Transitioning from a career in the military to a government contractor job has become very popular among veterans. Because of the similarities in jobs and environments, the transition to a government contractor job can be less stressful than landing a corporate position in an entirely different industry. Orion has worked with many of the top companies in this field, including General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, McKesson, BAE Systems, Louis Berger, and Honeywell.

In this episode I’m joined by Isabel Jessee, a Navy and Air Force veteran, former contractor with MacAulay Brown, and now a Recruiter with Orion. Isabel shares her experience working with a government contractor, as well as her perspective as a recruiter finding jobs for candidates in these roles. Topics include:

• Pros and cons of government contracting

• Typical positions

• The ideal candidate for a government contracting role

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.

Mike Wood, Marine Corps Veteran and Recruiter at Orion, joins the show to discuss his best advice for making sure your resume positions you for success in your job search. Topics include:

• Frequently asked questions about resumes

• Resume best practices

• Benefits of working with Orion to update your resume

Visit us online to access Orion’s resume preparation resources:

https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/transition-resources/

During a job search we become very focused on skills that we can add to our resume to make us stand out. Whether it’s a certification or degree, there are certain skills that have the ability to set you apart from other candidates. According to LinkedIn’s CEO, the most important skills that today’s job seekers are missing are soft skills.

Sam McRimmon, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss her perspective working with job seekers on a day to day basis, and to give some advice for making sure you master this intangible part of your skillset. Topics include:

• How to identify which soft skills you have and which ones you should work on

• Honing your soft skills

• Showcasing soft skills on your resume and during an interview

If you don’t know a lot about Data Centers, this episode is for you. Jay Koranda, a Recruiting Manager at Orion, joins the show to tell you everything you need to know about the growing industry and the career opportunities within it. Jay will discuss the basics of the Data Center industry and why it’s a good fit for veterans. Other topics include:

• Positions that are a good fit for veterans

• Companies we work with in the Data Center industry

• Industry growth

Rob Sickmiller, a former Navy Nuclear Machinst Mate, joins the show to discuss his military transition and civilian career path. After nearly 24 years in the Navy, Orion has helped Rob find rewarding careers with two companies, including his current career with Bridgestone.

As a Facility Manager with Bridgestone, Rob is responsible for overseeing a 52-acre plant in Tennessee. In this episode, Rob will discuss his experience working with Orion, as well as advice for transitioning service members. Other topics include:

• Rob’s career with Bridgestone

• Why some civilian Hiring Managers find it difficult to recruit veterans

• How his time in service prepared him for a civilian career

Colonel Ted Studdard, USMC (Ret), joins the show to discuss his military background, transition, and post-military journey. Since retiring from the military, Ted has climbed the ranks of leadership at The Home Depot, and has been a keynote speaker at corporate conferences, leadership summits and special events.

Ted’s new book, Depot to Depot (https://tedstuddard.com/books), is a fast paced series of interwoven leadership stories that follow Ted’s global journey from private, to colonel and his current role as a leader in The Home Depot. He shares leadership lessons applicable to both corporate executives and the newly hired managers.

In addition to Depot to Depot, Ted has a free military transition workbook called Take Time to Think that is available for download on his website. Claim your free workbook at https://workbook.tedstuddard.com/ted-workbook.

Veterans usually leave military service with G.I. Bill benefits that lessen the financial burden of pursuing their education. For some veterans it’s a no brainer to jump right into pursuing a degree full time, but many others end up asking themselves whether they need a degree to enter the civilian workforce, or if their military experience will be enough. If you’re listening to this and asking if you should pursue a degree after leaving the military, the answer is: MAYBE, but you’ll want to be sure to consider the return on investment first.

Chris Dove, Navy Veteran and Recruiter at Orion, joins the show to discuss his experience with this topic, as well as advice for transitioning service members and veterans. Topics include:

• Pros and cons of pursuing a degree immediately after separating from the military

• How Hiring Managers may view the gap on your resume

• Advice on securing a job quickly after earning your degree

The mindset you have can affect the beliefs you have about yourself and your abilities, can determine how you respond to information, and can propel or hinder you from seeking out new opportunities. Because of this, it’s no surprise that it would play a large role in your job search, and your career potential overall.

Raymond Cowell, Navy Veteran and Recruiter at Orion, joins the show to discuss his experience developing a growth mindset, as well as advice for transitioning service members and veterans. Topics include:

• How to develop a growth mindset

• Fixed vs. growth mindset when job searching

• How to promote a growth mindset if you are in a leadership position

We all begin our careers with the best of intentions. We plan to work hard, continue developing our skillsets, and ultimately grow our career. However, once we settle into the day to day tasks, it can be very easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.

Ned Freeze, Army Veteran and Account Executive at Orion, joins the show to discuss strategies for avoiding complacency and growing in your career. Topics include:

• 6 Tips on how to grow your career

• The importance of setting goals

• Questions you should ask yourself to develop self-awareness

Orion is proud to announce our partnership with the Association of Graduates (AOG), United States Air Force Academy on their newly updated Career Center website (https://www.usafa.org/CareerCenter) that launched on September 5, 2019. As part of this partnership, Liz McLean, Air Force veteran, speaker, writer, and entrepreneur, joins the show to discuss her role in this venture and her hopes for its future.

In this episode, Liz shares the challenges she faced in her military to civilian transition, and how she overcame those challenges. Topics include:

• The importance of perseverance

• Challenges facing transitioning veterans

• Resources available to USAFA grads through the newly launched career center

To learn more about careers for Air Force veterans through Orion, visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/usafagraduates.