Connection and community at Leidos

Distribution Planning Analysis Engineer Alex Radulescu started his career with Leidos in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to alter the global workplace landscape. He was only briefly able to work in an office with his managers and team members before everyone started to work remotely. “Initially, I found it difficult to forge strong connections through virtual interactions,” said Alex. “There’s very little get-to-know-you time with your team and managers when only interacting through calls, emails, and meetings.” 

Joining a 45,000-person company and working remotely presented unique challenges for Alex. During his onboarding process, Alex learned about the company culture. Leidos promotes a safe space for asking questions and encourages interactions among all levels of employees. “As a brand-new employee just starting out in my career, I could have easily gotten lost in such a big organization, especially when I realized that I needed to take the initiative to reach out and ask questions,” Alex reflected. “Then I asked myself ’What’s stopping me?’” While it can be intimidating to someone just starting their career to put themselves out there and ask questions, Alex stepped out of his comfort zone to do just that – and found that it opened up many doors that facilitated connection while also rapidly increasing his knowledge.

A culture of mentoring

Leidos encourages employees to take full advantage of opportunities to learn, join communities within the company, and leverage the expertise of more senior employees. For example, after learning more about the culture of mentoring within his Power Delivery Solutions division, Alex pursued a mentor relationship. He connected with a seasoned engineering manager, John Gawron, who has provided Alex with insights and guidance that have helped him better understand the company and the power industry, develop skills, and connect to new opportunities. Alex and John meet regularly to set and discuss goals, and John provides not only technical knowledge but other guidance as well. 

Employee Resource Groups enrich the employee experience

Beyond the connections that Alex has made within his division, he has also enriched his experience at Leidos through participation in the company’s robust Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs provide opportunities for employees to collaborate on shared interests, and they support diversity in the culture of Leidos. ERGs also present a great avenue to meet colleagues, broaden networks, mentor others, support community outreach, and take advantage of personal development opportunities.

“When I was still fairly new, a co-worker shared a meeting announcement for the Young Professionals Network ERG with me. I attended that meeting and joined the group right away,” said Alex. After making new connections through the Young Professionals Network, Alex saw the benefit of joining additional ERGs. He realized he had many opportunities to learn by participating in ERG programs and presentations, and how to further make connections across the company. “I started attending and joining a variety of ERGs that offered learning opportunities that were interesting or applicable to me and it truly has enhanced my connection and development at Leidos,” said Alex.

Alex has joined several groups that aren’t directly targeted to him, such as the Women’s Network. He has been able to meet and form connections with colleagues he would not have been otherwise exposed to had he not pushed himself to seek out opportunities. Learning from colleagues in different areas of the company has given Alex a broader perspective on the company and in return, it has created a greater connection to Leidos.

Rotational assignments deepen understanding

Alex didn’t stop there. He also took advantage of a career development program offered within his division called Career Outlook Rotational Experience (CORE). The year-long program offers early career engineers the opportunity to rotate into new technical areas to develop professional, technical, and leadership skills, as well as helping them deepen their understanding of the utility markets that Leidos serves.

Two years after joining Leidos, Alex looks back on how the connections he made early on have supported his career growth. “I’m really grateful that I’m with a company that encourages our development,” he reflected. “I’ve experienced an enormous payoff by taking advantage of what Leidos has to offer. It has also helped me see what a shared sense of purpose we all have.”

“Leidos not only talks the talk but also walks the walk when it comes to fostering a culture where team members are valued and given the support they need to flourish.”

Creating connection and community is an important aspect of the Leidos culture. Many new employees share similar journeys to Alex’s where they’ve learned to create their own communities and connect with the company on a deeper level.

“Leidos not only talks the talk but also walks the walk when it comes to fostering a culture where team members are valued and given the support they need to flourish,” said Alex. “The main thing to remember is at Leidos, you are valued. You are appreciated. And we all succeed together.”