Associates Program

2024 Associates Class Applications Now Closed. 

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

Overview of the Associates Program

The Associates Program prepares entry-level professionals, with up to six years of experience, for their future roles as leaders in government and industry. This unique program fosters career growth through coaching and classroom training as well as independent and team exercises.

The nine-month program trains ambitious young professionals who want to master skills such as personal branding and career management early in their careers. The Associates Program provides essential personal, team, and career development trainings by the trusted subject matter experts within the government IT community. The monthly educational programs are primarily held outside of normal business hours and reveal real world tips and techniques from some of the industry's most successful individuals.

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.

 

If you have any questions, reach out to Sarah Hughes, Manager, Professional Development, [email protected]

 

Unique Differentiators

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)
Applicant Demographic

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. 

Testimonials

“The ACT-IAC Associates program was a phenomenal experience all around. The programming and lessons learned throughout have helped in my view of the Gov-Con space and have helped me personally in being confident in my skills and abilities and what I can bring to the table. This program is built around the specific wants of the current class, I was very appreciative that there were times in the program where the associates got to pick topics that we were interested in learning about so we could gain a better and deeper understanding of topics that were important to us rather than just the surface knowledge of standard topics. Perhaps my favorite part of the program, besides the gain in personal confidence, were the connections and relationships I built along the way, with both my peers and coaches. I am confident in saying that many of these relationships will last far into the future and I am excited to continue to see all of the successful things my fellow associates accomplish. For anyone hesitant, I encourage you to take the chance as this program is a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable experience and understanding of Gov-Con and is a gold star opportunity for individuals early in their careers.”

Megan Klaus, QinetiQ US
Associates Graduate 2023

 

"The Associates program was a great way to build on my knowledge of how to become a leader in federal government contracting. During my time, the program expanded my understanding of professional development, building my own “personal brand”, negotiating & advocating for myself, and how to progress in my career. It was an excellent networking opportunity, and I now have access to an incredible pool of professionals that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I look forward to continuing to stay involved with ACT-IAC, and the other programs they have to offer!"

Ryan Schulien, MetaPhase Consulting
Associates Graduate 2023

 

"As a Project Manager and as a Business Development professional, the ACT-IAC Associates Program has been a pivotal milestone in my career, arriving precisely when I needed it most. This experience has been a catalyst for my growth, offering not only valuable skills but also a deeper understanding of the federal IT domain. The standout aspect of the program lies in the exceptional caliber of my associates and coaches. Their depth of knowledge and expertise is truly exceptional! The relationships formed with these incredibly talented individuals have transformed into enduring friendships that I am confident will continue to evolve. I am profoundly grateful to the ACT-IAC Leadership for granting me this opportunity. This program has not only refined my professional acumen within the IT realm but has also honed my leadership capabilities."

Roshan Anand, Alpha Omega Technologies
Associates Graduate 2023

 

"Participating in ACT-IAC has been an incredible journey that extended beyond skill acquisition, it helped me in not just acquiring diverse set of skills crucial for professional growth, but also an undeniable personal and career development.  This program has offered me invaluable knowledge and fostered kind and valuable life experiences. The connections forged during this time are the ones I will treasure for a lifetime. ACT-IAC also provided me with the networking opportunities that opened doors I never imagined and expanded my horizons. Joining the ACT-IAC program has been a catalyst for multifaceted development as the camaraderie within my group cultivated an environment of shared learning, and an unbreakable bond. Additionally, the members, coaches, mentors, and the ACT-IAC manager became standing pillars of support, offering guidance and understanding while I navigated personal challenges alongside the program. I will be forever thankful for being nominated to take part in this program."

KumKum Kunappareddy, CGI Federal
Associates Graduate 2023

 

"As a newcomer to the Government/Industry realm and developing my professional growth, ACT-IAC Associates program has been invaluable. This experience has not only equipped me with crucial networking, management, and personal skills but also has been instrumental in elevating my career. The main outcome of this program has been the increase in my confidence and familiarization of the everchanging Government landscape. Our cohort was filled with individuals with diverse backgrounds which gave me new perspectives and a great support system throughout the program. The valuable lessons, whether acquired directly or indirectly, will remain throughout my career. I intend to extend this opportunity to others, hoping to see others benefit from the Associates program in the future."

Caitlyn Davis, Highlight Technologies, Inc
Associates Graduate 2023

 

"I was approached by one of the Sr. Leadership members within my firm about applying to the ACT-IAC Associates, and was very unsure of it at first. That said I applied, was accepted and have never looked back! Joining this program really helped open my eyes on how to navigate the ever changing Federal contracting market. The leadership and management skills that I have learned from this program are invaluable and are something that I will continue to utilize as my career progresses. On top of that, the people are AMAZING! I have been fortunate enough to make some great friendships that will only continue to grow as my tenure does. I can’t thank the ACT-IAC Leadership enough for the opportunity!"  

Drew Ozmar, Booz Allen Hamilton
Associates Graduate 2022

 

"A great experience with great people. I was able to expand my network and make lasting connections both personal and professional."   

Benjamin Drew

Benjamin Drew, DMI
Associates Graduate 2022 

 

"The Associates Program was nothing short of a phenomenal experience! I was able to see immediate application of the skills developed in the classroom. The curriculum provides a very wholistic view of the government/industry intersection by having such a diverse pool of coaches from the highest levels of government and industry. I was able to learn ways to approach situations in a manner I had not previously considered and feel more well-rounded because of it. Just as importantly, I was able to build friendships instead of just connections with peers and leaders sharing the same goal of accelerating government. These friendships expand far beyond this program, and I am excited to stay in tune with ACT-IAC as an Associates Liaison. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to expand their knowledge beyond just their project/client and connect with mentors from the highest levels."  

Reed Thompson

Reed Thompson, ECS Federal
Associates Graduate 2022 
 
 
“Associates came at the exact right time for me and my career. The cohort, the coaches, the programming, all culminated in supporting me further my understanding of the federal IT landscape, network beyond my current organization, and develop as not only a professional but as a manager and leader at Highlight.” 
 
Victoria Kruemmer
 
Victoria Kruemmer, Highlight
Associates Graduate 2022
 
Current Associates Class
Brad O'Laughlin
ServiceNow

 

Bryn O'Neil
CGI Federal

 

Caitlyn Davis
Highlight Technologies, Inc.

 

Christopher George
Rigil Corporation

 

Connor Chapman
CGI Federal

 

Emily Bruin
ECS Federal, LLC

 

Faiza Khanbozai
Deep Water Point/Wolf Den Associates

 

Harry Heath
Lumen Technologies

 

Hayley Snell
Valiant Solutions

 

Ileana Gutierrez
CGI Federal

 

Jayne Liu
ECS Federal, LLC
Jesse Dylan Sutphin
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

 

Jessica Brito
Accenture Federal Services

 

Jonathan Silverman
Leidos

 

Kieu Tang
CGI Federal

 

Kumkum Kunappareddy
CGI Federal

 

Matt King
Hive Group

 

Max Weiser
Leidos

 

Megan Klaus
QinetiQ US

 

Roshan Anand
Alpha Omega Integration, LLC

 

Ryan Schulien
Strongbridge, LLC

 

Theresa Myers
Fidelis Cybersecurity