Orion helped me find a career as a Production Supervisor with Stryker Orthopaedics in June 2016. However, this was not my first post military job. After I left the USMC, I worked in the construction industry, building new residential homes. Looking back, my transition was not as smooth as I would have liked. I probably could have planned it much better, because I had about a month and a half gap between separating from the military and starting my new career.
After three years in construction, I realized I wasn't very passionate about it and decided to reach out to Orion. They helped me navigate through my career change. Everything moved very quickly, which was great, and I had multiple offers from great companies within only a month of first reaching out to Orion.
I work in the healthcare industry now. It is a fast-paced and constantly changing environment to be in, which is very much like being in the military. There is also a high sense of purpose in the job I get to do every day. The work we do on a daily basis helps healthcare professionals provide top quality care to patients. It is very fulfilling - just like the military.
Prior to interviewing with Stryker, I spent time researching the industries, the company's history and competitors, and mainly the culture because the most important thing for me was to find a company that embodied the values that are important to me. This is an important step for anyone preparing for a civilian interview.
At Stryker, a medical technology company, I initially started out as a Production Supervisor in our manufacturing plant where we make hip and knee replacement implants. After about three months, I was promoted to an operations manager role where I was responsible for a team around 60+ people.
Another year into that role, my family and I were looking to get back to the Philadelphia area (which is home for us), and I was able to transfer across divisions in Stryker. I am now a Senior Project Manager in our communications division, where we install new operating room equipment to hospitals around the country. The great thing about Stryker is that they really do encourage employees to take on new roles within the company, which is great for both individual growth and growth of the company as well.
I think the responsibility those in the military get so early on really helps them grow as leaders. And the day in and day out of military life prepares you well for the challenges you face in your new career, as well as provides the ability to adapt and have a disciplined approach to any task. I think one of the nice things about the civilian workplace is that people usually get compensated based on their skills and the results they produce, which isn't always the case in the military.
But, you have to be passionate about what you are doing. This was the hardest part for me. Don't just take the first job offer that comes along. You have more to offer companies than you realize, so don't be afraid to go after the jobs/roles you are really passionate about.
And don't be afraid to ask for help in your transition. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help veterans. All you have to do is ask!
The main differences I have found between my military and civilian career are comradery and the use of persuasion. Comradery like that in the military is tough to find in the civilian workplace, so find somewhere where you fit in with the people, the culture, and the mission. Also, I think you have to be much better as using the power of persuasion in any civilian careers. Sometimes I wish I could just give an order and things would get done right away in my new career, but that isn't the case.
As for those looking to hire veterans, I would say that hiring managers should learn to look past just the resume. Veterans might not have the necessary "work" experience you are looking for, but they do have many of the intangible qualities that they've gained from years of military service in some of the most austere environments on earth. You'd be surprised at how big of an asset they could prove to be for your team. The experience they come with and their ability to consistently produce top results will amaze you!
