Name: Michael J. Chambers
Current Job Position Title: Human Resources Specialist
Company Name: Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
Contact Information: mikejcham@gmail.com
Special skills:
I'm a writer and public speaker. My written works include editorial, poetry, motivational, speech, and news writing. I speak in hopes to motivate others into actions that will better them as individuals personally and professionally, as well as provide insight on ways to live healthier lives, uplift our communities, and encourage innovative training and development of at-risk youth in the education system. I have experience as on-air talent to deliver news and documentaries. Being a communicator by nature and formerly employed as a pharmaceutical sales representative, I also possess substantial skill in the field of consulting, especially in sales and branding.
Describe your job story:
Immediately after receiving degree in hand from Clark Atlanta University, I took a position with Pfizer, Inc., the largest pharmaceutical company in the world, as a Professional Healthcare Representative in South Bend, Indiana. After approximately nine months, I was a casualty of economic times, being laid off from the company. Six months later I resurfaced in the workplace, landing a position as a Human Resources Specialist for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Indianapolis, Indiana, my hometown. In addition to my primary role as a specialist, I also serve as a news anchor for the agency, delivering current events that are broadcasted throughout multiple sites around the country, as well as in Europe and Japan. I have been with the agency now for three years.
What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
I honestly do not remember, but I find difficulty imagining wanting to be anything other than a professional basketball player.
Are doing your dream job? Not even close.
What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the
LEAST?
DFAS has a Toastmasters club, of which I have been a member now for almost three years. I am actually the club's current president, being the first male and African American to serve in this capacity. I find a great deal of joy and personal satisfaction in inspiring my club members and serving as a mentor and coach to aid in their development as effective speakers and leaders
The aspect of DFAS that I like the least is its rigidity to change and incapability to recognize, foster, and utilize young talent in a manner that best serves the agency and the employees' personal and professional development.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would like to be self-employed, serving as a writer and speaker, as well as a private consultant in the fields of leadership development, health, and human potential.
Are you happy with where you are in life?
The term "happy" is very relative. I find great difficulty in saying that I am, because I often find myself discontent with my current career, and I'm a work in progress with my personal and spiritual journey. The best way I can answer this question is by simply saying that I am not at all satisfied with where I am in life, but I'm working on stopping every once in a while to smell the roses, because I am blessed beyond measure.
What more do you want to do with your life?
I simply want to wake up every morning energized and having comfort in my mind and heart that my talents and dreams are aligned with God's will and plan. No matter how big or small, I want to always feel like I am making a positive difference in the lives of others.
What drives/motivates you?
Pain and failure. Much like the fuel for a car, these two things drive me to push forward to my destinations, or goals, to try and change things. Being "happy" never changed anything. Things change when we're fed up, and decide that we will take responsibility to do our part in contributing to positive outcomes.
What else do you do?
I really enjoy reading. This both relaxes and stimulates my mind, and broadens my perspective on a wide-range of topics. I am also a health enthusiast. I enjoy physically challenging my body and learning good practices to promote and enhance one's well-being. Also, when I am not working, I spend a lot of time on the road or in the air traveling. I love going to new places and have friends all around the country.
What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have
no hope?
Put your pride aside. A major problem is that many are unemployed because they refuse to work some jobs. There is sometimes a sense of entitlement or a superiority complex that will not allow them to take a position that they feel is beneath them. You must start somewhere, and there is something extremely valuable to be learned wherever you work, and those are almost always transferrable job skills. It won't last forever either. Nonetheless, you cannot afford to have gaps in your resume. A prospective employer will always prefer someone who shows the initiative and humility to work,even if it is not an ideal situation. As my grandmother would say, "If you want something done, find someone who is already busy."
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