BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Don Zimmerman participated in the Pathways to Career Excellence Program from 1989 to 1990 when it was the Corporate Intern Program. Currently, he is a program manager in the Development Branch at DLA Disposition Services and manages the Training and Operations Simulation Center located at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base in Michigan. Zimmerman plans to retire within the next few years his long career started with the PaCE program.
Why did you first apply to the PaCE Program?
My cousin worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and he was extolling the virtues of federal government service. He told me about the benefits, potential for advancement, and service to country. My family all worked for non-profit entities as well, my father was a junior high school principal, my uncle was a minister, and my aunt worked for the U.S. Department of State. After college, I attended a job fair and there were multiple federal government entities – EPA, Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and DLA - among other private companies. I made it through two interviews at the CIA, and as the CIA offered to fly me back out for a third interview, I received an offer from DLA after one interview. At DLA, I joined the intern program in a targeted position that I thought was appealing. I told the CIA they would have to find another expert in Yugoslavian affairs.
What was your position before coming to the PaCE Program?
After graduating from the University of Michigan, I landed a job at the world headquarters for Domino’s Pizza in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a position in market research. Public service seemed as a more appropriate fit and that’s when I started my search for federal jobs and found a job fair where numerous federal agencies would be advertising openings.
What have been your favorite parts of the PaCE Program?
Traveling, establishing relationships, learning, and leaving my mark. I suppose it is called networking now, but I tried to soak in all the experience these folks had when I traveled back then. When I first started in 1989, some of the older folks started working in the 1950s and told me how things have changed. Meeting the PaCERs now, some will be working into the 2050s – that’s 100 years of
change!
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
We spent a lot of free time together – cookouts after work and on weekends doing other activities. We got together beyond work and established long lasting friendships.
If there was one thing that could’ve been different for you in the PaCE program, what would it be?
I think I relied too much on my education, my PACER classes, and the immediate people around me. There were many opportunities to network with the people I met and trained with along the way and I wish I had made those relationships to keep in touch and possibly a mentorship-type relationship. That may have been a bit of a shortfall for me.
In your own words, how would you describe the PaCE program, and what can you gain from it?
I describe it as an intern program. There is not one person outside of DLA that I have talked to who understands what applying to our PaCE program means. However, after I mention it is a paid intern program, they know what it means.
Describe your current position in a couple of sentences, and how being in the PaCE program affected you in that position.
Currently, I am the program manager at the Training and Operations Simulation Center. I enhance the student experience by working with instructors to leverage all the capabilities of this simulated warehouse into their curriculum, by creating, developing, and managing hands-on activities. Going through the intern program myself, I went to all the classes. I know what works and what needs help. I listen and adapt, and I receive feedback from students and instructors as the hands-on portion is usually the most recognized form of learning.
What have you done since you finished with the PaCE Program?
I have worn many hats with the organization. I worked in sales for many years as a sales contracting officer, but I also worked in operations as the field contact for the Precious Metals Recovery Program. Additionally, I worked many years in Contingency Operations that culminated in being the chief at Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2011. While I did receive Employee of the Year in 1999 for my work in awarding the first commercial venture sales contract, I have to say the most rewarding six months of my career was setting up the Kandahar site with my brothers and sisters of Disposition Services and being face-to-face to our military customers providing disposal support.
Where did you see yourself going when you first started, and how does that compare to where you are now?
After the intern program, I spent six years in Memphis mostly as a sales contracting officer. However, I knew I would come back to Michigan at some point as the opportunity for advancement centered here. I was able to diversify my career and advance while being mobile. I did not expect to land at the TOSC and stay here for so long, but it is kind of fitting. I feel like I have performed many, many different occupations within Disposition Services, which helps me keep the TOSC relevant. If I can enhance the student experience with my background, I think found my last position at Disposition Services.
Do you have any advice for current or prospective PaCERs?
Be flexible. Be adaptive. Be resilient. Be respectful. Be patient. Be humble. Make mistakes and grow.
Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program that takes PaCERs through all of Disposition Services and its processes to learn as much as possible about the directorate. The first year takes place at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the second year either takes place in Battle Creek for Contracting PaCERs or at an assigned field site for Property Disposal PaCERs. PaCERs begin as general schedule 7s, move to GS-9s at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PaCER, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate, or from military service.