Hodja University is officially in session

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Caleb Pierce
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --   Professional development is part of all levels of one's Air Force career progression, which is why the 39th Air Base Wing introduced an innovative  developmental tool for Airmen to stay on track -- Hodja University.

Hodja University, which is accessible for the entire wing through SharePoint, is a one-stop shop for professional development. The site allows all members of Incirlik, both Airman and officer, access to the courses offered, when and how to register for it.

Master Sgt. Robert Mills, 39th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, explained that having a one-stop location for learning can be beneficial to members getting the proper education for career development. 

"The goal is to inspire Airmen and NCOs to assume greater responsibility and maximize career opportunities to higher positions and grades commensurate with our capabilities," said Mills.

To kick-off Hodja University, Chief Master Sgt. Vegas Clark, 39th Air Base Wing command chief, held a one-hour seminar and spoke with Airmen about his career and how he got where he is today.

"If you want it, and you really want something, you talk with your mentors, you talk with yourself and be real with yourself," Clark said. "Quit making excuses. You can do it."

As part of the event, Clark spoke of topics he's introduced to Incirlik's Airmen in the past, but explained more in depth the importance of the topics.  

Some of the topics discussed were elements necessary for a successful career, personal and professional development, career broadening, developmental special duties, and promotions.

According to Mills, it was nice to hear about some older topics with a fresh viewpoint.

"Its things we've read or heard, but from his perspective, so it's new and it's worth hearing his angle and the way he presented it," said Mills. "I think it's a great motivational developmental tool for our enlisted and I think anyone could walk away from this course and say 'I got something from this.'"

With the university being geared towards educational and career development, Mills reminds Airmen that education is just as important in completing the mission. 

"I've seen it in my career where you have people who think it's all about work or it's all about the mission," said Mills. "It's well worth our time to sit down with someone and look them in the eye and see where they want to be a couple years from now and see how I can help get them there. When we take the time to do this with our people, I think it shows that we care and you never know if it might spark something in them and get extra motivation in the long run."

This course was only the beginning for Hodja University; the university is scheduled to have numerous events for professional development throughout the year. Along with regular courses, organizers are also working to have courses focused around staff and technical sergeants due to the amount of junior enlisted members at Incirlik.

"I think it's critical for us to set our Airmen up for success, to help our Airmen and to develop our Airmen," Mills said. "I look forward to the rest of this year and the next year going forward and the future of professional development with Hodja University."

To view the Hodja University SharePoint site click here. (Link can only be accessed by government computer)

For more information, contact the base career assistance advisor at 676-1019.