I&C Maintenance Production Foreman
Northeast
US Navy, E-6
I started my terminal leave on May 24, 2010, and my last official day in the Navy is June 27. Most of my friends that left the service before me said that employers were most receptive to candidates that would be available within 60 days of interviewing, so I waited until April to begin my job search. It was a little frightening, but it worked out well.
I learned about Orion International when I attended the Navy's Transition Assistance Program. During the employer panel segment of the program, Matt Clingon, an Orion recruiter, gave a short presentation about what services Orion offers.
I was an electronics technician in the US Navy's nuclear power program for ten years. The highest rank I attained was First Class Petty Officer. After two years of training, I was responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the nuclear reactors on USS Enterprise (2002-2006) and USS George H W Bush (2006-2010). My military background prepared me in so many ways for my new career; not only did I gain the operational and technical expertise necessary to lead a maintenance team, but I learned and perfected the basic leadership techniques and critical thinking skills required to work in high-pressure situations.
Matt actually ended up being my recruiter, and he treated me courteously and professionally. All of the recruiters I met were helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. When Matt was unavailable, I also worked with Mike Wooster, and I was impressed with how effectively they shared information. I didn't have to repeat information to the two of them.
I attended a two-day hiring conference where I interviewed with four companies. It was a long two days, but well worth it! I was asked to do a second on-site interview with PPL, and, after the second interview, I was offered a great job, which I accepted! I will be the Instrumentation and Controls Maintenance Production Foreman at PPL Susquehanna nuclear power plant.
Not only did Orion help me find an amazing job, they are also working with my husband who transitions to civilian life this fall. In my job search I had some great interviews, and I had some that were so bad it was embarrassing. The best thing to do is treat every interview individually; don’t get too overconfident when you have a good one, and more importantly, don't be too hard on yourself when you have a bad one!