All work and no play? No Way! Published June 13, 2007 By Heidi N. Gerstner 39th Mission Support Squadron INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- School will soon be out and for many Incirlik students this may mean embarking on family vacations, spending time with friends, enjoying a playful summer, and overall fun in the sun. However, for approximately 20 Incirlik students, there will be an added benefit - WORK! Applications for the 2007 Incirlik Summer Hire Program were accepted through May 22 for students between the ages of 14 and 22. This year's program will employ students on a part-time basis from June through Aug. Students will work as part-time clerks or laborers across the installation. "This shows wing leadership's strong commitment to provide students an opportunity to contribute to the Incirlik mission," said Aqueilla Grimmage, 39th Mission Support Squadron, Classification and Training chief and last year's summer hire program coordinator. "I began my federal career as a student hire which allowed me to work and attend college. Based on my "real-world" summer work experience, I changed my degree concentration to business management," added Ms. Grimmage. The program provides additional manpower to Incirlik organizations during the summer's high permanent change of station and vacation months. "Nothing says initiative, motivation and maturity more clearly on a resume than an individual who works or volunteers during their summer break from school," said Dee Bell, 39th MSS, Staffing & Employee Relations chief. "Part-time work in the summertime is just as important as grades. From my first job experience working as a summer hire, I was able to increase my confidence, foster my time-management skills, and explore different vocational areas, all of which combined to enhance my academic success," said Ms. Bell. "A student who is able to experience a summer hire position will find themselves better prepared for school and equipped with the ability to work with a diverse group of people who possess a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. It was through my summer hire position that I started a career in federal service; I have worked for federal service for 33 years and have enjoyed every minute." The program provides students an opportunity to learn or strengthen valuable skills. "I began my federal civil service career in June 1986 as a summer hire clerk-typist ... exactly 21 years ago," said Heidi Gerstner, 39th MSS Civilian Personnel officer. "My grandfather, an Army WWII and Korean War veteran, recommended I apply for a summer job at our local Army base. While I had no previous work experience, I did possess a typing skill of 85 words per minute. I passed the civil service exam, applied, and received a job offer." "As a recently employed intern, I can see how the summer-hire program has benefited every employed individual," said Liz Stowers, 39th MSS Human Resource Specialist and this year's summer hire program coordinator. "Having worked closely with summer hire students, the program gives students the opportunity to interact with people in a professional setting, allowing them to learn how to deal with customers, how to multi-task, problem-solve and offer solutions. The summer hire program offers students a tremendous amount of responsibility that is often not found in a typical summer job position." The summer hire program helps students learn valuable lessons and gives them experience. "The mentorship and guidance from Air Force managers -- both active duty and civilian -- offers summer hires an invaluable lesson in workplace conduct, relationships, and behavior," said Ms. Gerstner. Today, competition is stiff, promotions are not automatic, and one must obtain a strong combination of experience and education for advancement to Air Force senior level management positions. For many, the summer hire program is a great place to start." For more information, contact Liz Stowers at 676-6416.