Electrician

West
US Navy, E-5

I served in the Navy for 11 years and was an AE2 (Aviation Electrician). When I started looking for a new career in May in preparation for my separation in July, I turned to Orion International. I heard about them through a friend who was job searching, too. I filled out an online form at Orion’s website and waited for contact. Soon after, I heard back from Jim Lewis. I was not solid on a discharge date, so we just kind of touched base. A few months later, I had a better timeframe and sent in a resume. Jim looked it over and sharpened it up. When I got it back, I corrected it again. I then had a resume that I felt reflected me and my skills. My first interview was my practice interview, as they did not pay enough to seriously entertain. Even during interviews with companies I was not interested in, I knew I was getting a chance to practice interviewing. My goal was to surpass my current military pay--not get out and take two steps back! Shortly after that, I attended a hiring conference in Seattle and interviewed with eight companies (one of which was Peabody - my current employer). I agreed to do an onsite with Peabody after conducting an end-of-day second interview. A week and a half later, I accepted the position. I started as a shop electrician (one of the six total). It is a completely different kind of job than the Navy, but it has been pretty easy to catch onto and apply my electrical skills I acquired through my time spent in the Navy. Keep up the good work, Orion!