Project Manager, Controls & Automation

West
US Marine Corps, O-5

I am a recently transitioned Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Officer. I had been searching for jobs and posting my resume for approximately eight months before I was referred to Orion International from a Marine Corps friend who transitioned years ago.

I ended up with two interviews from two companies in the exact location my family and I wanted to settle down in – Milwaukee, WI. The job I’ve accepted will also incorporate by undergrad degree from 1992, which I never thought would happen!

I worked with another military recruiting firm prior to Orion. That company put me on an email distribution list and forgot about me. When I asked them for advice, I was given short, general answers via email. There was no personal investment from that recruiter. As it turned out for me, David Coe provided my information to Siemens based off firsthand knowledge of my specific situation, and, in less than two weeks, I had the job.

In retrospect, transitioning from active duty is a lengthy, frustrating process. I recommend future candidates start talking with Orion no less than a year out. Candidates should also immerse themselves in their own networking and job search in order to learn the terminology of their future occupation and ace the interview whenever the time comes. It’s as much a personal responsibility to find a job as it is Orion’s to arrange an interview.

Lastly, field grade officers should not discount using Orion due to their seniority or time in service. When transitioning, you need as much assistance and advice as you can get. After applying for nearly 75 jobs via the internet, using all the techniques the job search books teach you and speaking with networking contacts throughout, my only two interviews were through Orion.