Improving the Hiring Process for Non-Stem Entry-Level Personnel Applying to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD)

Abstract

This capstone project explores the challenges and opportunities of hiring non-STEM personnel within government agencies, focusing on the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). It examines barriers non-STEM candidates face when applying for positions in NSWCPD’s Division 31, Code 311. Using a process analysis approach, the project identifies some potential key challenges: difficulty in understanding technical and government nomenclatures in job announcements, insufficient knowledge on navigating the hiring and interviewing process, and outdated training and onboarding programs for new hires. To address these barriers, the project proposes several solutions: clarifying technical and government terminology in job announcements, using concise visuals to increase awareness of the hiring and interviewing process to encourage a larger pool of applicants, modernizing training delivery to enhance accessibility and effectiveness for new hires, and increasing awareness of internship opportunities for non-STEM candidates. Future research should collect pre- and post-intervention data to evaluate the effectiveness of these proposed adjustments.