At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today’s Q&A is with Brigit Freedman, Talent Insights and Analytics Leader, Human Resources.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I am a rebound hire. I worked for PAE, a legacy company, left for a little while and realized what I had left behind.
What is your professional and personal background?
I started my recruiting career in the ’90s purely by accident. Once I was in it, I was hooked on helping people find a new job. As I grew in my career and as a leader, I found I really enjoyed helping my team grow in their career. I moved from agency recruiting to dot-com, and then I got an opportunity to move into government contracting (GovCon). During my recent move back to agency, I realized how much I enjoy the chase and pace of GovCon. I have moved into a new Talent Insights & Analytics role that is recruiting-adjacent.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
I get to create opportunities for our employees to provide the company feedback. I interpret what our employees are feeling and thinking and share these insights with our HR team and leadership. Then, we work together to identify solutions on how we can improve our employees’ experience working for Amentum.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moments are when I see people I have hired grow and excel in their careers. Many have left my team to pursue a totally different career path. There are a few I hired right out of school into recruiting roles. They didn’t know what they wanted to do, and I was able to help them get training, advanced education and watch them now grow as program managers at Amentum.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
I LOVE the people at Amentum. It starts with my direct circle and extends to the employees that provide feedback. While feedback isn’t always happy or nice, we need it as we continue growing and improving as a company.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about people and teamwork.
What’s your career advice?
Every person you meet is a potential door to a new opportunity. Build solid bridges. A career path is not a straight line. If you find yourself unhappy don’t be afraid to change direction. Pivot! Reach out to those people you have met and use those bridges that you have created. People inherently want to help!
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Psychological safety is key. Find people you can be yourself with and ensure you are someone that makes other people feel safe, included and heard.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
E-books! I love reading. Books take up so much space, and you can’t throw them away, so now I can carry more books in my phone than I could in an 18-wheeler!
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
Don’t be afraid to do what you love and follow your passion. Sometimes those passions won’t pay the bills, but they will pay you in emotional wealth and personal satisfaction.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is so important for young women today to appreciate how far we have come and how far we still must go. It is an opportunity for women to lift each other up and continue to come together to make progress for all women everywhere.
