The Hunter for Military Officers - July 2009

As Orion International continues to expand our services for former servicemen and women, we have found a need among those transitioning out of the military for guidance, advice, or just to learn from the experience of a fellow vet who has recently been through the same transition. With these needs in mind, we have developed a comprehensive guide to transitioning out of the military. Transition Corner covers topics ranging from writing a resume, interviewing, and accepting job offers, to advice from veterans who have recently made the transition.

A visit to Transition Corner provides transitioning veterans with a plethora of information. One particular feature that many job seekers find helpful is the Orion Alumni Advice feature. Here job seekers find a variety of Orion alumni from all ranks and branches of service. Our alumni discuss the challenges they faced during the transition,as well as the successes and disappointments that they have experienced in their new job. In their columns, these alumni also candidly expound on the financial, emotional, and professional aspects of their transition.

In addition, job seekers can contact these alumni to ask questions or seek advice. Our mentors have answered questions on topics such as MOS-related career advice, how to best utilize Orion’s services, and how to deal with the personal ramifications of transitioning out of the military. If you have a question, check out Transition Corner, find an alumnus that most closely matches your situation, and ask away. There is a mentor to reflect many military occupations.

Job seekers will also find the Transition Resources section particularly helpful, as it outlines the hiring process from start to finish. The process is clearly laid out with helpful articles describing each step of the process, including resume preparation, interview fundamentals, and receiving an offer. You can also find a section on what to expect from civilian benefits and a podcast on how to prepare for an Orion hiring conference. More resources and articles will be unveiled when our new and improved website goes live in the near future, so be sure to check back often!

Will Haggerty, Flexible Manufacturing Unit Cell Leader

I am extremely grateful to both JP Sniffen and the entire Orion team for helping me find a great position in a great city. The Orion team really ensured that my transition was as seamless as possible! They were extremely responsive to my goals and needs and were always excellent at keeping me updated as the process continued.

I graduated in May 2007 from Boston University with a BA in International Relations and a minor in religion. I concentrated in Middle Eastern/Islamic Studies and Foreign Policy/Security Studies. In March 2009, I left the military, although I had been searching for jobs since December 2008.

I was a First Lieutenant in the Army, branched Armor and was Ranger qualified. I was also the Honor Graduate from the Armor Basic Officer Leadership Course. I will be entering the manufacturing industry, and I know that my leadership skills and mechanical background will serve me well as a Manufacturing Unit Cell Leader at Owens-Illinois.

I was extremely impressed with JP’s professionalism, attention to detail, and response to my needs. He worked very quickly with me to bring me up to speed about the civilian interview process and found the O-I position for me based on my aptitudes and professional goals.I attended an Orion hiring conference in San Diego on March 1-2 and interviewed with two companies. I was called back for a second interview with one but later determined that their open position did not align well with my goal of a position in Operations. JP then informed me of the O-I Flexible Manufacturing Unit Cell Leader position, putting me in contact with the plant's HR manager.

Masato Itoh was the account representative for O-I, and he helped me prepare for the interview process. I interviewed first with the Plant Superintendent and HR Manager, and then returned about a week later and interviewed with the Plant Manager, Engineering Manager, Chief Engineer, and two line managers. About a month later, I was offered the position.

I started on June 1, as a Flexible Manufacturing Unit Cell Leader at the Owens-Illinois Vernon Plant. I
supervise a glass bottling manufacturing line. Orion helped me find a position in Operations in a great
city, allowing me to move close to family and friends.The San Diego team also provided invaluable
resume reviews, interview preparation sessions, and ensured that I was ready for the hiring process.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed working with everyone on the Orion team, especially JP, Genna Clough, and
Masato. I have some close friends who will be exiting the military in the coming years, and I will strongly recommend that they use Orion to find positions, as well. Again, thanks to all on the Orion International staff. It was a great pleasure, and I wish you the best!

“Mike Wood was my Orion recruiter. I could not have asked for a better recruiter. He was patient, coached me with my interviewing skills, and presented me with opportunities that would offer me a strong career in corporate America.

I am a Production Team Leader at Stryker Orthopaedics. I have found that all the principles of leadership I learned in the military apply to this industry. The most obvious parallels between my military and civilian career in terms of shared skill sets are leadership, critical thinking, and
communication. Stryker expects you to think about a solution to a problem, develop a plan, and execute it.

Orion was superior in service and reliability. I was very pleased with Orion and was given honest facts about current industries. I was presented with opportunities to interview with top companies and had access to all the information I needed to make an informed decision
about my future.”

– Paul Afanasewicz, Production Team Leader

“I served in the Navy for seven years after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2002. My job search began in October/November 2008, six months prior to my separation. I was familiar with Orion from various letters and emails, so I started talking with Mike Wood.

Mike was awesome! He was a very good communicator and prompt. I could tell that he was concerned with placing me in the best position possible, and that is something that I didn't receive everywhere. I am now a Military Operations Analyst with SPA. My previous military knowledge is definitely coming in handy. The biggest similarity between this position and my time in the military is the fact that I am
using even more military acronyms now than before! My military experience as an LT in the Surface Warfare Community gave me first-hand knowledge and perspective on many of the most important areas that my new company deals in.”

– Chris Valle, Military Operations Analyst