Military.com Seeks Advice for Veteran Job Seekers from Orion President Mike Starich

Mike Starich, President of Orion International, was recently interviewed by Military.com to provide his insight into hot job markets and tips for veteran job seekers. Starich, a former Marine in the aviator community and later an officer recruiter, transitioned out of the military in 1992 and began to work for Orion.

Nearly 20 years later, Starich has amassed vast experience with what industries veterans should look into and how to go about it. One of the hot industries right now for veterans, according to Starich, is alternative energy, which includes wind, solar, ethanol, and fuel cell. The mutual attraction between veterans and this industry comes from the fact that veterans “are used to movement, being very autonomous and technically sound, and can make good decisions in difficult environments.” Oil and gas is another strong industry, along with power generation, manufacturing, semiconductor, aerospace and defense, and retail.

One current trend that Starich discusses with Military.com is the creation of environments in military-friendly companies where veterans can transition and train well. This trend coupled with an improving economy makes for a very positive hiring environment for veterans seeking civilian careers.

When asked what tips he has for transitioning veterans, Starich says that networking is number one. While military recruiting firms like Orion should be a critical part of your search, Starich says that it is “important to network through any possible means you might have. Some of your best sources are friends and comrades who've recently left the military.” Next on the list are having a professional resume and good interviewing skills, both of which Orion and other firms can help with.

When Starich separated from the Marine Corps in 1992, he found it easy to be disenchanted when hiring managers were not impressed with his former military responsibilities, such as flying jets. As a result, Starich advises job seekers to discover the intangible skill sets related to their military career, whether these skills are leadership, organizational, communication, or persuasion. Finding a way to effectively translate these skills to a hiring manager is often the key to success.

Click here to read the original article.

Where are they now? Jerry Biller

This month, as we continue our 20th anniversary celebration, The Hunter sat down with Jerry Biller, a former Army Infantryman, whom Orion placed with Target Corporation in 1992. Biller graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1989 with a degree in Secondary Education and was awarded Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger Tabs, and the Path Finder torch during his time in the Army. He was also selected to become the Scout Platoon Leader of the 3rd 187th Division while serving in Desert Storm (Iraq) and was awarded the Bronze Star for leadership in 1991.

The next year, Biller was preparing for another deployment when he learned of Orion International and was able to coordinate an interview through them with Target Corporation in Florida. “I heard from others either still in the military or officers that had separated that Orion was the best and that their JMO Program was the best opportunity for military desiring to make the transition from military to public employment,” recalls Biller. Biller goes on to say that he owes his success in the round robin style interviews with Target in part to Orion’s guidance.

At that point, Biller elected to utilize the early out program offered at the time to join the Target Team. Target appealed to Biller, because it offered a challenging leadership environment and long term career opportunity, while allowing him to utilize his entrepreneurship skills. Biller spent the next ten years with Target and was promoted through store leadership positions to Store Team Leader. He ultimately moved to the corporate office in Minnesota as the Manager of Operations for Target Corporation, Asset Protection, overseeing all operating companies of Target Corporation.

“My military experience provided me with fine-tuned leadership skills and the foundation to set myself apart from my peer group. My peers in the public arena did not have the same level of developed leadership skills, which were a result of the military training I received,” explains Biller of how his military training affected his career prospects.

Biller is now Director of Market Development for Cal-Tex Protective Coatings, a company that provides aftermarket products and programs to the automotive industry. Because Biller sees any military experience as invaluable and believes that the military helps develop strategic thinking, process driven leaders, he continues to hire veterans.

“Employers looking to hire military officers need to be willing to establish a training program that identifies the workforce climate change,” explains Biller, “By doing this, they will see a much greater success rate with their JMO hires. JMO hires can bring a leadership foundation to their organization which most other hires will not possess.”

Orion is proud to have placed Biller nearly 20 years ago and is pleased to be able to share his experience with our candidates and clients. We wish him continued success in his career. Stay tuned next month when we will profile another early Orion placement.

Upcoming Hiring Conferences

If you will be separating from the military and preparing to begin your civilian career within the next 90 days, be sure to attend one of our hiring conferences. After a full day of preparation, you’ll interview with hiring authorities for only those positions that are a match with your needs and preferences. Click on any of the conference locations to request more information on the conference you’d like to attend!   Northeast     Fishkill, NY Norfolk, VA  June 12 - 13 June 27 - 28 Southeast     Atlanta, GA June 5 - 6 Midwest     Chicago, IL Chicago, IL June 5 -6 July 18 - 19 South Central     Dallas, TX San Antonio, TX Houston, TX May 22 - 23 June 5 - 6 June 26 - 27 West     San Diego, CA Seattle, WA San Diego, CA  June 6 - 7 June 26 - 27 July 17 - 18

Upcoming Base Visits

When our Recruiters visit a location near you, it’s a chance to get a jump start on your career search, regardless of your ETS date. Our Recruiters will discuss your goals and preferences with you and present a realistic picture of what to expect in your search. You’ll get resume advice, interview preparation tips, and much more!  Click here or on any of the base visits to receive more information about the base visit you are interested in attending.

Industry Spotlight: Wind Energy

Military.com recently published an Industry Spotlight on the Wind Industry that featured Randall Tyson and Scott Corley, two Orion alumni who are now enjoying careers in the Wind Industry. The article explores the industry and why it is so attractive to veterans. Click here to read the full article.

Recruiter Spotlight

Phillip Miller

Career Network recruiter, Phillip Miller, was born in New York City and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where he attended Xaverian High School.  Phillip later attended Syracuse University.   After his 1987 fall semester, he did not return to Syracuse, as he only had 90 credits amassed and would not graduate within four  years.

When he returned to Brooklyn, Phillip was taken on by a friend of the family as a restaurant manager in Manhattan.  After two years, he was running all five restaurants, but he realized that this was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.  As he watched the news of Saddam Hussein taking Kuwait by storm, he decided to join the armed forces. 

He entered the delayed entry program and joined the Navy in 1991.  He spent twenty of the finest years of his life in the Navy.    During those years, he married his beautiful wife, Donna, in 1993 and was initiated as a Chief Petty Officer in 2003. 

In March 2011, he hung up his anchors and joined the Orion Team.  He and Donna now live in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake, Virginia, with their two youngest children, Gabriel and Taaron.  Aaron, their oldest son, has moved out and is pursuing a career in computer repair.  Phillip has completed 113 of 120 credits towards a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Engineering at Old Dominion University.  He will continue his classes in the fall of 2011.  

If you could give just one piece of career advice to a transitioning military professional, what would it be?

Do at least one thing towards securing your next career each and every day.

What do you like most about working at Orion?

I love the fact that I am continuing to serve the armed forces by assisting veterans in securing a new career to provide a great new life for their families.

What are you actively recruiting for at the moment?

I am currently recruiting for Siemens Field Service Technicians positions all over New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Please share one interesting fact that you would like candidates to know.

I love doing triathlons…..and try to get others to join me.  It is a wonderful way to pursue fitness!

Connect with Phil:

pmiller@orioninternational.com
800-544-3787 x. 515

Equipment Technician Positions with Samsung Austin Semiconductor

Orion is currently recruiting for Equipment Technicians for Samsung Austin Semiconductor, located in Austin, TX. Salary is $18 - $21, plus overtime and night shift differential, with excellent benefits.

In this position, you will be responsible for working on multi-million dollar systems with integrated robotics, electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics and will receive specialized training in the use of sophisticated programs. You will also perform functions associated with manufacturing operations, including Preventive Maintenance, Failure Analysis, Quality Testing, and Production of Memory Chips and Logic.

To be qualified for these positions, you should have a solid military background in Electronics or Electro-Mechanical systems and experience with diagnostic equipment; along with the ability to read and interpret schematics and diagrams.

If you feel you meet these requirements and are interested in an Equipment Technician position with excellent growth potential, please click here to learn more.

Sales Opportunities Within Orion

Orion International is currently seeking transitioning or former military officers with a strong record of achievement to join our Sales Team as an Account Executive. We are hiring for our San Diego, CA, and Raleigh, NC, offices.

As an Account Executive, you will be responsible for creating relationships with America’s leading companies through development of leads lists, business development calls, and client presentations. The work you do will help fellow veterans transition into the civilian workforce.

To qualify, you should have military experience, a Bachelors degree, and previous sales experience or a desire to succeed in sales. Click here to learn more about joining the Orion team.

Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion

Hot Opportunities for the Midwest

Orion Launches Job Seeker Blog, From the Battlefield to the Boardroom

Orion International is pleased to announce the launch of our new job seeker blog, From the Battlefield to the Boardroom®! From the Battlefield to the Boardroom® is dedicated to supporting military job seekers throughout their transition process by providing everything from topical veteran news, Orion news and services, job search advice, Recruiter Spotlights, Veteran Spotlights, etc. Whether you are currently in the process of transitioning out of the military or have been in the civilian workforce for a while, this blog is for you. We hope that you will find our blog to be a great resource for all things transition! Check it out!

Companies Recently Hiring

Veteran Success

Justin Roman, an Army MP Captain, was placed in April with Scotts Miracle-Gro and recently submitted a video testimonial on his experience with Orion. You can check it out on our Youtube channel or at this link.

If you would like to submit a video testimonial, please contact Allison Thomas.

Technical Careers with Siemens Corporation

Orion is currently recruiting for a large volume of technical positions across all segments of Siemens Corporation within the U.S.

Since the late 1990s, Orion has placed over 425 former and transitioning military job seekers into great careers within Siemens divisions including Building Technologies, Water, Healthcare & Medical, Energy and Mobility. Siemens is currently ranked #40 on the Fortune Global 500, employs more than 65,000 associates in the U.S., and earned over $22 billion in revenue in 2009.

We are hiring for a variety of positions including:

· Field Service and Field Operations;

· Technical and Service Support;

· Materials and Logistics;

· Quality Assurance and Control;

· Facilities and Project Engineering.

To be considered for these positions you must be a Military Technician with an Electronics, Electrical, HVAC or AC & R background.

Please visit us online if you are interested in learning more.

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