Tips for new external hire

[u/MentalSilver103]

Joining USACE in a couple of weeks as a GS-12 Civil Engineer. Any tips for someone new coming in?

[u/SixSigmaStupid]

Spread your questions around to the group. Some will be more than helpful, others will be less willing to help. You aren’t expected to know everything and you have to tap into the tacit knowledge of the group.

[u/uyuyuiyui → u/[deleted]]

White Collar? It Mad Max everyday here. No one cares.

[u/_lifesucksthenyoudie → u/uyuyuiyui]

Lots of dudes roll up in jeans and t shirts where I’m at lol

[u/Financial_Loan_2064 → u/_lifesucksthenyoudie]

Samsies

[u/Surest_Panther]

Listen more than you speak. Look over quick links on the intranet- there’s a lot of useful self help. Find and bookmark where publications are. Get familiar with EM 5-1-11. Get on Community of Practice distro lists. Take notes and get useful as fast as possible.

[u/Lucky_Instruction_34 → u/Surest_Panther]

I think Boomers need to take a seat and a lesson from the technologically literate

[u/Surest_Panther → u/Lucky_Instruction_34]

You’re very helpful and inspiring.

[u/SnooGuavas3568]

Be a sponge. There is no other place like USACE.

[u/Entire-Lab-6184 → u/[deleted]]

I disagree. There has never been more of a disparity between people willing to execute the mission and those who want to complain. Get in, do a good job, you’ll be suprised how fast you’ll get promoted.

[u/Mean_Wasabi7748 → u/Entire-Lab-6184]

I execute the mission. Do I give up my right to criticize some of the decisions being made? Especially when they are boneheaded and ill-timed? Never been told that in 20 years. Not sure where you work but some districts are hurting and will be hurting more in FY27.

There is more to working here than just saluting up.

[u/Hemelshire → u/[deleted]]

This definitely depends on the district. For us projects keep slipping despite the frequent use of overtime. To much work, and not enough hands. We did lose a lot of people even after the DRP and had difficulty hiring.

[u/EikTheBerry → u/Entire-Lab-6184]

Our district hasn't been able to promote people for almost two years now. Lost most of our best engineers because of it

[u/First-Twist5762]

Run go look for another job it is not worth the squeeze anymore

[u/sea-secrets]

Not everyone there actually knows how to manage projects.

[u/CoconutSips]

Bring donuts

[u/Lucky_Instruction_34]

Toxic culture, toxic people. Boomers partied hard and left their trash

[u/ffs-whatnow]

Get involved with your community of practice (CoP) through the kmp site, make connections.

Check out the ‘early career professionals’ initiative. (Once you start you can find info on all CoPs and the ECN through the Knowledge Management Portal).

Supporting sister districts is a great way to expand your experience.

And don’t forget to get the full match in your thrift savings account!