From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Recent Episodes
Orion Talent
This podcast is an extension of Orion's From the Battlefield to the Boardroom Blog, and is dedicated to supporting military job seekers throughout your transition process by providing valuable insight and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders. If you have any questions about a specific show or recommendations for future topics, please send us an email at podcast@oriontalent.com.
UPS is moving the world forward while delivering what matters, driven by a team of nearly 500 thousand employees across the world. While we all recognize the company’s logo and the services they provide to customers, you may not know about the variety of career opportunities they offer. With a strong veteran presence in its workforce, UPS gives you access to resources and support needed to create a lasting career filled with personal and professional growth. Kaitlyn Bolena and Eric Wesolowski, both members of the UPS team, join the podcast to discuss their backgrounds and career progression with UPS, as well as the military friendly culture and opportunities for veterans and military spouses. Click the link in the show notes to learn more and apply for a career with UPS! https://www.oriontalent.com/ups/
Orion has partnered with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage for many years, as part of our mission to provide valuable resources to help service members and veterans succeed. The VA Loan is a federal program that has helped millions of veterans achieve the goal of home ownership. While many military families have benefited from using a VA loan, there’s some misinformation and lack of understanding of the full range of benefits that has led to its underutilization. Chelsea Vandersnick, VP of Education at Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, joins the podcast to share her deep wealth of knowledge about VA loans. Topics include: FAQs about VA Loans, including eligibility and how it can be used Common misconceptions about VA loans Why it’s important to work with a well-educated lender If you’re in the market to purchase or refinance a home, you don’t want to miss this episode! Visit us online to learn more: www.oriontalent.com/mutualmortgage
According to the Small Business Administration, nearly a quarter of veterans are interested in starting their own business, and roughly 15% of franchises are owned by veterans. There are many franchises to choose from, and finding a good match takes time and research. In this podcast, Matt Murphy, Navy Veteran, CEO, board member and business owner, joins the show to discuss his background and share why veterans are a great fit for business ownership. Additionally, Joe Ross, owner of Ross Franchise Consulting, discusses how his company connects individuals seeking more fulfillment in their professional lives to meaningful franchise ownership opportunities. Topics include: The benefits of business ownership Advantages of working with a franchise consultant to help you find the best fit Advice for veterans who want to get started on this journey. If you’d like to connect with Joe to learn more about how franchise ownership can help you achieve your goals, visit us online: Schedule a free consultation: https://calendly.com/joe-ownafranchise/quick-sync?month=2025-05 Reach out to learn more: https://www.oriontalent.com/rfc/start-your-ownership-journey/#Free-Consultation
Orion has partnered with Nevada Gold Mines to provide rewarding careers for veterans and transitioning service members in a global, ever-growing industry.Nevada Gold Mines is on a mission to be the world's most valued gold mining business by finding, developing, and operating the best assets with the best people. If you’re curious about a career in gold mining or if you’re seeking a company with a collaborative, diverse, and safety-first culture, Nevada Gold Mines might be the place for you!In this episode, Dylan Walter, an Electrical Supervisor at Nevada Gold Mines, joins the podcast to discuss:•His military background and his career progression at NGM•What attracted him to NGM•What a typical day looks like for his team.If you’d like to learn more about careers with Nevada Gold Mines, visit us online at https://www.oriontalent.com/nevada-gold-mines/
Are you good with your hands, mechanically inclined, or have a knack for fixing mechanical or electrical items? If so, a career in the constantly growing Aviation Industry might be a good fit for you! Transitioning from the military into a role as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic allows you to continue building an exciting career while making an impact on the world around you. We have recently partnered with US Aviation Academy, an organization that provides world class training for A&P mechanics. US Aviation Academy's VA approved A&P Mechanic Program is designed to thoroughly equip all students with a profound knowledge of aircraft and prepare you for a successful career in the aviation industry. During this program, you will train at a live airport, get real-world experience working on jets, and work closely with knowledgeable instructors. Steve Kugler, Vice President of Business Development and Director of Admissions at US Aviation Academy, joins the podcast to discuss his passion for the Aviation industry. Additional topics include:•A&P Mechanic training program highlights•Benefits of the program and certifications earned•Why the Aviation Industry is a good fit for veteransIf you’d like to learn more about A&P Mechanic training with US Aviation, visit https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/usaviationacademy/
If you’ve ever wanted to create a stream of passive income but aren’t sure how to get started, this episode is for you!Brent Bowers, Army Veteran, joins the podcast to share how he’s built a wholesale land company that had led to financial freedom for his family. Prior to separating from the military, Brent knew he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to be more present with his wife and kids. With the success of his company, he’s been able to build a business that creates legacy wealth for his family, along with helping many others do the same.In this episode Brent discusses: •His military background and transition•The evolution of The Land Sharks•Advice and resources for entrepreneurs•The many benefits of investing in landThelandsharks.com
Sometimes we think of leadership as having formal authority over others, but in many cases it’s not so clear cut. In the military you’ve gained valuable skills and attributes that make you a great fit for a leadership positions, but sometimes it's hard to know how to apply those skills to a job outside of the military.Today’s guest, Debbie Collard, knew that struggle well. Debbie joined the Air Force right out of high school and after serving 5 years, she was ready to move on but didn’t have a career path in mind. Immediately after transitioning, Debbie worked four part time jobs to make ends meet, and even considered re-enlisting in the military seeking career stability. Ultimately, Debbie ended up reconnecting with a friend who encouraged her to apply for a role at Boeing, where she went on to have a 30 -year career. During her time at Boeing, Debbie worked her way through the leadership ranks and gained sought-after awards and recognition along the way.Now, Debbie is the co-founder of Seasons Leadership, a company that provides leadership training and resources to all leaders, regardless of job title. Seasons Leadership offers many valuable resources for leaders, including coaching, consulting, leadership development, podcasts, and more. In this episode, Debbie shares her inspiring story that includes: •Her challenging transition out of the military•Her rewarding career at Boeing and how it prepared her to start her own business•Leadership lessons she has learned throughout her creerCheck out SeasonsLeadership.com and the Seasons Leadership podcast to learn how you can reach new levels of leadership in your own career and life.
Transitioning into the civilian workforce can be challenging, which is why a growing number of Veterans are choosing to ditch the 9-5 and create their own path by becoming business owners. JDog Brands is the largest Veteran owned franchise system in America, offering franchises exclusively to Veterans and Military family members. JDog’s established reputation, military foundation, proven business model, and low startup costs, make it a great opportunity for Veterans to become their own boss. Robby (USMC Veteran) and Kelly Dinero join the podcast to share their journey as business owners with JDog. Topics include: Why they decided to franchise with JDog The support they’ve received from JDog Corporate The perks that come with being a business owner Check out Jdogbrands.com to learn more!
Micheal Sittler, Air Force veteran and chair of Enbridge's Veteran Talent Resource Network, shares insights into his military background, career path, and Enbridge's unique culture and commitment to veteran hiring. In this podcast, Micheal discusses his military career, transition to civilian employment, and why Enbridge is a great place for Veterans to build a lasting career. Additional topics include: Challenges faced when transitioning from the military to civilian life Enbridge’s Veteran Talent Resource Network Top career advice for transitioning service members Enbridge is a diversified energy company that's uniquely positioned to help accelerate the global transition to a cleaner energy future. Their core values- Safety, Integrity, Respect, and Inclusion- serve as their north star. The company recognizes the importance of a secure, reliable, and affordable supply of energy, which it delivers daily through its four core businesses: liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, gas utilities and storage, and renewable energy. https://www.oriontalent.com/enbridge/
If you’re looking to take the next step toward entrepreneurship but aren’t sure where to start, this episode is for you.Danielle Smith has a long family history of military service which led her to the National Guard nearly 12 years ago. In this episode she shares how she unexpectedly left a career in film and music production and now enjoys a life she could have only dreamed of as a successful business owner. Additional topics include:•Why Danielle joined the National Guard and how it has impacted her journey as an entrepreneur•Overcoming fear of failure in order to succeed in business•Why Danielle chose franchising and what’s next for her businessContact DanielleEmail: Torpita1@gmail.comInstagram: ProducerDanielleSmith
Office Pride is an award-winning company looking for strong business leaders to help grow and expand its operations nationwide. The company has won many awards over the years, including Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans, Top Franchises for Women, Recession Proof Franchises, and many more. Tifton Coleman, Franchise Development Manager, and Kevin Scott, Franchise Owner, join the show to discuss their military backgrounds and why Office Pride is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to build a business and give back to their community. Additional topics include:•Why Kevin decided to open a franchise with Office Pride•How the opportunity has changed his life•Kevin’s future business and community impact goals https://www.oriontalent.com/officepridefranchise/Tifton Coleman – tiftoncoleman@officepride.com | 727.330.2931
According to the US Census Bureau, 10.5% of all businesses are franchises, and approximately 14% of all franchisees are veterans. If you’ve ever been interested in franchise ownership but haven’t felt confident taking the leap of faith, today’s episode is for you! Bill Hoopes is a Navy veteran who defied all odds and is now living the life he always dreamed of. Bill dropped out of high school to help his single mom pay the bills, and after years of odd jobs, he enrolled in culinary school to pursue his passion for cooking. During that time he completed his GED, and ultimately joined the Navy where he served 16 years.After leaving the Navy to spend more time with his family, Bill started a diverse career journey that includes running a local softball business in Tampa, working as a history teacher, and now a business owner. Last year Bill became the proud owner of a Capital Tacos franchise, a quick service restaurant brand. During our conversation Bill shares the challenges he faced transitioning from active duty after 16 years of service and the experience of starting his own business. Additional topics include: •How Bill’s military career helped shape his goals as a business owner•Why he decided to pursue franchising•Advice for veterans interest in owning a business
Each day, FedEx delivers millions of packages all around the world. Founded in 1973, FedEx is one of the most admired brands in the world and one of the best places to work. As a people-first, global industry leader, FedEx offers training and advancement, educational assistance, and rewards for top performers in all job categories.Josh Link, a Marine Corps Veteran and Senior Project Management Analyst at FedEx Express, joins the podcast to discuss his military background and career with FedEx Express. Additional topics include:•Challenges Josh faced when transitioning out of the military•Why he “never dreads a day at work” at FedEx Express•Advice for transitioning service membersTo learn more about careers with FedEx Express, visit them online at careers.fedex.com/express.
US Foods is one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, helping more than 250,000 foodservice operators across the country succeed with their expert support, innovative food products and industry-leading technology. They maintain a workforce of 28,000 associates, 70 distribution facilities and more than 80 cash and carry locations.US Foods is just as committed to its employees as its customers, offering hybrid working models, employee resource groups, the ability to grow within the organization, and more.Jennifer Castillo, Senior Manager and President of the U.S. Foods Veterans Employee Resource Group, joins the podcast to discuss the many benefits of a career with US Foods. Additional topics include:•Challenges Jennifer faced when transitioning out of the military and how those challenges fueled her success in the corporate world•Why she is so passionate about her work at US foods and her role with the Veteran Employee Resource GroupTo learn more about careers with US Foods, visit them online at www.usfoods.com/careers.
If you’ve always wanted to achieve financial independence but aren’t sure how to get started, you’ve come to the right place! Today’s guest has a proven track record of achieving wealth for himself and helping others do the same! Christopher Nelson is the Co-Founder and Principal of Wealthward Capital, a private equity firm that helps people create wealth by investing in real estate. Over the years, Wealthward Capital has acquired more than 3,000 multi-family units and has achieved a portfolio value of $249M. During this episode, Christopher will talk us through his career journey and how he’s used each experience to fuel his investments in startups and real estate. Topics include: -Misconceptions about careers in the Tech industry -How to compound your career compensation -Advice for people looking to create a passive income Wealthward.com linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson
Some of our most popular episodes are those that focus on business ownership and achieving financial freedom. If this is a topic that interests you, you don’t want to miss this episode!
Brent Bowers, Army Veteran and Real Estate investor, joins the podcast to take a deeper dive into his journey as an entrepreneur. Prior to separating from the military, Brent knew he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to be more present with his wife and kids. His early success in real estate investment led Brent to making it a full-time career with his company The Land Sharks. Since then, he’s continued to build a successful business with a growing team focused helping people generate passive income by investing in vacant land. In this episode Brent discusses his military background, challenges and successes he’s experienced as a business owner, and he shares valuable advice for starting your own business.
Thelandsharks.com brent@thelandsharks.com
If you’re just getting started in your career search and looking for a way to make a big impact, Orion’s Recruiter Development program can help launch your new career! The program offers a 3-week Recruiter Development bootcamp that will teach you all you need to know about Recruiting, and provide you with valuable resources to help you succeed. No recruiting experience is required, just effort, motivation, and the desire to learn! Ellie Walker and Ruth Ramirez, both military spouses, join the podcast to discuss their experience as graduates of the Recruiter Development Program. During the podcast they share how beneficial this opportunity has been in helping them grow both professionally and personally. Topics include:
• Challenges military spouses face in their career search • The training and resources provided through the Recruiter Development program • A typical day as a Recruiter
If you know someone who would be a good fit for our Recruiter Development program, please visit us online: www.oriontalent.com/about/careers/recruiter-development-program.
Finding purpose after leaving the military can be a challenge for many transitioning service members, but today’s guest is a perfect example of how combining your passion with hard work can lead to great success. Jordan Isham is a West Point graduate and currently serves as an Infantry Officer in the Army. When he made the decision to transition out of the military, he knew he wanted to grow a business that allowed him to use his wealth and resources to give back to communities around the world. In 2021, Jordan co-founded My Tennessee Home Solution, a Veteran Owned and Operated company that buys houses for cash in the Tennessee area. What started as a side hustle has turned into the acquisition of more than 100 properties, a $3 million hotel, and the company is on track to earn $3 million in revenue this year! During the podcast, Jordan shares how his business has evolved over time, and what’s next for My Tennessee Home Solution. Topics include:
• Jordan’s journey from infantry to entrepreneur • How he balanced his Army career with a side hustle • Jordan’s big picture goal to make the world a better place
Mytennesseehomesolution.com
If you are a transitioning service member, SkillBridge is a great opportunity to build your resume, explore employment interests, and develop job skills that will help you prepare for your transition into the workplace. Orion Talent is a proud participant of SkillBridge, and we are offering a variety of remote internship opportunities across all areas of our business. Ben Mason and Tyler Werch are former Orion interns through SkillBridge. Tyler and Ben accepted fulltime positions with Orion at the conclusion of their internships, and they are joining the podcast to discuss their experience. Topics include:
• How to get started with SkillBridge • The evolution of Tyler and Ben’s roles from intern to fulltime employee • Advice for prospective interns
Learn more:
Email: Skillbridge@oriontalent.com www.oriontalent.com/dodskillbridge/
Everyone has their own definition of Financial Freedom, but regardless of how you define it, most of us don’t know exactly how or when we will get there. Jerremy Newsome, Author, Advisor, and Investing Guru, joins the show to discuss the basics of financial literacy and investing. Growing up poor, the thought of never having to worry about money was appealing to Jerremy. After learning about investing at the age of seven, Jerremy began picking blackberries and selling them door-to-door to save money to buy stock in Apple Computers. He convinced his dad to match his $1,500 deposit for Apple Stock back in 1995, which would be worth $14 million today. His passion for helping others enrich their lives and gain financial independence led him to founding Real Life Trading in 2014, which has grown to a seven-figure business. Topics include:
• How growing up poor shaped his love for business • Resources he provides to help others achieve their financial goals • The big plans he has for his business in the future
Connect with Jerremy: linkedin.com/in/jerremynewsome www.jerremynewsome.com www.reallifetrading.com
PCSing is one of the most challenging parts of military life, especially for military spouses who are trying to maintain their own career. To help ease the burden, Orion has partnered with PCSgrades, an online platform that supports the biggest relocation needs for military members, veterans, and military spouses through trusted community insights. Their comprehensive resources include detailed area guides, a BAH calculator, and more than 150 articles created by military spouses, veterans, and real estate experts.
Jenah Wieczorek, military spouse and Marketing Director at PCSgrades, joins the show to discuss all things PCS. Jenah began her career as a dental hygienist but after PCSing multiple times she knew she needed a career with more flexibility. Since joining the PCSgrades team, Jenah has become an expert on how to conquer all the challenges associated with military life, and she was kind enough to share her best advice with us. During the podcast we discussed:
• Challenges military spouses face • Getting connected with your community after each move • Free resources available through PCSgrades
https://www.pcsgrades.com/
Transitioning into the civilian workforce can be daunting, which is why hundreds of Veterans have chosen the route of franchise ownership with JDog Brands - the largest Veteran owned franchise system in America.
JDog's established reputation, military foundation, proven business model, and low startup costs, make it a great opportunity for Veterans to become business owners. JDog franchise opportunities include Junk Removal and Hauling, as well as Carpet Cleaning and Floor Care.
Lillie Williams, Army Veteran and JDog Franchise owner, joins the podcast to share her passion about the work she’s doing with JDog and how the opportunity has changed her life. Topics include:
Topics include:
• Lillie’s background and military career • Overcoming fear of failure • Benefits of business ownership
https://www.jdogbrands.com/
Ben Burt, Army Veteran, knew very little about franchise ownership when he transitioned out of the military. He considered a career in the medical field based on his military background, but quickly realized that his top priority was finding a career that would allow him the flexibility to spend more time with his family - which is what led him to become a franchise owner.
Fibrenew specializes in the repair, restoration, and renewal of leather, plastic, vinyl, fabric, and upholstery. As a franchise owner, Ben gets to make his own schedule and work with customers to repair everything from medical furniture to boat and aircraft interiors. In this episode Ben discusses his rewarding journey as a franchise owner and why franchise ownership is a great career for veterans.
Topics include:
• Ben’s military background and what led him to Fibrenew • Focusing on your values determine your career path • Leveraging lessons learned from the military to become a successful business owner Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrburt/ Fibrenew.com/fayetteville/
During your military-to-civilian career transition it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the changes coming your way – from defining your future career goals, to understanding how to succeed in leadership, and everything in between. William Toti, author of author of the new book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership,” joins the podcast to discuss his upcoming book and lessons learned Topics include: • The epiphany that led him to writing the book • "The Great Lie” service members are told during transition • Key takeaways from his book
Learn more: www.williamtoti.com
Business ownership appeals to many transitioning service members and veterans because of the strong leadership skills you gained in the military. One way to become a business owner is through franchising. Franchise ownership allows you to join an established business with proven systems and processes to help you succeed, and can also provide a sense of camaraderie similar to what you experienced in the military. According to a study by the International Franchise Association, US Veterans own roughly 14% franchises in the United States.
Today’s guest is Paul Huszar, retired Army officer and now CEO of VetCor and Team VetCor. Paul graduated from West Point and then served 23 years on active duty, including four combat tours in Iraq. Additionally, he commanded a 1,000 Soldier and Airman Joint Task Force and served as the Dean of the Army’s Engineer School. Even with his impressive military background, Paul struggled to find a meaningful post-military career, until he was introduced to VetCor at a networking event. In this episode Paul discusses his journey as an “accidental entrepreneur,” and his mission as CEO. Topics include:
• Paul’s military background and what led him to VetCor • Misconceptions about owning a franchise • Benefits of owning a franchise vs building a business from the ground up
Connect with Paul: inkedin.com/in/paulhuszar/
https://vetcorservices.com/
One of the most important things you can do during your job search is knowing how to clearly show a Hiring Manager what value you’ll bring to their organization. A Hiring Manager’s goal is to make sure they are hiring top performers who will succeed in the position, and you can make the decision easier by demonstrating why you are the most qualified person for the job throughout each stage of the process.
Amy West, Navy Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss how to show a prospective employer your value through a carefully crafted resume and interview preparation. Topics include:
The importance of using action verbs on your resume How to highlight your strengths in your elevator pitch Researching yourself to define “success” in your career history
If you’re looking for a career that rewards your hard work, allows independence and gives you the ability to help solve customer challenges, a career in Sales may be for you. There are very few careers that offer the income potential that sales careers offer, in fact, many companies offer unlimited potential. Whether you have prior experience or not, many of the skills you’ve gained in the military make you a great fit for a career in Sales. Bob Overbeek, Air Force Veteran and Director of Business Development at Orion, joins the podcast to discuss his military transition and career progression since joining Orion. Topics include: • Why military candidates are a great fit for Sales roles • How to craft your elevator pitch • FAQ for Sales interviews
When you’re on the job hunt there are endless resources available that all promise success. From lists of interview dos and donts, resume templates, timelines to follow, books to read, and the list goes on. Chris Dove, a former Navy Nuclear Engineer turned seasoned Recruiter, joins the podcast to share his insight on 5 tried and true tips every job seeker can follow to jumpstart a lasting career. Topics include: • The importance of learning about yourself and crafting your story • How to beat the resume robots • Current job market trends
If you’ve ever wanted to pursue a career completely different than your military occupation but aren’t sure if you can succeed, today’s episode is for you! After serving as a dental assistant in the Army, Bruce Evans took a chance on a new career in the restaurant industry. He started as a waiter, worked his way up to Manager, and eventually landed in restaurant Franchise Sales. Even without prior experience in sales, Bruce was personally responsible for the sale of 450 Wing Stop franchises in less than 5 years. Now, Bruce is the VP of Franchise Development for Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone, and he shares some great insight and lessons learned along the way. Topics include: • How his military experience shaped his outlook on life • The importance of mentorship • Advice for veterans entering the civilian workforce
PCS is a part of military life, and each move can come with its own unique challenges. Whether you’re currently preparing for your first move or want to be more prepared for your next, PCSgrades offers FREE resources created by and for military spouses, veterans, and real estate experts to help you navigate each step of the process. Todd Ernst, Air Force veteran and Founder/CEO of PCSgrades, recently joined me to discuss how PCSgrades is helping reduce the stress of relocation for the military community through its trusted services and resources. Topics include: • Why he founded PCSgrades • Resources available to military families through PCSgrades • Advice for transitioning service members
LEARN MORE: https://www.pcsgrades.com/?utm_campaign=pcsgrades&utm_source=orion&utm_medium=podcastpage&utm_term=orion-podcast-text-link&utm_content=orion-podcast-text-link
Office Pride is an award-winning commercial cleaning services company looking for strong business leaders to help grow and expand its operations nationwide. Office Pride is an award-winning commercial cleaning services company that has been consistently recognized by Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Franchise Business Review, as a top franchise in the commercial cleaning category.
Marc Stewart, a retired Air Force Officer, joins the podcast to discuss his decision to become an Office Pride franchise owner and what makes him excited about his future as a business owner. Additional topics include:
• How Office Pride’s culture and values set them apart • Achieving work / life balance and making your own schedule • Training and ongoing support for franchise owners
If you’d like to learn more about Office Pride and its franchising opportunities, visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/officepridefranchise
Orion Talent is a customer-centric company focused on helping people discover meaningful careers and businesses grow by finding, delivering, and engaging the best talent around the world. As we continue to experience growth, we are seeking outstanding men and women to join our team. We are looking for individuals that are highly motivated, driven, energetic, and have a passion for helping industry-experienced candidates and veterans find the right career.
Katie Mychalowych, Navy Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss her background and role at Orion Talent, we well as career opportunities within our growing team. Additional topics include:
• An inside look at our current openings • Salaries and benefits • What makes Orion a great place to work
Learn more: www.oriontalent.com/careers
Joe Evangelisti is a Navy Veteran, CEO, coach, podcast host, real estate investor, and the list goes on. Since leaving his career in the Navy, Joe has built an 8-figure empire for himself through his various business ventures. As one of the most sought-after coaches in the world, Joe leverages his experience to help other entrepreneurs and business owners reach their full potential.
Joe joins the show to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, and how anyone can become the most efficient version of themselves by focusing on outcomes rather than to-do lists. Additional topics include:
• The importance of having a mentor • Making the mindset shift to become fearless • Resources for entrepreneurs
Learn more: joeevangelisti.com
Nelson Tressler has a real-life story that’s stranger-than-fiction, but full of valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance. At a young age, Nelson overcame very serious obstacles that could have set his life on a different path, but he has used those challenges to fuel his success and help him share that success with others.
Whether you are currently navigating a tough situation where the odds are stacked against you, you have goals you want to achieve, or you’re interested in starting your own business, Nelson discusses his experience in all those areas and more. Additional topics include:
• Nelson’s journey as a serial entrepreneur • Key takeaways from his book • His goal achievement program / app, IGOTSMARTER
Orion has partnered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the federal agency responsible for granting intellectual property rights for patents and trademarks in the United States. The USPTO is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the federal government, and they are currently hiring Patent Examiners to join their growing team at their headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
Raj Chakraborty, Army Veteran, was hired as a Patent Examiner with the USPTO nearly 8 years ago and has continued to progress in his career. He recently joined the podcast to discuss his experience working with the USPTO and why other veterans should consider a career as a Patent Examiner. Additional topics include:
-What attracted Raj to the USPTO -A day in the life of a Patent Examiner -USPTO’s culture and why it’s a great place to work
To learn more about Patent Examiner careers with the USPTO, visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/uspto.
If you’re planning on leaving active duty or changing career paths, you may be contemplating using your G.I. Bill benefits to pursue a degree that will help you land your dream job. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not you should pursue education prior to your next career move, your best bet is to evaluate the return on investment first. Jericho Urmenita, USMC Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the podcast to share his advice for job seekers who are on the fence about which path to take. Topics include: • Pros and cons of pursuing a degree right after leaving the military • Which degrees may be worth the investment • How to make the best decision for your background and career goals
Orion is proud to partner with JDog to provide exclusive franchise opportunities for honorably discharged Veterans and Military family members. Jerry Flanagan, Army Veteran turned Founder and CEO of JDog, started the company 10 years ago with the goal of helping Veterans experience business ownership by running their own franchise and employing fellow Veterans.
Jerry joins the podcast to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur and how his business has grown over the past 10 years. Additional topics include:
-Jerry’s mission to reduce Veteran unemployment to less than 1% -His biggest accomplishments in the past 10 years -JDog’s new reality show on Discovery Channel
If you’d like to learn more about JDog and its franchising opportunities, visit them online at www.jdogbrands.com
We’ve recently partnered ForgeNow (www.forgenow.com), an organization that provides professional training for HVAC, Medical Coding, and Electrical Wiring. These trades represent some of the fastest growing and most essential segments of the US Economy. ForgeNow’s training programs are built with input from top employers, structured for both the business and employee to have a successful long-term partnership. While the training programs are located in Dallas Texas, ForgeNow allows students to participate from anywhere in the United States. If you aren’t local to Dallas, Forge Now will even pay your travel and lodging expenses to bring you onsite to complete the hands-on portion of the training! Co-founders Rob Holmes and Marvin Key join the podcast to discuss ForgeNow’s training programs and why you should consider a career in these trades. Topics include: • Why they founded ForgeNow • What their programs offer to students • The essential nature of careers for HVAC technicians, medical coding professionals, and electricians
Whether you’re steadfast in what you want your post military career path to look like or you’re still weighing your options, talking to a Recruiter who has been in your shoes can help you prepare for your next step. Morgan Causie, a Marine Corps Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss her military background and give practical advice for transitioning service members. As a former skeptic of military recruiting firms, Morgan discusses how her perspective has changed over time, and shares her experience helping veterans find rewarding careers since joining the Orion team. Topics include: • The importance of taking time off before re-entering the civilian world • Misconceptions about military recruiting firms • Keeping an open mind during your career search
Have you ever had the desire to build your own business but haven’t taken the first step yet? Today’s guest is David Pereira, a Navy Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. David’s passion for entrepreneurship led him to opening a personal training facility, Fenix Englewood, and creating the Beyond Fitness program. As a well-trained fitness professional, David offers valuable insight on his experience as a business owner and life coach. Topics include: • David’s military background and journey to becoming a business owner • Developing mental toughness • Becoming the CEO of your life Connect with David online: LinkedIn: in/david-pereira Twitter: @d__pereira Facebook: /davidpereirafitness Instagram: @d__pereira
If you’re getting ready to transition out of the military or are about to start your first civilian job, you don’t want to miss this episode of the podcast. You may be aware that veterans leave their civilian jobs within the first year at a higher rate than nearly every other demographic. While there are many contributing factors, today’s guest is sharing his research backed insight with us.
Our guest Cody Brockelmeyer, a Marine Corps Officer, completed his doctorate last year with a focus on business and human resources. For his dissertation topic, he spoke with a group of veterans about their military to civilian career journey to uncover some of the factors that contribute to higher turnover within the veteran community. Cody shares his research, personal experiences, and conversations with veterans from all ranks and branches of service to provide us with some key takeaways that are sure to help all transitioning service members.
If you’ve been in the process of looking for a job in the past year, or if you’re beginning your job search this year, you’ve probably experienced some challenges in getting yourself out there when almost everything has gone virtual. While that can certainly add some hurdles to your job search, there are a lot of ways you can pursue your next opportunity and stand out even in the current COVID environment. Amy West, an Orion Recruiter and Navy Veteran, joins the show to discuss how to maximize your job search in 2021. Topics include: • How to get past computer resume scanners and get your resume into human hands • How to build your network remotely • The importance of evaluating your online presence • Common virtual interview questions
Orion has recently partnered with FourBlock, a nation-wide community of veterans and employers dedicated to transforming the veteran transition process. The organization was founded by Mike Abrams, a Marine Corps veteran, who was inspired to support transitioning veterans find their purpose and have a positive impact in their communities. FourBlock has helped more than 2,500 veterans find meaningful careers with more than 500 sought after companies across the United States. Many of FourBlock’s successful alumni continue to “pay it forward” and come back to teach, mentor, and hire veterans in transition. In today’s podcast Mike discusses his motivation to founding FourBlock, the Career Readiness Program, and his advice for transitioning service members. Additional topics include: • Mike’s career prior to FourBlock • An in-depth look at the Career Readiness Program • Alumni success Visit FourBlock online at fourblock.org to learn more.
As we wrap up 2020, we wanted to replay one of our most popular episodes of the year. Stay tuned for new episodes in January 2021! In this episode, Ryan Guina, founder of The Military Wallet, joins the podcast to share the resources available to transitioning service members through his website. He also discusses financial mistakes to avoid, as well as his own military background and lessons learned from his transition. Many transitioning service members face financial challenges that they were not prepared for when entering civilian life. The Military Wallet provides resources to help you plan for many of the topics that affect transitioning service members, including unemployment, healthcare, life insurance, and many more. To learn more, visit www.themilitarywallet.com.
JDog was founded by a Veteran with the goal of helping Veterans experience business ownership by running their own franchise, employing fellow Veterans, and ultimately reducing Veteran unemployment to less than 1%. 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 all of the support you need to be successful. JDog franchise opportunities include junk removal and hauling, as well as floor, upholstery, and carpet cleaning. In today’s episode I’m joined by James Caudle, Vice President of Training and Development, and Franchise Owners Jaime Ortiz and John Merwald. Each guest will share their experience working with JDog, and what sets this franchise opportunity apart from others. Additional topics include: • The training Franchise Owners receive from JDog Corporate • Why JDog’s flat fee business model is beneficial for Franchise Owners • Ongoing support provided by JDog, including marketing, training, and round table discussions. Visit JDog online (www.jdogbrands.com) to learn more.
Mission Hire Me (https://www.missionhireme.com/) is serving transitioning veteran and military spouse job seekers by helping them to create visually engaging and professionally edited video profiles to use in their job applications and on social media. Mission Hire Me is funded by corporate sponsorship and organizational grants to provide a FREE service to transitioning veterans and military spouses. Bill Barnett, CEO and Founder of Mission Hire Me, joins the podcast to discuss the impact these video profiles can have on your job search, and the simplicity of the video creation process. Why Create a Video Profile? Video profiles (https://www.missionhireme.com/videos) make you visible and attractive to potential employers, showing them the “real” person behind the military uniform. This helps employers envision you in their workplace in a way that a resume can’t. • 60% of Recruiters will view a video before reading a resume • Recruiters are 6 times more likely to recall information from a video than text on a resume • There is a 40% better response rate from Recruiters when a job seeker uses a video profile • Mission Hire Me’s success rate exceeds 80% Visit Mission Hire Me online and fill out a form (https://www.missionhireme.com/contact) to get started on your own video profile.
Chaunte Hall is an Air Force veteran, adjunct college professor, executive career coach, entrepreneur, and more. Chaunte currently serves as CEO of Centurion Military Alliance, an organization committed to helping veterans improve their transition experience, and President of Victory Trades Alliance, an organization that connects veterans with employers and business owners in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades industry. Chaunte joins the show to discuss her experience growing up in a military family, her military career and transition, as well as the lessons she has learned in her post military journey. Topics include: • Challenges veterans face when leaving the military • The evolution of her career after the military • Biggest leadership lessons she has learned
Orion has recently partnered with STRAC Institute to provide careers and job seeker resources for it’s graduates. STRAC is an acronym for Skills TRaining And Certification. The veteran-owned business, initially focused on hiring and training service-disabled veterans, has evolved to serve both veterans and non veterans. STRAC institute’s award-winning Electronics Assemblers and Technician Program is an alternative to traditional two and four-year institutions, with the goal of closing the skills gap, one graduate at a time. Graduates of the program receive 13 internationally recognized certifications along with valuable hands on experience. In addition to its proprietary curriculum, STRAC Institute prides itself on teaching life skills, helping graduates contribute to their community, family and self. John Shepard, U.S. Army Veteran and Founder of STRAC institute, joins the show to discuss his experience working in the technology field after leaving the military, and what led him to founding STRAC Institute. Topics include: • Services STRAC Institute offers to students • What makes their program unique • the most rewarding aspects of his career Learn more at stracinstitute.com.
Many of us are looking for ways to support American Owned businesses, and clothing is a great place to start. Did you know that less than 3% of clothing is made in America? Dean Wegner, Army veteran and CEO/Founder of Authentically American, joins this episode of the podcast to discuss his military background and vision for his apparel company. Dean launched Authentically American in 2017, with the goal of selling premium, competitively priced apparel, all made in the USA. Dean has been featured in many major news outlets highlighting his business, including Yahoo finance, Fox and Friends, Forbes, and more. Dean is offering a discount code to our listeners. Visit them online at authenticallyamericanbrand.us, and use the code FOUNDER for 25% off your purchase.
Buying into a franchise is a great way to achieve the goal of business ownership, with lower risk than starting your own company from the ground up. With more than 750,000+ franchised businesses in the U.S., it can be hard to find the right fit for you. Shawn Livingston, an Army Veteran, joins the show to discuss his experience as a franchise owner turned franchise consultant. Shawn owned two educational franchises for nearly 10 years, before selling them and opening his own business, Wolfhound Franchising. Shawn’s services are free, and he partners with a wide variety of franchises in different industries. Topics include: • Lessons learned from franchise ownership • Frequently asked questions about opening a franchise • Services he offers through Wolfhound Franchising
As a transitioning service member or veteran, you have a broad skill set that can translate into a variety of corporate jobs. Your resume is often your chance to make a first impression on a Recruiter or Hiring Manager, so you need it to accurately represent your unique experiences, career progression, as well as the value you will bring to their company. Scott Vedder, author of the best-selling book “Signs of a Great Resume” and “Signs of a Great Resume: Veterans Edition,” joins the podcast to offer advice on writing a resume that stands out. Scott is a former Recruiter at a Fortune 100 company, and his expertise on military veteran career transitions has been recognized by the White House, Pentagon, and veteran service organizations nationwide. Topics include: • Tips for translating military skills for a civilian recruiter • Tailoring your resume when changing careers • Resume mistakes to avoid
The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA)(https://wasterecycling.org/) 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, join the podcast to discuss their experience working in the industry, misconceptions about careers in waste and recycling, as well as career opportunities for veterans. Additional Resources: NWRA Job Center- https://jobs.wasterecycling.org/jobseekers/ NWRA Infographic - https://cdn.ymaws.com/wasterecycling.org/resource/resmgr/images/infographic.jpg NWRA Economic Data Impact and Salaries by state *2016 - https://cdn.ymaws.com/wasterecycling.org/resource/resmgr/Economic_Data_Industry.pdf
If you’re interested in building wealth through entrepreneurship, real estate investing, or personal finance, you don’t want to miss this episode. David Pere, Active Duty Marine and CEO of From Military To Millionaire (https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/), joins the show to share his passion for educating military service members and veterans on achieve financial freedom. Topics include: • The inception of From Military to Millionaire • How to grow your social media following • Resources available through Military to Millionaire
Most job seekers accept a job offer based on what they’ve learned about the company and position during the interview process, and how that aligns with their goals and objectives. Sometimes after spending time on the job, they realize their expectations did not align with the reality of the position, and they end up having to make the difficult decision to stay or go. Jericho Urmenita, an Orion Recruiter and former Marine Combat Engineer Officer, joins the show to discuss how to successfully navigate this decision, and what you can do to prevent it from happening. Topics include: • Common reasons a position isn’t a good fit • How to determine if it will be a good fit prior to accepting an offer • What to do if you’re already on the job
Orion has recently entered into partnerships with Infrastructure Masons, an organization that helps data center professionals connect, grow, and give back, and Salute Mission Critical, a premier IT Data Center Lifecycle services company. Lee Kirby, an Army Veteran with a successful military career spanning over 36 years, joins the show to discuss his military background and why the data center industry is a great fit for veterans. Lee is on the Advisory Council for Infrastructure Masons, as well as the co-founder and chairman for Salute Mission Critical. If you’re not sure if a career in Data Centers is for you, Lee makes it clear that there is something for everyone, regardless of your military background. Topics include: • Lee’s military and post-military careers • Why veterans are a good fit for the data center industry • Free resources available to veterans through Infrastructure Masons
More than 30,000 women leave the military each year, and there are 2 million women veterans in the US and Puerto Rico, according to the Department of Veteran affairs. Women transitioning from active duty to civilian life face unique challenges, including but not limited to, a lack of community with fellow female veterans, lack of childcare assistance for single mothers, and financial instability. While many of these issues are not gender specific, many women veterans say the lack of gender specific care, privacy, and equitable facilities can be barriers to seeking treatment. Kate Watson, Founder and CEO of YourNexStage joins the podcast to discuss the challenges that women veterans face, and how YourNexStage plans to bridge the gap. YourNexStage wants to create a nationwide network of near-base women centric service centers offering hands on support, community building events, coaching, education and training, a referral network, and much more. Topics include: • Statistics and the “why” behind why Kate decided to create YourNexStage • Long term objectives for YourNexStage • How to get involved Learn more at yournexstage.org.
According to the Small Business Administration, about a quarter of veterans are interested in starting their own business, and roughly 15% of franchises are owned by veterans. With many different franchises to choose from, finding a good match can take time and research. Rudy Swigart, a Navy Veteran, joins the show to discuss his military background and decision to pursue franchise ownership. Before deciding which franchise was a good fit for him, Rudy did a lot of research about the pros and cons of many franchises, and he was kind enough to share that knowledge in this episode. Topics include: • Some of Rudy’s “must haves” and things he wanted to avoid • Considerations for veterans who want to open a franchise • His success as a franchise owner and his plans for the future
Siemens is a global powerhouse that deploys its innovative technologies to meet some of America’s greatest challenges in Infrastructure, Power Generation and Management, Mobility, Industrial Modernization, and Medical Solutions. Orion has partnered with Siemens for decades, providing rewarding careers for thousands of Veterans in a variety of job families, including technical roles, project management, engineering, sales, and many more. To learn more about careers with Siemens, visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/siemens. In today’s episode, Charles Davis joins the show to talk about his military background and career progression with Siemens. Topics include: • Why Charles chose to work for Siemens • His career progression from entry-level to Project Manager • Advice for transitioning service members
In addition to meeting social distancing recommendations, virtual interviews are becoming a preferred method of interview due to ease of scheduling and budget friendliness for both the job seeker and employer. Due to COVID-19, Orion’s Hiring Conferences are being held virtually, allowing you to interview with hiring managers for positions across the U.S. that are a match with your background, skills, and preferences, without the need to travel. In today’s episode I’m joined by Jay Koranda, an Orion Recruiting Manager, to talk about the basics of attending an Orion conference virtually. Topics include: • What to expect when participating in a virtual hiring conference • Tips for success • Mistakes to avoid To learn more about virtual hiring conferences, please visit us online at https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/hiring-conferences/virtual/
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. If you'd like to learn more about FTC Solar, please visit us online at http://www.oriontalent.com/ftc-solar. Dale Herron, Chief Human Resources Officer with FTC Solar, joins the show to discuss: • FTC Solar’s culture and values • Why it’s a great place to work • The positions they are currently filling through Orion
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. Topics include: • What makes JDog’s business model unique • A step-by-step overview of becoming a franchise owner • Why JDog franchises are “recession resistant”
Orion has more than 70 hiring conferences each year in major metros across the US. If you’re new to working with Orion you may not know much about Hiring Conferences or the value they can add to your career search. Visit us online at https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/hiring-conferences/ to learn more about attending a 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. Listen to the show to hear Chris discuss: • Why hiring conferences are so beneficial • What to expect when you attend a conference • Conference success stories
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. Cory was initially hired as a technician and has worked his way up to a Group Operations Supervisor, responsible for managing a team of Technicians and Project Managers. Topics include: • Cory’s military transition and experience working with Orion • The career progression he’s experienced with Climatec • Key attributes he looks for in potential hires
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. In this episode, Shane discusses his military background, transition, and experience working with Orion. Other topics include: • Shane’s day-to-day responsibilities • What he enjoys about his career • Advice for transitioning service members Visit us online to learn more about Orion’s career services for Navy Nuclear Technicians - https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/navy-nuke/
As a transitioning service member, your financial situation can change drastically as you leave the military and enter civilian life. Without proper budgeting and planning, it’s easy to overlook the many factors that may affect your financial stability.
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.
The Military Wallet provides resources to help you plan for many of the topics that affect transitioning service members, including unemployment, healthcare, life insurance, and many more. To learn more, visit www.themilitarywallet.com.
Justin Nassiri, Founder & Host of Beyond the Uniform, is back on the podcast this week to conclude our conversation. This time, Justin discusses the origin and evolution of Beyond the Uniform, and shares inspirational stories from some of his favorite guests on his podcast. Make sure you listen to Part 1 and Part 2 to hear all of Justin’s valuable advice for transitioning service members. Visit www.beyondtheuniform.org to learn more and listen to the Beyond the Uniform podcast.
Beyond the Uniform is on a mission is 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, 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. Visit beyondtheuniform.org to learn more and listen to the Beyond the Uniform podcast.
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 all of the support you need to be successful. 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. Topics include: • Mustafa and Ellen’s military backgrounds • Why the JDog franchise opportunity was appealing to them • What makes them excited about their future as franchise owners
With 2019 coming to an end, you may be considering how you can improve your job search strategy to help you land a career next year. The job search landscape is constantly changing, and the advice you’ve been given in the past is most likely outdated now. Amy West, a Navy veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss some common myths and misconceptions about your career search that you might want to leave in 2019. Topics include: • Job search myths and misconceptions • The benefits of looking for a new job in the beginning of the year • How to organize your job search in 2020
PsychArmor is a non-profit organization that offers resources to veterans to succeed in their post military life, and to those without a military background to effectively engage and support service members and their families. PsychArmmor provides free, online training videos delivered by subject matter experts who are committed to educating the civilian community about military culture. Matt Feldhaus, Army veteran and Learning and Engagement Development Manager at PsychArmor, joins the podcast to discuss the company’s mission and services. Topics include: • Matt’s military background and career path • PsychArmor’s educational services • Course highlights for both veterans and employers Visit PsychArmor online to learn more -https://www.psycharmor.org/
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.
Many companies require shift work to maximize productivity and profitability. If you’re searching for a job and you aren’t happy with typical 9-to-5 hours, shift work may be the career answer you’ve been looking for. Sam McRimmon, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to answer some of the most important questions many candidates have about accepting a position that requires shift work. Topics include: • Types of work schedules • Pros and cons of shift work • How to determine if it’s right for you
Orion has recently partnered with Sears Home Services, the leading appliance repair service in the nation, to provide rewarding technical careers for transitioning service members and veterans. The company is currently seeking Service Technicians to join its team nationwide. To learn more about Sears Home Services and apply for a career, visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/searshomeservices/.
Brooke Langlie, a Marine Corps veteran and Service Technician with Sears Home Services, joins the show to discuss her military transition and civilian career. Topics include:
• Benefits of working for Sears Home Services • A typical day as a Service Technician • Advice for transitioning veterans
Online networking can be tricky, especially for new job seekers. You may not know how to contact someone in a way that gets a response, what’s realistic to ask and what your expectations should be. Additionally, it’s harder to establish a relationship online, and the person you’re networking with might not respond as quickly as you’d like. Whether you’re reaching out to a recruiter or someone you’ve seen on LinkedIn that may be able to help you break into a new industry, we have some tips for you on how to make the most of that initial encounter and developing the relationship over time. Mike Wood, Orion’s Southeast Recruiting Manager, joins the show to discuss some important things to keep in mind while networking. Topics include: • Tailoring your message for each person you reach out to • Managing your expectations • Mistakes to avoid when networking online
Over the last 28 years, Orion has found civilian careers for more than 6,000 Navy Nuclear Technicians, with nearly 20% of all hires having a Nuclear background.
If you have a Navy Nuclear background and are about to begin your military transition, Our team of Veteran Recruiters will help you make the transition into the civilian workforce by matching your skills and career goals with opportunities within some of America’s most sought after companies. Visit our Navy Nuclear Technicians careers page, https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/navy-nuke/ to learn more.
In this week’s episode, Chris Dove, former Navy Nuclear Engineer and Recruiter at Orion, joins the show to discuss his military transition and share the insight he has gained since becoming a Recruiter. Topics include: • Chris’ post military career path • Career opportunities available to Navy Nukes • Advice to transitioning Navy Nukes
Combined Arms - headquartered in Houston, TX - provides comprehensive support to military members and their families as they transition to civilian life, including professional guidance, health and wellness, volunteer opportunities and many more. John Boerstler, a Marine Corps Veteran and CEO of Combined Arms, joins the show to discuss the company’s mission and outreach. Topics include: • The origin and mission of Combined Arms • Services for transitioning service members and their families • How to get involved Learn more about Combined Arms at https://combinedarms.us/
When you decide to accept a job offer, you’re trusting that you’re making the best decision with the information available to you. Sometimes, you end up starting a new position that doesn’t quite align with the one you thought you were interviewing for. Amy West, a Navy Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss ways to determine if a job is a good fit for you during the interview process. Topics include: • Signs the job might not be right for you • Questions to ask in the interview process • The most professional way to decline an offer or quit a job
After an almost 24-year career in the Air Force, Mark Dewitz decided to retire and pursue a career in the civilian world. Like most veterans, Mark has really enjoyed his time in the military and was worried he wouldn’t find a career as rewarding as the one he experienced in the Air Force. Recently, Mark connected with an Orion Recruiter and attended a Hiring Conference in Atlanta. In today’s episode, Mark joins the show to discuss his military career and transition as well as his experience working with Orion. Topics include: • Benefits of attending an Orion conference • Mark’s career with Alcon • Advice for transitioning service members
Orion has partnered with TEKsystems, an industry leader in Technology and Talent Services, to provide rewarding careers for IT Professionals into a variety of industries, including government and military agencies. TEKsystems is currently hiring veterans to fill a variety of roles in Applications Services, Cyber Security, Cloud Services and Network Support, and IT Support, Outsourcing and Deployment. To learn more and apply, visit www.oriontalent.com/teksystems.
Brad Hicks and Jeremy Smith, National Recruiters – Government Services, join the show to discuss their military backgrounds and careers with TEKsystems. Topics include:
• Companies TEKsystems works with • The candidate experience working with TEKsystems • Advice for veterans who are interested in IT careers
The phrase “sell yourself” is used a lot in the recruiting industry, but what does it actually mean? Knowing how to successfully sell yourself is one of the most factors in deciding whether or not you’ll move forward in the hiring process. Daniel Jacob, an Orion Recruiter and former Navy Electrician’s Mate, joins the show to give an inside look at how he coaches candidates to sell themselves. Topics include: • 5 tips for selling yourself • How to sell yourself even if you don’t have a lot of experience • The difference between selling yourself and bragging
There can be a lot of frustrating moments during your job search but one of the most discouraging is not making it past the first round of an interview. Fortunately, a lot of the reasons you might not hear back from a company can be overcome by making sure you are prepared before the interview begins. Chris Dove, a Recruiter and former Navy Nuclear Electrician’s Mate, joins the show to discuss his advice for getting past the first interview. Topics include: • The importance of an elevator pitch • Being aware of your social media presence • Choosing quality references
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and those of the people around you. We recently received a listener email that asked us to discuss the role of emotional intelligence in the military transition and beyond. Dustin Mann, an Account Executive and Engineer Officer in the Army Reserves, joins the show to discuss his experience with this topic and advice for other veterans. Topics include: • Are veterans typically more skilled in emotional intelligence than civilians? • Leveraging the 4 key areas of emotional intelligence in your transition • Tips for increasing your emotional intelligence
In recent wars, the VA estimates that between 11-20% of veterans experience post-traumatic stress. In this week’s episode, David Lucier, a Vietnam veteran, joins the show to discuss the mental health challenges that many veterans face. David discusses his own experience dealing with post-traumatic stress, and how to get help or provide help to a friend who is experiencing these challenges. Topics include: • The challenges he faced when leaving the military • What led him to seeking help • Why veterans are reluctant to seek treatment
During your military-to-civilian career transition you’re inundated with all of the opportunities and obstacles that may come your way. In order to help guide you, we recommend reading professional books to help prepare for what’s to come. Matthew J. Louis, author of Mission Transition joins the podcast to discuss his book and advice for transitioning service members. Topics include: • Challenges in veteran employment • What led him to writing the book • Key takeaways and tips for getting the most out of the book
Orion has partnered with Lutron, an industry leader in lighting controls, to provide rewarding careers for more than 100 Veterans across the country. Lutron designs, manufactures, and sells products ranging from individual dimmers to total light management systems. Robert Small, a former Army Helicopter Pilot and current Technical Sales Representative with Lutron, joins the show to discuss his military transition and career at Lutron. Topics include: • What attracted him to Lutron • A “day in the life” of a Lutron Sales Representative • Perks of his job
Whether you’re a natural born planner or prefer to just go with the flow, adopting some simple strategies to keep your job search streamlined can make a big difference. With multiple applications, versions of your resume and different deadlines to keep track of, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Sam McRimmon, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss the importance of organizing your job search and how it can help you avoid common mistakes such as lost phone numbers, missed interviews or submitting the wrong resume. Topics include: • Establishing your career goals • Creating a schedule • Minimizing your applications • Tracking each position you apply for
Orion has recently partnered with JDog to provide exclusive franchise opportunities for honorably discharged veterans and military family members. JDog was founded by a veteran with the goal of helping veterans experience business ownership by running their own franchise, employing fellow veterans, and ultimately reducing veteran unemployment to less than 1%. Kevin Kopa, JDog’s COO, and Bryan Lindley, a JDog Franchise Owner, join the show to discuss their careers with JDog and why it’s a great fit for veterans. Kevin and Brian will discuss their military backgrounds and why JDog franchise ownership is a great fit for veterans. To learn more about Jdog, visit www.jdogbrands.com. Additional topics include: • JDog’s services and what differentiates it from its competitors • Benefits of becoming a franchise owner • Why the opportunity is a good fit for veterans
As a job seeker you’re constantly hearing about the importance of networking to help you get a job and advance in your career. There are many ways you can build your network whether it’s online, one-on-one, or in a group setting. Ultimately, the goal of networking is to build long-term relationships that will help your career over time. While networking is often more laid back than a job interview, not taking it seriously can lead to missed opportunities. Amy West, a Navy Veteran and Recruiter at Orion joins the show to discuss some common mistakes that are made when networking and how to avoid them. Topics include: • Not waiting until you need a job to begin networking • The importance of preparation • Knowing how and when to ask for what you want
In the 2019 job market, chances are you’re familiar with the term ghosting. You’ve probably experienced at least one scenario where you’ve landed an interview, you do all of the necessary prep, you’ve completed the interview and sent a thank you note, only for the company to go silent. This situation is difficult to navigate because you’re likely wondering when you should reach out, how often, and what you should say. Mike Wood, Orion’s Southeast Recruiting Manager, joins the show to discuss his insight on ghosting and how candidates can try to combat it. Topics include: • The appropriate frequency to follow up • Preemptively asking about the next step during the interview • If/when to mention other opportunities you’re pursuing
Orion has partnered with Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company (HSB) for nearly 15 years. Through this partnership, HSB has provided careers for more than 200 Veterans into Inspector and Inspector Trainee roles across the country. In addition to rewarding technical careers, HSB provides outstanding benefits and a work environment where you’ll be surrounded by other veterans. If you’d like to learn more about HSB and apply for an open position, visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/HSB. In today’s episode I am joined by Ron Barche and Aldon Eberhart, Navy Veterans and HSB Employees. Ron and Aldon were both hired through Orion into Inspector roles. In this podcast we’ll discuss: • Ron and Aldon’s military transitions • Their careers with HSB • Why HSB is a great place for veterans to work
Sometimes leadership means having formal authority but other times it’s not so clear cut. In the military you’ve gained skills and attributes that make you a great fit for a leadership positions, but not every company is willing to take a chance by offering you that type of position without seeing how you work as part of a team first. Dave Lehmkuhl, a Regional Manager at Orion, joins the show to discuss his experience as a leader outside of the military. Dave will discuss 5 tips for adding value and positioning yourself as a leader. Topics include: • The importance of establishing goals • How to engage others • Providing and receiving feedback
RedLine Athletics is a Youth Athletic Training Center that aims to help young athletes excel in their sport. The company is looking to expand its business into new territories and is seeking motivated military veterans to join its team as franchise owners. Harry Sisson, Army veteran and owner of multiple RedLine franchise licenses, joins the show to discuss his background and the franchise opportunity with RedLine Athletics. If you’d like to learn more about owning a franchise, contact Harry at hsisson@redline.com. Additional topics include: • RedLine’s services and what differentiates it from its competitors • How he decided to become a RedLine franchice owner • Why the opportunity is a good fit for veterans
Siemens is a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. Orion has partnered with Siemens for decades, providing rewarding careers for thousands of Veterans in a variety of roles nationwide. To learn more about careers with Siemens, visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/siemens.
In today’s episode I am joined by Jeremy Ball, a Navy Veteran and recently hired Siemens Employee. Jeremy was hired by Siemens through an Orion conference as a Senior Product Engineer. In this podcast we’ll discuss: • Jeremy’s military background • What attracted him to Siemens • What makes him excited about a career with Siemens
Adam Bolinger is a Navy Veteran who was hired into Alcoa (now Arconic) through Orion in 2011. Adam joined the company as an Industrial Electrician Apprentice and has been promoted several times, currently holding the title of Maintenance Manager. In this podcast Adam discusses his full circle journey of being a military job seeker and attending an Orion conference, to now attending conferences as a Hiring Manager. Other topics include: • Adam’s career progression with Aloca / Arconic • How the military helped prepare him for a civilian career • Advice for military job seekers
At some point almost every employee will wonder if it’s time to look for a new job, or if they should stick it out with their current employer. While every situation is unique, there are many questions you can ask yourself to determine whether or not you should seek employment elsewhere. In this episode, Sam McRimmon, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss 5 indicators that’s time to quit your job, how to do it without burning bridges, and how to succeed in your career transition.
Orion works with some of the largest aerospace companies in the world, including Honeywell, SpaceX, GE, AMMROC, StandardAero, UTC Aerospace Systems, Lufthansa, and many more. The aerospace industry offers careers for veterans with an aviation background and without. Common positions include Field Service / Maintenance Technician, Mechanic, and Engineer. Many of these roles are a natural fit for veterans based on the skills and experience you’ve gained in the military. In this episode, Mark Kraft, Navy Veteran and Director of Contingent Labor Programs at Orion, joins the show to discuss: • His background in aviation • Similarities between the military and the aerospace industry • Career opportunities for Veterans
Transitioning out of the military can bring some unique challenges that you may not have anticipated. Things like a gap in health insurance coverage, the logistics of relocation, and potentially taking a pay cut can catch many transitioning service members by surprise. Amy West, a Navy Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss the 7 things she wishes she had known when transitioning out of the military. Topics include: • The “cost” of leaving the military • Process and typical timeline • Benefits of working with a military recruiter
In this episode we’ve answered some of your most difficult questions related to your military-to-civilian career transition. Steve Jones, a former Army Officer and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss the top 10 questions we received and offer valuable insight. Topics include: • What to expect from working with an Orion Recruiter • How to determine if a company will be a good cultural fit before accepting an offer • Exaggerating your current salary to get a higher offer
The value of mentorship in helping you network, find a job and progress in your career, especially as a military job seeker, cannot be overstated. No matter where you are in your career, the right mentor can energize you and provide guidance when you need it. Kiley Pontrelli, a mentor through American Corporate Partners, joins the show to discuss her experience as a mentor and give advice to potential mentees. Topics include: • Getting started • Making the most of your mentorship • The most rewarding thing about being a mentor
When you decide to pitch your boss on the idea of giving you a pay increase, you must come prepared to sell them on why you deserve one. Lauren Breton, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss five things that might justify an increase in your salary, as well as tips for negotiating a bigger paycheck. Topics include: • Knowing your market value • Taking on more responsibility • Selling yourself
Natasha O’Neill has had a unique career path that has taken her from Law Enforcement, to 5 years in the Coast Guard, an internship on Wall Street, to her current role as an Account Executive with Orion Talent. In this episode Natasha discusses her military background and what led her to a career in Sales. Topics include: • How her time in service prepared her for a civilian career • The importance of keeping an open mind during your job search • Why she was drawn to a career in Sales
From a young age Terry Guyton knew he wanted to serve his country by joining the Marine Corps. Three weeks after graduating high school he embarked on an 8-year career as an Ammunition Technician. After a fulfilling career in service, Terry decided to see what the civilian workforce had to offer. After months of filling out online applications with little results, Terry found his dream job with U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Inc. In this episode Terry discusses the challenges he faced in his transition and shares advice with fellow veteran job seekers. Topics include: • The value of having a mentor • Leveraging military recruiting firms • How his time in the military prepared him for a civilian career
This year Orion is holding more than 70 hiring conferences in major metros nationwide. These conferences allow you the opportunity to interview with highly sought after companies that are committed to hiring veterans. Dustin Mann, an Orion Account Executive, joins the show to discuss 5 tips for acing a hiring conference. Topics include: • Hiring conferences vs. job fairs • How to prepare • Tips for success Visit us online at https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/hiring-conferences/ to learn more about attending an Orion hiring conference.
With each new year comes the topic of New Year’s resolutions. Many resolve to take action that will improve an aspect of their life over the course of the year, but achievement comes down to setting realistic goals and expectations. Whether you’re a fan of this tradition or not, the beginning of the year is a perfect time to evaluate your career goals and take steps toward achieving them.
Sam McRimmon, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss 5 actionable steps toward improving your job search, including: • Optimizing your online presence • Building your skillset • Mastering your elevator pitch • Finding a mentor • Focusing on time management
Orion has partnered with Ecolab, the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services, to provide careers for veterans into a variety of roles nationwide. Ecolab’s 48,000 associates serve customers at nearly three million locations in more than 170 countries. The company has been recognized as an employer of choice by Fortune, Forbes, Military Times, and many more. Eva Cook, Sales Engineer at Nalco Water (an Ecolab company), joins the show to discuss her military background, career with Ecolab, and her advice for transitioning service members. To learn more about Ecolab and its career opportunities, visit www.oriontalent.com/ecolab.
The construction industry has seen steady growth in 2018 and its projected to continue into 2019. Orion works with hundreds of commercial, industrial and residential construction companies nationwide. Companies include Trane, Turner, Mortenson, Marathon Petroleum, Lennar, Ryland Homes and many more. Keri Garrison, former Army Officer and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss what military job seekers should know about the construction industry. Topics include: • Similarities between the military and the residential construction industry • Misconceptions about the construction industry • Career opportunities for Veterans
As a military job seeker, chances are you’ve been cautioned not to work with a military recruiting firm at some point leading up to or during your transition. There are articles online that list several reasons you should avoid working with a recruiter, some of which you may have heard from a friend or colleague as well. We’ve heard a lot of this skepticism over the years, so we wanted to give you some insight on the reality of working with a military recruiter. Steve Jones, former Army Officer and Recruiter at Orion, joins the show to debunk the top 10 myths about working with a military recruiter. Make sure you listen and share with a friend!
Orion has recently partnered with Concrete Polishing and Restoration (CPR), a nationwide industrial flooring company, to provide rewarding careers for former and transitioning service members. With its steady, continued growth and highly skilled workforce, CPR is considered the industry's most elite applicator of polished concrete systems. If you’d like to learn more about CPR, please visit us online at www.oriontalent.com/cprconcrete. Hunter Johnston, Chief Operations Officer at CPR, joins the show to discuss: • His military background and unique career path after the military • Advice for transitioning service members • Career opportunities with CPR
Schwan’s commitment shows in all they do, from careful ingredient selection and quality food making to hiring top talent to serve its customers. Schwan’s values your military service and believes that the skills you gained in service will make you a valuable member of their team. To learn more about careers with Schwan’s visit www.oriontalent.com/schwans. Over the past couple of years Schwan’s has hired many Veterans from Orion into Area Manager positions nationwide. This role is responsible for leading, motivating and engaging the route service team to deliver world class customer service and sales growth. Paul Worley, an Army Veteran and Area Manager with Schwan’s, joins the show to discuss: • His military background and transition into the civilian world • His career at Schwan’s and “a day in the life” of an Area Manager • Why Schwan’s is a great place for veterans to work
As a military servicemember you had access to special benefits and tax breaks such as Thrift Savings Plans, inexpensive Life Insurance and BAH. When leaving the military, you forfeit some of those financial benefits you’ve grown accustomed to, so you want to make sure you know what to expect as a civilian. James Rossi, a Navy Veteran and Financial Advisor with WestPac Wealth Partners, joins the show to discuss his military transition, post-military career in medical sales, as well as financial advice for transitioning veterans. Other topics include: • Overviews of key military benefits • His career as a financial advisor • What he wishes he had known when transitioning
An important decision many transitioning veterans face is whether or not to relocate when looking for their first civilian job. Unless you have a specific location in mind, there are many factors that will come in to play, such as family, cost of living, out of pocket cost, career opportunities and many more. Dustin Mann, an Orion Account Executive, joins the show to discuss his experience with relocation and how he ultimately made the decision to move for his post-military career. Topics include: • Weighing the pros and cons of relocation • Military relocation benefits • Potential out of pocket expenses
In today’s show we’ll talk about two important aspects of a job interview that are frequently overlooked – preparing questions to ask the interviewer and closing the interview. An interview is a two-way street, and preparing thoughtful questions in advance tells the interviewer that you are interested in the job. Additionally, making sure you sell yourself when closing the interview is one of the most important things you can do to leave a lasting impression. Lauren Breton, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss: • Examples of questions you should and shouldn’t ask • The importance of closing the interview • Tips for selling yourself at the close of an interview
Preparing your resume is an important part of your military to civilian career transition. Making sure that it’s relevant and highlights your skills effectively can be challenging because your work in the military may not be easily understood by a civilian hiring manager. Your resume should serve as a snapshot of your accomplishments, education and work experience. It should tell the story of not just what you’ve done, but where you want to go. Space is limited so you must use it to effectively sell yourself to a potential employer. Steve Jones, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show today to discuss his advice on creating a winning resume. We’ll discuss: • Common resume mistakes • Tips for making your resume stand out • Determining the length of your resume
If you are a former or transitioning military officer looking for your next civilian career AND you think that your education, background, and military career distinguishes you from your peers, you may be a good fit for Orion's Distinguished Candidate Conference (DCC). An Orion Recruiter joins the show to discuss some of the most frequently asked questions she gets from candidates prior to attending a DCC. Topics include: • The difference between a DCC and a regular hiring conference • How to qualify for a DCC • How to prepare for a DCC
Visit us online at https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/hiring-conferences/national/ to learn more about Orion’s Distinguished Candidate Conferences.
In last week’s episode we introduced you to Colin Gregg and Tony Gatliff from BBMC Mortgage. Colin and Tony discussed the benefits of working with BBMC and debunked the top 5 myths about VA loans. In part 2, we will conclude the conversation with the BBMC team. Topics include: • BBMC’s commitment to the military community • Resources for veterans who want to learn more about working with BBMC • BBMC’s “We’ve Got Your Six Sweepstakes” – a contest that will give one military family 12 months of mortgage or rent payments
Orion is proud to partner with BBMC Mortgage to help veterans achieve the goal of home ownership. BBMC assists veterans in purchasing homes they can afford, by providing lower rates, lower fees, no down payment and more relaxed qualifications compared to a conventional loan. In this episode, BBMC employees Colin Gregg and Tony Gatliff join the show to discuss everything you need to know about the VA loan. Topics include: • Benefits of working with BBMC • 5 common VA loan myths
During your job search you’ll likely encounter opportunities that you realize aren’t a good fit for you after you’ve already started the interview process. If you change your mind about moving forward, it’s important to let the employer know, as they’ve likely invested time and resources into interviewing and potentially hiring you. Recently employers have reported an increased frequency of being “ghosted” by job seekers, meaning candidates are blowing off scheduled interviews or accepting offers and then vanishing without notice. As a job seeker it is extremely important that you maintain professionalism in your communication with employers, whether you are interested in their opportunities or not. You never know when ghosting could come back to haunt your job search. In this episode, an Orion Recruiter will join the show to discuss: • Reasons why candidates are ghosting • Negative implications of ghosting • How to handle specific job seeker scenarios in a professional manner
Orion is currently recruiting former and transitioning service members for a variety of careers with Service Experts across 90+ locations nationwide. Locations include Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Denver, Raleigh, Dallas, Nashville and many more. Service Experts offers the close-knit environment of a local, independently-owned company, along with the outstanding benefits, training and stability of the industry's leading name. To attract and retain the best people in the business, Service Experts provides competitive pay, excellent benefits, opportunity for growth, and world class training. Richard Everhart, Army Veteran and Operations Manager at Service Experts, joins the show to discuss: • Career progression at Service Experts • Service Experts is a great place for Veterans to work • Similarities between the company and the military. To learn more about careers with Service Experts, visit www.oriontalent.com/service-experts.
Each employer has a preferred style of interviewing based on the company culture, position for which you are interviewing, and interview timeline. Types of interviews range from a phone screen, one-on-one discussion, panel / group settings, or even over lunch. Some employers may choose to utilize a combination of different styles, but if you've prepared well for your interview, you'll be able to adapt and excel in each situation. Mike Wood, Orion’s Southeast Recruiting Manager, joins the show to discuss panel interviews and meal-time interviews. Panel and meal-time interviews are less traditional than a one-on-one discussion and can leave job seekers feeling anxious and unsure of what to expect. In this podcast we’ll discuss: • Pros and cons of these types of interviews • Common pitfalls • Keys to success
Orion has hired more than 2,800+ veterans into the oil and gas industry into companies such as Phillips 66, Halliburton, BP, Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, and many more. Military candidates have proven to be an ideal fit for a wide range of positions including Field Service, Operators, Maintenance Technicians, Project Managers, and Engineers. Steve Casey, Vice President at Orion, joins the show to discuss what military job seekers should know about the oil and gas industry. Topics include: • Similarities between the military and oil and gas industry • Misconceptions about the oil and gas industry • Career opportunities for veterans
Anthony Pearson is a Marine Corps veteran who found his dream job with PPL in 2000. Since joining the company, Anthony has made a positive impact within the company and the community through his commitment to serving others. In this show we discuss: • How the military prepared him for a career with PPL • His career evolution with PPL • PPL’s Veteran Resource Group
Mike Farrell is a former Marine Corps Officer whose interest in Sales was sparked during his time in service. Prior to his transition, Mike attended an Orion webinar focused on careers in Sales and spent the rest of his free time reading up on sales and planning his next career move. In this episode we’ll discuss:
• Why he chose a career in sales • His career paths with NuLife Medical and BI Worldwide • Key accomplishments
Unilever makes thousands of products under more than 400 brand names used by two and a half billion people every day. This global company is behind trusted brands like Dove, Axe, Hellman’s, Ben & Jerry’s, and many more. Unilever has a strong commitment to hiring veterans and has partnered with Orion to hire military talent into a variety of roles nationwide. Learn more at www.oriontalent.com/unilever.
In today’s episode I am joined by Mike Stevens, a Marine Corps Veteran and Unilever Employee. Mike was hired as a Demand Planning Manager 2 years ago and has recently transitioned into a new position in Finance. In this podcast we’ll discuss: • What attracted Mike to Unilever • His career progression since joining the company • What he enjoys most about working there
Field Service jobs are in high demand because of the variety of industries they serve. Field Service Technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of equipment, products and systems. This includes home-based equipment such as security systems, appliances and electronics, and larger commercial items like heavy equipment, factory machinery, computer networks and wind turbines. While the type of work is dependent on the industry, in this episode we’ll discuss what to expect if you are seeking a career as a Field Service Technician. Todd Hecht, an Orion Recruiter specializing in Field Service roles, joins the show to provide insight on why Veterans are a good fit for these positions. Topics include: • Required education and training • Companies that are hiring Field Service Technicians • Career progression
If achieving financial freedom is a dream of yours, make sure you listen to the conclusion of our conversation with Doug Nordman, author of The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement / founder of The Military Guide website. Doug and Brian Henry (Orion’s Senior Vice President of Recruiting) join the show to discuss: • Financially preparing to leave the military • Additional resources for financial education
Orion’s goal is to provide resources to not only help you in your job search, but throughout your entire military to civilian transition. In this episode I’m joined by Doug Nordman, author of The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement / founder of The Military Guide website, and Brian Henry, Senior Vice President of Recruiting at Orion. During Part 1 of our conversation with Doug, we’ll discuss: • Retirement options • The decision to leave active duty • Recent changes in the military pension system • Financial myths of retirement
Building controls are responsible for controlling the internal environment of nearly every building worldwide. From office buildings to campuses and stadiums, they all rely on some type of system to regulate heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and many other systems. Jay Koranda, Recruiting Manager at Orion, joins this episode to discuss opportunities within the building controls industry. As a former employee with a building controls company, Jay has plenty of insight to offer. Topics include: • Similarities between the military and the building controls industry • Career opportunities for veterans • Companies Orion works with
Tom Wolfe joins the podcast again to provide more valuable insight into the military-to-civilian career transition. To conclude this two-part episode, Tom will discuss many topics pertinent to the final stages of the transition process, including attending hiring conferences and estimating your market value. Other topics include: • Dos and Don’ts of working with a military recruiter • Keeping an open mind during your job search • Choosing which opportunity to accept
Over the years, Orion’s recruiters have seen a significant difference in the success rates of military job seekers who invest the time to read professional books as they prepared for their transition versus those who did not. The right books can help you to be more comfortable in an interview setting and better articulate your background and professional experience to an interviewer. One book that provides insight into every stage of the transition process is Tom Wolfe’s Out of Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful Military to Civilian Career Transition. His recently released 2nd edition book is designed to help all transitioning military personnel, regardless of service, branch, rank, rating, time in service, time in grade, or specialty. Tom joins the show to discuss some of the highlights from his book, as well as advice for military job seekers. Topics include: • Challenges / opportunities for job seekers as a result of social media • Figuring out what you want to do • The value of flexibility • The 6 Ps of interviewing
To succeed in a job interview it's important to say and do the right things that make a positive first impression and convince employers you would be a great fit for their company. It's also important to avoid making mistakes that could raise a red flag about your professionalism or ability to perform the job for which you are interviewing. Nora Liles, an Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss her list of top 10 dos and don’ts for succeeding in your first interview. Topics include: • Researching the company • Knowing the position and how it relates to your background • Asking thoughtful questions • Talking about failure and weaknesses
While many of the things you’ve learned in the military are invaluable, some behaviors won’t help you get ahead in the civilian world. In this episode, we’ll give you tips for making the transition into your civilian career successful. Adam Swartz, former Marine Corps Officer and Orion Account Executive, joins the show to discuss what he learned from his first post-military job. Topics include: • The importance of asking questions • Being “on time” in the military vs. in the civilian workplace • Being aware of how others perceive you • Networking • What to avoid in the civilian workplace
The semiconductor industry is responsible for creating microchips that enable advances in all modern electronics. These microchips are used in computers, healthcare and military systems, transportation, clean energy, and many more. The semiconductor industry is also leading innovation in many emerging technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence and self-driving cars.
Orion has hired thousands of veterans into companies like Intel, Samsung, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Micron and Qorvo. In this episode, Jay Koranda, Recruiting Manager at Orion, discusses opportunities within the semiconductor industry. Topics include:
• Similarities between the military and the semiconductor industry • Career opportunities for veterans • Companies Orion works with
There are many challenges that come with transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce. Whether you’re navigating the interview stage or getting acclimated in your new role, you’re likely experiencing some unknown territory. Dustin Mann, an Account Executive at Orion, joins the show to discuss transition challenges and how to overcome them. Topics include: • Communicating your military background to Hiring Managers • What to focus on and what to avoid in the interview process • Leveraging your military experience to be successful in a non-military job
Some military to civilian transitions are more clear-cut than others. If you are a technician in the military transitioning into a technical role in the civilian workforce, there’s likely to be less of a learning curve. However, many military job seekers have the desire to pursue a career that’s different from what they did in the military. In this case, it can be hard to visualize your next steps and successfully position yourself for a career change. Mike Wood, Orion’s Southeast Recruiting Manager, joins this week’s show to discuss how focusing on your accomplishments, key strengths and drivers in your career search can help you land the job you want. Topics include: • Networking • Selling yourself • Interview tips
With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, LinkedIn is the most powerful social network for building your personal brand and growing your network. As a military job seeker, you might be new to LinkedIn, or maybe you need some insight on how to make the most of this social platform.
Nora Liles, a Recruiter at Orion, joins this week’s show to discuss the importance of LinkedIn, and how to leverage it to find your next job opportunity. Topics include: • How to let Recruiters know you’re available • Top 5 tips for getting noticed • What to avoid
Martin Cawdery is a Marine Corps veteran who has found a rewarding career with Faith Technologies. Martin was promoted within 3 months of being hired, and has had such a positive impact on Faith Technologies’ business that he’s now in a position to hire more veterans into the company. Listen to this podcast to hear Martin discuss: • Transitioning from the military after 22 years of service • Pursuing a civilian career that was different than his military career • Advice for military job seekers • His career at Faith Technologies
Orion works with hundreds of residential construction companies nationwide, including David Weekley Homes, Pulte, Taylor Morrison, KB Home and many more. Companies in this industry have found Veterans to be a great fit for a variety of roles, including Superintendents, Production Supervisors, Project Managers, Customer Service and Maintenance.
Mike Wood, Orion’s Southeast Recruiting Manager, joins the show to discuss what military job seekers should know about the residential construction industry. Topics include: • Similarities between the military and the residential construction industry • Misconceptions about the residential construction industry • Career opportunities for Veterans
Orion works with some of the largest manufacturing companies in the world, including Siemens, GE, Honeywell, Honda, Hershey’s, Stryker, and many more. The manufacturing industry offers careers for veterans of all backgrounds and skill sets, with many of the roles being a natural fit based on your military experience. Whether you’re a Maintenance Technician, Engineer or a Project Manager, career opportunities in this industry are vast.
In this episode, Nora Liles, former Army Contractor and Recruiter at Orion, joins the show to discuss: • Similarities between the military and the manufacturing industry • Misconceptions about the manufacturing industry • Career opportunities for Veterans
Orion has partnered with Daifuku North America, a leader in the material handling industry, to provide rewarding careers for veterans. Daifuku has career opportunities nationwide and they are looking to fill a large number of openings over the next several months.
Learn more about Daifuku’s open positions and interview dates and locations at https://www.oriontalent.com/daifuku-north-america/careers/
In today’s podcast I’ll talk to TJ Freno, Orion’s Account Manager for Daifuku. TJ will discuss: • Daifuku’s business • Career opportunities • Why Daifuku is a great place for veterans to work • The ideal candidate for Daifuku
One of Orion’s longest and most successful partnerships is with Siemens, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. Siemens employs thousands of veterans across all functions and job families and our guest today is part of their growing team. Ben Staples was recently hired by Siemens as a Service Specialist in Seattle and he couldn’t be happier in his new role. In this episode we’ll discuss: • Ben’s transition out of the military • What attracted him to Siemens • Why Siemens a great place for Veterans to work
An interview for a management position will typically consist of questions about your experience, leadership style, what you've accomplished in the past and what your expectations are for the future. Military job seekers possess hands on leadership and are typically a great fit for Management roles. Although your leadership experience is valued, the ability to clearly communicate your accomplishments is the key to success. In this episode, Dave Lehmkuhl, Orion’s Southeast Sales Manager, will discuss: • Frequently asked interview questions • Companies and industries hiring for management roles • Reading in preparation for a management interview
Developing and leveraging your personal brand on social media can help you open more doors in your job search. Hiring managers receive a large volume of job applications and you must find a way to stand out from the faceless crowd. By having a clear, online message of who you are, you have the opportunity to convey your identity to the hiring manager and improve your chances of standing out from the very beginning. Listen this episode to hear Jack Morrow, an Account Executive at Orion, discuss the following topics: • Defining ‘personal branding’ and its importance • Tips for developing your personal brand • How to use social media to convey your brand • Social media pitfalls
Episode 24 – Keys to Acing your Virtual Interview Virtual interviews are becoming a preferred method of interview due to ease of scheduling and budget friendliness for both the job seeker and employer. The goal of an in-person or virtual interview is the same – you want to make a lasting impression that gets you to the next round of interviews. In this episode, Dustin Mann, an Account Executive at Orion, gives you the keys to ace your virtual interview. Topics include:
• Benefits of virtual interviewing • How to prepare • What to avoid • Interview tips • Upcoming virtual interviews through Orion
As a Former Army Officer and current Junior Military Officer Recruiter, Keri Price knows a lot about the process of transitioning from the military into the civilian world. In this episode, Keri and I discuss: • The military transition timeline • How to prepare for each stage • Transition checklists
Happy New Year! If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to find a new job, you don’t want to miss this episode. This is the perfect time to begin your job search. Key decision makers are back in the office after the holidays, and budgeting and workforce planning are on your side.
In this episode I’ll be joined by an Air Force Veteran and current Recruiter at Orion to talk through ways you can jumpstart your career search in 2018. Topics include:
• Tips for beginning your job search • How to ace the interview • “Kissing frogs” until you find the right job
Our most popular podcasts have been about interview preparation, and we’ve done quite a few related to frequently asked interview questions. We wanted to dedicate a similar show to focus on frequently asked interview questions for technical and engineering roles.
Our guest for this show is Shane Bishop, a Senior Account Executive at Orion. Shane is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and is a former Submarine Officer. His impressive military background, as well as his many years of experience with interview preparation, make him an expert on this topic. Shane gives insight on how to answer the following interview questions: • Why are you interested in an Engineering role? • What Technical / Engineering experience do you have? • How did you apply your technical skill set in your last position? • What special technical qualifications do you possess?
We've given you the tools to prepare for an interview and how to answer a variety of frequently asked interview questions. In this episode we'll tackle the final step in the process: the offer stage. Once you’ve arrived at this step in the process, you’ll likely have many questions about what to expect. To give you some insight, a Senior Account Executive at Orion, joins me to discuss the following topics: • Timeline for extending and accepting an offer • In addition to salary, what other factors can help you make your decision? • How flexible are companies when it comes to salary offerings? • Negotiating a salary
Orion has more than 40 Recruiters nationwide who are all former military. If you’ve worked with us already, you know that our recruiting team is dedicated to your success as a job seeker. In this episode, I’m highlighting Kerry Miller, a former Navy Career Counselor and current member of Orion’s Midwest recruiting team. Kerry and I will discuss: • Her career in the Navy and transition into civilian life • What she wishes she had known during her transition • Success stories – including a veteran that found his dream job working at a pie factory!
Some frequently asked interview questions are more challenging than others and can leave you feeling like you’re in the hot seat. In this episode, a Senior Vice President of Recruiting takes on some of the more challenging questions by telling you what employers want to know when they ask these questions, keys to successfully answering, and what to avoid when answering. Questions include: • What is your weakness? • Tell me about a time that you failed. • Tell me about a time that you improved a process. • How do you deal with conflict? • Why should I hire you?
‘Tis the season for all things festive! From Thanksgiving turkeys to Christmas trees and New Year’s celebrations, your job search may not be at the top of your to-do list. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, It might surprise you to learn that the holiday season can be a great time to look for a new job. In this episode, we’ll talk about a recent article on the Balance.com, Top 11 Reasons to Job Search During the Holidays. I’ll also be joined by a member of Orion’s recruiting team to discuss the following topics: • Why you should keep your job search going during the holidays • Strategies for success • Networking during the holiday season • Opportunities to interview at Orion’s Hiring Conferences
A Hiring Conference is your chance to interview with hiring managers for positions that are a match with your background, skills and preferences. Orion holds approximately 75 hiring conferences each year in cities throughout the nation, and the conference will feature positions throughout that region of the country. Orion’s conferences are much different than a traditional job fair. In this episode, a Senior Vice President of Recruiting will give you an overview of what to expect when you attend. Topics include:
• The differences between an Orion hiring conference and a traditional job fair • How to prepare • What to expect from interview to offer
Orion's Candidate Recruiters work directly with military job seekers to help them find rewarding careers in corporate America. We currently have a team of more than 40 recruiters nationwide, but we're always seeking top performing, former and transitioning veterans to join our team. In this episode, Orion's Southeast Recruiting Manager will discuss:
- Ideal attributes for a Recruiter candidate
- Challenging and rewarding aspects of the position
- 'A day in the life' of a Recruiter
- Perks of the job
Sales is not a career field that many military candidates immediately consider as an option during their transition from the military to civilian life. In this episode we’ll talk about why it’s worth considering. You’ll hear from a Senior Vice President of Recruiting on some of the perks of working in sales, including compensation, path to leadership, personal control, job security and ability to help others. Additional topics include: • Determining whether a career in sales is right for you • What attributes Hiring Managers are looking for and why they want to hire Veterans • Tips for interviewing for a Sales role
Account Executives at Orion create and maintain relationships with America's leading companies to secure job opportunities for our Veteran job seekers. Because these roles are essential to our business, we're always looking for motivated, top performing, former and transitioning military members to join our team. In this episode, we'll talk to two of Orion's Senior Partners about:
- Ideal attributes for an Account Executive candidate
- Challenging and rewarding aspects of the position
- 'A day in the life' of an Account Executive
- Career progression
Preparing for a first interview can be a daunting task, especially for transitioning military job seekers. In this episode, we'll tackle some frequently asked interview questions by telling you what employers want to know when they ask these questions, keys to successfully answering and what to avoid when answering:
Tell me about yourself. What are your 3 greatest strengths? What is your most significant achievement? What is your leadership style? What are your goals - short and long term?
In honor of military families around the world, we're spotlighting a military family right here at Orion. Nora Liles is a National Recruiter at Orion in our Virginia Beach, VA, office and her husband Charles is currently deployed to Djibouti, Africa. In this episode, Nora and I talk about what it means to be a military spouse:
-Support systems during deployments -Proudest moments -Acts of kindness -How to honor military families
Danielle Smith is a former Army Officer who landed a career with Sun Chemical in 2014. Since joining Sun Chemical, Danielle has been promoted a couple of times and is a valued member of the team. Listen to this podcast to hear Danielle discuss: • Her military transition • Why Sun Chemical is a great place for Veterans to work • Career progression • Advice for job seekers
Zach Marshall is a former Army Officer and now an Operations Manager with Mangan Software. In this episode, Zach talks about lessons learned from his military career, transition into the civilian world and now as a hiring manager passionate about recruiting Veterans. Other topics include: • How his time in service prepared him for a civilian career • What he looks when hiring a Veteran • Veteran success at Mangan
Eric Sagong is a former Navy Officer who recently landed a job with StandardAero. In this podcast, Eric discusses his transition process and advice for fellow job seekers. Other topics include:
Decision points in his transition Benefits of working with a military recruiting firm Why StandardAero
Orion Account Executive Nick Ruscoe sits down to chat with us about his experience with Jack Welch Management Institute's Online MBA Program.
Why JWMI? Using your GI Bill Jack Welch's leadership style Balancing an MBA and career
The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 was signed into law on August 16, 2017. Also known as the Forever GI Bill, the new legislation has many changes in store for Veterans and their families. This episode includes: - Highlights of the Forever GI Bill - Interview with a Veteran utilizing the GI Bill
Are you beginning your transition out of the military and wondering where to start? Hear from a former Marine Corps Officer and current VP of Recruiting about what you can do to prepare: - How to research yourself - Building a library of stories to help sell yourself - Answering any question successfully with the S-T-A-R format
Hear what transitioning Air Force Officer Jim Bergren has to say about his decision to pursue a civilian career: - Decision points in his transition - Working with military recruiting firms - The importance of attending a hiring conference
Transitioning Army Officer Andrew Manglicmot shares what he's learned about the transition process and gives advice to fellow job seekers. In this podcast we'll discuss: - Decision points in his transition - Working with military recruiting firms - Andrew's motto "Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance"
We linked up with a Recruiting Manager to discuss everything you've wanted to know about the interview process. We'll talk about: - Typical interview timeline - Different types of interviews - Interview curveballs
You asked, we answered! Hear advice from a Recruiter on some frequently asked questions from our job seekers: - How do I get started? - What kind of positions are available to me? - What companies and industries are hiring? - What's the difference between a headhunter and a recruiter?