Annual New Member Reception and Job Fair. (Women in Defense).

Women In Defense holds its annual New Member Reception and Job Fair at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va., on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Viewed by WID members as "the ultimate professional networking event," it allows attendees to meet with company representatives and discuss career opportunities.

"The New Member Reception and Job Fair provides an excellent opportunity to promote professional development and networking for our members--both new and old," said WID Membership Director Chris Cabells. When joining WID, members receive:

* Access to a group of defense industry professionals, all connected through WID.

* Networking opportunities at events with the players in defense and national security.

* E-mail messages announcing events and other news.

* A Web site where members can find useful information.

* Access to the WID job bank.

* On-line change-of-address and contact information.

* A membership directory, published annually.

* A member's pin.

* Membership in the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

* The monthly National Defense magazine, published by NDIA.

* A membership card used for both WID and NDIA reference.

At the meeting, the WID Board of Directors will present an overview of WID services and activities, including the HORIZONS scholarship program, which is open to all WID members.

Companies Represented

The event is being organized by WID Job Bank Director Suzanne Moore, operations research analyst at the Army Test and Evaluation Command, along with volunteers from the Job Bank Committee. Companies represented at this event will include WID's corporate sponsors: Booz-Allen & Hamilton, SAIC and Raytheon.

"The WID Job Fair provides an informal setting where job seekers can meet with company representatives," Moore said. "Companies benefit, because applicants understand the defense job market and the unique skills required for defense-oriented jobs."

WID maintains the job bank as a service to members. An offshoot of NDIA's Defensejobs.com, it can be found on the WID Web site (wid.ndia.org). WID members have constant access to this Web site to search for jobs and to post resumes.

The reception and job fair benefits members by providing opportunities for professional development, a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences, and a vehicle for expanding members' professional networks.

Norma Byron, president of The Ashlawn Group, LLC is president of Women In Defense.