The Navy Supply Corps School was privileged to hear from Naval Supply Systems Command Vice Commander Kurt Wendelken during his visit to the schoolhouse in April. Wendelken shared invaluable advice for a successful career in the Navy Supply Corps, emphasizing the importance of mastering one's craft while embodying leadership from the start.
"You are a leader right now," Mr. Wendelken affirmed, encouraging students to embrace leadership roles early on. He urged them not to shy away from challenges, emphasizing the importance of transparency. "You don't want to be the senior one in the room with a secret," he cautioned.
Setting clear goals and working diligently to achieve them was another key point in Wendelken's blueprint. He advised attendees to "set a North Star for yourself" and emphasized the importance of having a mentor to guide them along their career paths. "You can do this right now," he stressed.
Recognizing the importance of giving back, Wendelken encouraged students to become mentors themselves. "We are all part of a team. If you don't think you are, you are wrong," he stated, highlighting the collaborative nature of success.
When Sailors are faced with problems and before going to leadership, they should first devise Courses of Action - and possible answers - to propose. Providing possible paths forward instead of presenting the roadblocks will make a positive impression on leadership. And that’s a good thing.
Wendelken's visit left a lasting impact on the students, informing, inspiring and encouraging them as they embark on their journey as U.S. Navy Supply Corps officers.
