FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency Energy Quality Technical Directorate and Business Process Improvement attended the George Mason University job fair at the university’s Johnson Center in Fairfax, Virginia. The event served as an opportunity for members of the DLA Energy QTD and BPI team to highlight federal career benefits, overseas options, and DLA Energy’s essential role supporting warfighter’s global mission.
For DLA Energy’s Career Management Specialist, Acquisition Workforce Development Division Monyka Ruiz, the job fair helps DLA engage thousands of upcoming and recent GMU graduates, especially for quality assurance specialist roles.
“We’re always excited to team up with the DLA Energy business units to do our part in getting the word out about the amazing DLA Pathways to Career Excellence programs in logistics, engineering, contracting, quality, and the supply series,” said Ruiz. “We use several avenues to reach top-tier talent such as employee referrals, the military Transition Assistance Program, and veteran events, to align with the Talent Acquisition Plan, the strategic playbook for DLA hiring and recruitment.”
Ruiz noted that DLA uses several other pipeline programs intended to further aid with garnering potential candidates for DLA’s workforce of tomorrow to include, the Pathways Internship Program, the Department of Defense College Acquisition Internship Program, and the Defense Civilian Training Corps Internship.
Richard Vicenty, a DLA Energy Quality Technical Directorate training program manager/PaCE coordinator, shared his optimism for GMU job fair student engagement. “We expect strong interest from students seeking fast-paced, impactful careers,” said Vicenty. “The career ladder structure, federal benefits, and overseas assignments are likely to appeal to many.”
Vicenty said that participation at GMU’s job fair highlights the DLA PaCE Program as a strong foundation for future leaders, offering hands-on experience, career development, and a direct path to supporting the warfighter. He added that the DLA Energy team is hopeful that the job fair would inspire students to pursue meaningful federal careers where excellence and impact come together.”
During the two-day event, DLA Energy representatives met with dozens of students at the GMU job fair to discuss career opportunities.
Driven by his passion for contributing to projects that benefit U.S. citizens, GMU computer science major David Zhou was drawn to the DLA Energy booth, where he hopes to start a career in government service. “I was blown away speaking with DLA Energy, specifically Monyka,” said Zhou. “My interaction with her was great as she informed me about the various DLA internship programs and employment opportunities. It’s important that I explore government agencies that align with my interest for career longevity.”
Having explored information technology and consulting industries, GMU computer science major Erfan Ahmed expressed how his interaction with DLA Energy’s Deputy Director, Quality Technical Directorate Keith Mills sparked his interest in the agency. “My conversation with Keith about how contracts and projects work, and travel opportunities drew my interest,” said Ahmed. “I appreciate the team’s openness explaining their skillset which inspired me to consider a new field.”
GMU alumna Robyn Bleck, a DLA Energy management assistant, found the GMU job fair energizing and rewarding as she engaged GMU students who are “curious, and ready to make a difference.” Bleck also shared her passion for participating in the university's job fair while providing attendees with insight from an alumni perspective.
“This is my second consecutive year taking part in the GMU job fair as a DLA Energy employee,” said Bleck. “I absolutely love speaking with current and former George Mason students. I believe having an alumnus in attendance fosters stronger connections by creating a shared sense of identity and trust rooted in common experience. Alumnus presence adds value by bridging institutional knowledge with professional networks, enhancing collaboration, and long-term engagement.”
Bleck said attending the job fair "felt like coming home," and she found it energizing to connect with students who reminded her of her own career beginnings. She added that working at DLA Energy feels like a "full-circle moment" that allows her to shape future public service professionals, just as mentors had done for her.