in learning more about ACT IAC's professional development program, be sure to check out actiac.
Yohanna: org slash professional dash development. Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and we will see you in the next episode.