What An Attorney At Department Of Defense Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Government Law
Andrew, an Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense, emphasizes the importance of flexibility and an open mind for success in their career, stating that "the secret to success...is to have the mindset...of being flexible with what comes next." This approach allowed Andrew to embrace unexpected opportunities, such as a fulfilling assignment in Guam, highlighting that some of their greatest experiences were not initially on their preferred list.
Flexibility, Open-mindedness, Positive Attitude, Adaptability, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Andrew Henderson
Agency Counsel
Department of Defense
Bates College
Pepperdine University School of Law (JD); University of Redlands School of Business (MA); Army JAG School (LLM)
Political Science, American Studies
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Took Out Loans, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for a successful career in the Department of Defense.
2. Be open to unexpected assignments and opportunities; some of the best experiences may not be what you initially planned for.
3. A positive and flexible mindset is key to job satisfaction and success in this field, rather than focusing on getting your top choice every time.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I don't really recall any unpleasant surprises. I did my homework before I took my oath of office to become an officer in the United States military.
The secret to success or to prevent yourself from being unhappy is to have the mindset or the right attitude of being flexible with what comes next. That might be referring to a job assignment or a geographical location.
You might request your dream job in Hawaii and not get it, and you can be upset about it, or you can look forward to the assignment you got instead. I think that kind of flexibility, that kind of mindset, and walking into it with an open mind, that's the secret to having a happy, successful time as an attorney for the military or even the Department of Defense overall.
Every once in a while, you'd run into someone who would get a little excited or upset because they didn't get their number one choice. Of course, everyone can't get their number one choice.
Some of the greatest assignments I've had were ones that I wouldn't have listed. All of a sudden, I was there and I thought, "This is awesome!" I wouldn't have picked it because I didn't know about it, and now I know about it.
I had a great time on the island of Guam. I would recommend anyone go there, but it's not a place I would have picked. I didn't go kicking and screaming, though, because I said, "Okay, let's give it a shot." And it was great. So, have that mindset, and you'll thrive.
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