The Hunter - November 2020

In This Issue

Military Transition to Civilian Life - Starting a Career in a Data Center

PODCAST: Waste & Recycling Industry: Essential Careers During COVID and Beyond

Orion’s Most Listened to Podcasts This Year

VA Refinance Loan FAQ with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

According to Your Peers

Career Success with Orion

Podcast Series for Job Seekers

Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion

Companies Recently Hiring

Connect with Orion Online

Military Transition to Civilian Life - Starting a Career in a Data Center

So you decided to end your career in the military and begin your new journey transitioning all the skills you learned and using them in the civilian world. You may be asking yourself what to do next and where to start now that you are leaving the military. What do you want to do? What industry do you want to work in? These are some of the right questions to ask yourself while seeking help to figure out which industry is best for you. The data center industry has been seeing a staffing shortage and needs the help of veterans and service members like you to help close it.

The military transition to civilian life and seeking to start a career in the data center industry can be daunting, but if you focus on a few fundamentals, you will find thousands of unfilled jobs to choose from. This industry is constantly growing and changing rapidly with new opportunities. Data centers are vital to every aspect of our economy, from ecommerce, enterprise virtualization and cloud computing to streaming content, online gaming and other forms of entertainment. It is also one of the few industries that is completely essential, especially during times of crisis when we depend on networks for business continuity and global connectivity.

Here are three key pieces of advice for your military transition:

Make a pros and cons list

Take the time to think about what you want to do and choose the one that fits best with your personal goals. Whatever you feel most suited for, chances are that you will find a path in the data center industry. Because there are so many career paths to choose, from security to engineering, it really is key to identify your strengths and weaknesses to see where you can excel.

Take advantage of the benefits available to you on active duty to make your decision

Once you know what you want to do, you should use all the resources at your disposal. Find yourself a mentor who can help you determine if you’ve taken advantage of all the benefits available to you on active duty versus what is available to you as a veteran. Remember, the military transition assistance program will only help if you fully engage. There are counselors, recruiters and services available to help you prepare and search for a job. After this, join Infrastructure Masons as it is the premier, global professional association in the industry and waives membership fees for veterans. This will give you access to scholarships, thought leadership communications and general awareness of opportunities throughout the industry.

Always be learning

Finally, if you want to maximize your opportunities in this industry, you need to commit to continuous growth and learning. The industry is growing and changing at a mind boggling speed and you must stay up to date with the latest trends. Most importantly, continuously seek more knowledge and experience to gain more responsibility and have a greater impact. The data center industry needs veterans and if you enjoy a challenge, it will give you years of fulfilling work after returning to civilian life.

To learn more about data centers and the training provided by Salute Mission Critical to veterans looking to enter the industry, contact them here.

PODCAST: Waste & Recycling Industry: Essential Careers During COVID and Beyond

The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) is the voice in the nation’s capital for the waste and recycling industry, an industry that accounts for over 1 million jobs and generates a quarter of a trillion dollars in the U.S. economy.

The NWRA has 700+ member companies operating in all 50 states, including publicly-traded and privately-owned local, regional, and Fortune 500 national and international companies. The organization represents more than 70% of the private sector waste and recycling market.

NWRA’s President and CEO, Darrell Smith, and Manager of Government Affairs, Jonathan Taylor, joined the podcast to discuss the common misconceptions about careers in waste and recycling, career opportunities for veterans, and more.

“Most people think that the waste and recycling industry is small,” Darrell stated. “In fact, there are 450,000 employees in the industry, with a $28 billion payroll and supporting over 1 million related jobs.” 

Because of its sheer size, the operation is very advanced. “Other than the United States Postal Service, there is no other industry that goes to every house once or twice a week,” Darrell continued. Its impact is enormous, will always continue to grow, and is a steady industry, therefore offering job security that is hard to find in other industries.

In fact, during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the waste and recycling industry has been deemed an essential industry. “The waste and recycling employees are helping to stop the spread of the virus by keeping our streets clean,” Darrell stated.

Another misconception about the industry is the public’s conception of the waste worker. “Waste workers are dedicated, down to earth people who get the job done,” Jonathan said. “They are hardworking, very knowledgeable, and have a great deal of responsibility.”

Employees in the waste and recycling industry are responsible for an operation that requires a lot of coordination and energy. “They are skilled workers that are very valued in their company,” Darrell explained.

Military veterans are primed to succeed in this industry. “There is a great alignment between the military skills and what the industry is looking for,” Jonathan said. “The military offers certifications that are transferable to the waste industry.”

Currently, there are a variety of jobs available for veterans. The industry is facing a shortage of Drivers, especially those with a CDL license, Welders, and Diesel Mechanics - all positions that align very well with the military skill set. “We have an abundance of opportunities for (military) leaders to show what they’re made of,” Darrell said.

Darrell and Jonathan concluded the podcast by reiterating the benefits of a career in the waste and recycling industry. “The pay is better, it’s a steady industry, and it offers a lot of opportunity,” Darrell stated.

Listen to the full podcast here. To find a career in the waste and recycling industry, check out the NWRA’s website, and take a look at this infographic on the importance of the industry and its impact on our world.

Orion’s Most Listened to Podcasts This Year

Orion’s From the Battlefield to the Boardroom podcast is dedicated to supporting military job seekers throughout the transition process and beyond, by providing valuable insight and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders. Whether you’re planning your military transition or have already landed your dream job, our podcast covers resume assistance, interview tips, financial resources, relocation advice, and everything in between.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the podcast yet, now is the time to catch up on our most popular shows so far this year!

#10 - Recruiter Provides Valuable Insight on How to Perfect Your Resume

As a transitioning military professional, you've most likely never had to create a professional resume. A resume is a snapshot of your accomplishments, education and work experience, and it should reflect your strengths and experience in a concise and compelling manner. In today's competitive job market, a well-written resume is an important tool to get your foot in the door and on your way to landing the perfect position.

#9 - Careers for Veterans with FTC Solar

Orion has recently partnered with FTC Solar, a leading provider of advanced solar tracker technology, software, and engineering services, to provide rewarding careers for former and transitioning service members. As a veteran led organization, FTC Solar is committed to hiring veterans as it grows its team in 2020.

#8 - Beyond the Uniform's Justin Nassiri: Part 2

Beyond the Uniform is on a mission to help U.S. military Veterans identify, pursue and obtain their ideal post-service career. They are a Veteran led organization that offer resources from podcasts, to books / ebooks, and webinars. The Beyond the Uniform podcast is iTunes' #1 rated podcast for military veteran career advice, with 300+ episodes featuring professional athletes, corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, and more.

Justin Nassiri, Founder & Host of Beyond the Uniform, discusses the origin and evolution of Beyond the Uniform, and shares inspirational stories from some of his favorite guests on his podcast.

#7 - Navy Nuke Finds Success in the Data Center Industry

Over the last 28 years, Orion has found civilian careers for more than 6,000 Navy Nuclear Technicians, with nearly 20% of hires having a Nuclear background. One of those hires is Shane Morris, a former Navy Nuke who has recently started his career with Digital Realty.

#6 - Financially Preparing for Your Transition, Featuring Ryan Guina (The Military Wallet)

Ryan Guina, founder of The Military Wallet, joins the podcast to discuss the resources available to transitioning service members through his website, financial mistakes to avoid, as well as his own military background and lessons learned from his transition.

#5 - Beyond the Uniform's Justin Nassiri: Part 1

Justin Nassiri from Beyond the Uniform joins the podcast to talk about his military background and transition, his education and career path, as well as the valuable lessons and advice he's learned through his entrepreneurial ventures.

#4 - An Inside Look at Franchise Ownership with JDog

Orion has partnered with JDog to provide exclusive franchise opportunities for honorably discharged Veterans and Military family members. The company is seeking motivated, entrepreneurial Veterans and Military family members, to own and operate a franchise, backed by JDog's proven business model and the support you need to be successful.

Terry Corkery, Director of Franchise Development, joins the podcast to discuss his career with JDog and provide an inside look at JDog's franchise opportunities.

#3 - Jumpstart Your Career Search with an Orion Hiring Conference

In this episode Chris Dove, a Navy Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the podcast to discuss everything you need to know about attending and preparing for a Hiring Conference. Chris has a unique perspective because before joining the Orion team, he attended a conference as a candidate. Now, it's one of the highlights of his career with Orion. 

Due to COVID-19 we have moved all our in-person hiring conferences to a virtual platform for the time being. Learn more about how to virtually interview for your next career with Orion Talent.

#2 - Navy Veteran's Career Progression From Entry-Level to Supervisor

Cory Amick began working with Orion in 2004 when he was transitioning out of the Navy. Orion set him up with Climatec, a leading provider of advanced building technologies and energy solutions, where he has now spent 15 years progressing his career.

#1 - JDog Franchise Owners Share Valuable Insight for Prospective Franchisees

Mustafa and Ellen Browne join the podcast to discuss their experience as owners of a JDog carpet cleaning franchise. The husband and wife duo, both veterans, heard about JDog through Orion and decided to contact the company to learn more. Mustafa and Ellen were kind enough to share their valuable insight and advice from their initial contact with JDog all the way through their current experience as franchise owners.

What topic would you like to hear more about? Send us an email at podcast@oriontalent.com and let us know!

VA Refinance Loan FAQ with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

According to Your Peers

Career Success with Orion

Podcast Series for Job Seekers

Have you tuned in to From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, our podcast series dedicated to supporting military job seekers? We have a variety of episodes covering everything from the civilian transition process to valuable insights and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders.

We've recently added new podcasts, including:

130. Closing the Skills Gap, with Army Veteran and Founder of STRAC Institute

129. Where is Yours Made?" Ft. Army Veteran and CEO

128. Inside Look at Franchise Ownership with Army Veteran Turned Franchise Consultant

127. Best-Selling Author Shares "Signs of a Great Resume"

126. Waste & Recycling Industry: Essential Careers During COVID and Beyond

125. From Military to Millionaire, with David Pere

If you are ready to enter the interview process, visit our Interview Essentials page to sharpen your interview skills!

Visit us online to listen to all the episodes, and explore our new podcast categories on each stage of the transition process. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast platform or RSS feed, to automatically receive new episodes as they are released.

We'd love to feature your questions in our upcoming episodes. If you have any questions you'd like to hear us answer, click below to email us!

LET US ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!  »

           

Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion

Did you know that Orion candidates earned $6,900 in referral bonuses in the first quarter of 2020?

For every job seeker you refer to us who is subsequently hired through Orion, you'll receive a $100 gift card to a retailer of your choice after they reach 90 days on the new job!

It's simple - just click here to refer a friend. 30 seconds of your time could be $100 in your pocket!

Companies Recently Hiring

Connect with Orion Online

Follow us to keep up-to-date on all things Orion, including hiring events, base visits, webinars, and news pertinent to veterans through our social media listed below.