A six-month job rotational assignment resulted in a new career path and skill set for NAVAIR’s Tatonya Holman.

Holman began her career in 2008 as a business financial manager supporting Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, but wanted the chance to gain new skills and experiences. She turned to NAVAIR’s Developmental Assignment Registry, an online national interactive database that allows Department of the Navy civil service employees to post their resumes and search and apply for rotational assignments.

There, she found an assignment for a senior community management specialist within NAVAIR’s Command Strategies, Force Planning and Analysis Division, under the guidance of Community Management Program Manager Adrienne Somerville. The Community Management Program offers policy and guidance on skill planning and management for employees, as well as a focus on career continuums and roadmaps.

Initially, Holman said she was nervous about working with a new set of people but found her new work environment to be an easy fit. She said she enjoyed learning to think strategically, using her leadership skills and working in an ever-changing office.

“I like being in a fast-paced environment; it motivates me and keeps me challenged,” she said.

Five months into her assignment, she talked to Somerville about making a career change and eventually did so in April 2012.

Now, she has the “people first” connection she always wanted.

In her current role, Holman helps coordinate quarterly workshops for various systems commands across the Navy and played a key part in developing the 2012 NAVAIR Career Guidebook, a self-help tool to assist employees on their career journeys.

Getting out of your comfort zone is important, Holman stressed. Somerville asked her to brief several senior leaders regarding her work with the guidebook. While initially nervous about public speaking, Holman said she enjoyed the chance to network and meet new people.

“It [the rotation] gives you breadth and depth of knowledge, something totally different from what you are used to,” she said.

Finding your career niche

Holman is just one of the several job rotational success stories to come out of NAVAIR’s