Associates Program
Overview of the Associates Program
The Associates Program is designed for early-career professionals—with up to six years of experience—who aspire to become future leaders in government and industry. This unique nine-month program promotes career growth through a combination of coaching, classroom training, and both individual and team-based exercises.
Participants gain critical skills in areas such as personal branding and career management, guided by trusted experts from the government IT community. Monthly sessions, primarily held outside standard business hours, offer practical insights and real-world strategies from some of the field’s most accomplished leaders.
Associates Program Highlights
- Negotiation: Associates will learn the skills to negotiate for themselves and their company.
- Networking: Associates will learn networking basics and have real life experiences within the ACT-IAC community. The goal is to help the Associates create a foundation for networking success.
- ACT-IAC Communities of Interest (COI): Each Associate Team will work with an ACT-IAC COI to choose an Associate Project which they will present to the class & the COI. Current COIs include Acquisition, CX, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology, Evolving the Workforce, Health, IT Management & Modernization, and Networks & Telecommunications.
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills: Associates will participate in a workshop which provides the essential skills and sensibilities that every presenter needs to become an excellent and effective communicator.
- Lessons From Leadership: The Associates will learn from the industry and government Coaches how they became the leaders they are today
- Service Project: The Associates class will take part in a class lead service project benefiting a local Non-Profit
- Pathways to Leadership: The Associates will explore career paths to leadership in industry and government
- Managing Up: Associates participate in a workshop that helps participants consciously develop highly effective relationships with their supervisors, and learn to obtain the best possible results for themselves, their boss, their peers and their organization.
Tuition Fees
- $1995 for all Associates. This includes all training professionals, assessments, meals, facilities and costs associated with the program.
Application FAQ
- We strongly recommend reading through the FAQ before beginning your application.
Questions can be sent to Sarah Hughes, Director, Professional Development, [email protected].
The ACT-IAC Associates program is unlike any other leadership development program. The 9 month curriculum provides participants the opportunity to:
- Learn about current challenges of the federal IT industry
- Gain an understanding of the culture of government and industry federal IT
- Be coached and taught by respected leaders in the career field
- Cultivate a professional network of peers, coaches, and other industry professionals
- Accelerate professional and personal growth
- Collaboration through classes, social events, and a case study project
- Earn up to 30 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs)
The successful Associate will:
- Have between 1-6 years of total professional work experience, including military service or previous career experience;
- Want to master skills such career management and personal branding while gaining valuable knowledge of the federal IT career;
- Be prepared to pay tuition fee of $1995 within 60 days of being accepted to the program;
- Be able to attend all scheduled program activities;
- Be able to dedicate an average of 4-8 hours per month for Associates activities;
- Be recommended by a sponsor within their organization;
- Be employed by federal agency OR ACT-IAC member company in good standing.
More than one person per industry company can apply and be accepted to the Associates Program.
“The ACT-IAC Associates Program was an incredibly rewarding experience that I will carry with me throughout my career. Over the course of eight enriching months, I saw meaningful personal and professional growth—most notably in my confidence and leadership skills. This program offered a unique opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and engage deeply with the GovCon community. I’m especially grateful for the relationships built, the mentorship received, and the insights gained from industry and government leaders. For anyone in the early stages of their government contracting career, Associates provides a strong foundation that accelerates both development and impact. I’m proud to be part of this network and look forward to paying it forward.”
Ryan Cloghessy, Associates Graduate 2024
"The ACT-IAC Associates program was recommended to me by a co-worker who had previously completed it. At the time, I wasn’t very familiar with ACT-IAC and didn’t know what to expect—but now that I’ve completed the program, I can’t recommend it enough! Each session focused on valuable, relevant topics for young professionals navigating the industry. I especially found the sessions on public speaking and negotiation incredibly useful. The program also offers opportunities to collaborate and connect with your cohort through both the working sessions and social activities, which made it easy to form friendships. Participating in the ACT-IAC Associates program helped me grow professionally and build relationships that will last throughout my career."
Gabby Hart, Associates Graduate 2024
"Participating in the Associates Program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey. The program brings together a diverse cohort of professionals from both the program and sales sides, all eager to connect, collaborate, and enhance their skills. I truly valued the opportunity to meet colleagues whose roles both align with and differ from my own, as it broadened my perspective on the GovCon industry.
One of the greatest benefits of the Associates Program is the lasting network it creates. The relationships I formed with my peers have already proven invaluable for sharing ideas and information, and I look forward to staying connected with them for years to come.
Working alongside my coach and team on our project was a highlight of the program. The variety of perspectives within our group not only deepened our understanding of the topic we explored but also gave us insight into each other’s professional experiences. This collaborative environment challenged us to think differently and learn from one another.
The coaches and mentors involved in the program are exceptional. Their dedication to our success was evident, and having access to their industry knowledge and candid advice was truly invaluable. I am grateful for the opportunity to ask tough questions and receive honest guidance both during and after the Associates program.
Overall, the Associates Program has equipped me with new skills, fresh perspectives, and lasting connections that I will carry forward in my career."
Abby Cassell, Associates Graduate 2024
Government |
| Jack Buckingham |
Industry |
| Alexandra "Lexi" Hoffman |
| Anish Deena |
| Ben Stevens |
| Benjamin Beatty |
| Christine DeFluri |
| Ciara Johnson |
| Conley Bartelt |
| Deepthi Ravikumar |
| Dominic Palumbo |
| Jacqueline Lucier |
| James Glenn IV |
| Jason Pan |
| Kathryn Wayman |
| Kendall Brooks |
| Madelyn Lind |
| Mussadiq Khan |
| Nadine Maysaud |
| Nicole Solis |
| Rahul Maharjan |
| Raul Jurado Jr |
| Sophie Albimino |
| Taylor Roberts |