Fostering Innovation Through Academic Collaboration

In the dynamic landscape of business challenges, Alpha Omega’s partnerships with academic institutions are proving to be a breeding ground for innovative solutions. By bridging the gap between industry and academia, these collaborations not only address pressing business needs but also offer invaluable experiential learning opportunities for university students.

Victoria Suarez, an alumna of George Mason University, initiated a conversation with her former colleague, Dr. Afra Ahmad, with the intention of discussing a speaking opportunity for students. Little did they know that this would spark a collaboration yielding transformative outcomes for both parties.

Dr. Ahmad, Director of Mason’s Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology Program, recognized the potential alignment between Alpha Omega’s Talent Development needs and her students’ thirst for real-world experience. Thus began a journey of brainstorming sessions and strategic planning, culminating in a robust partnership.

Students enrolled in the PSYC 616 Employee Selection course embarked on a six-week journey, conducting extensive interviews with industry experts, Alpha Omega personnel, and talent development professionals. Their efforts resulted in a comprehensive report offering insightful recommendations aimed at enhancing candidate selection processes and improving employee retention strategies.

The students, enthused by the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, lauded the experience. Dr. Ahmad and her colleagues, Dr. Eric Hutchson and Dr. Dennis Doverspike, thoughtfully partnered together students of various career-levels and abilities which strenghted the project’s outcomes. In August, students and faculty visited Alpha Omega’s headquarters virtually and in person to share their impressions and meet with leadership.

“Alpha Omega is eager to expand our engagement with academic partners like universities and technical schools,” said CEO Gautam Ijoor. “As we grow, we must also nurture the future workforce and our teams’ internal development. We look to the I/O experts and research data for guidance to tap into new directions and refine our processes. By collaborating with students and professors on various projects like this one, we offer students work expertise and exposure to real-world challenges, while fostering the environment for innovative solutions to business and civic problems.”  

In the competitive realm of government contracting, where talent acquisition is paramount, Alpha Omega’s Talent Factory program stands out for its innovative approach. Collaborations with universities serve as catalysts for introducing aspiring professionals to the intricacies of federal contracting, enriching the talent pool.

In a landscape where unforeseen encounters often yield the best outcomes, Alpha Omega values its partnerships with academic communities. As they continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, they remain committed to driving mutual benefits and fostering innovative synergies.

In essence, Alpha Omega’s partnerships exemplify the power of collaboration in addressing business challenges while nurturing the workforce of tomorrow.