The Hunter - November 2019
Friday, November 1, 2019
In this Issue
A Veteran's Guide to Pursuing an MBA
Key Resources for Active Duty Military and Veterans Preparing to Interview
Top 5 Best Cities for Veteran Job Seekers
Military Officers Connect with Civilian Careers at Orion’s Distinguished Candidate Conferences
Keep Your Resume Up to Date in our Database
Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion
Video Series: Minute with Mike
Podcast Series for Job Seekers
Career Transition Planning and Base Visits
Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion
Careers for Veterans with SMA
Orion has recently partnered with SMA, a leading global specialist for photovoltaic system technology. With more than 3,000 employees in 18 countries, SMA's innovative solutions and unsurpassed service offer its customers greater independence in meeting their energy needs.
SMA is currently seeking transitioning military and veterans for the following positions:
O&M Service Engineer - Palm Springs, CA
O&M Portfolio Manager - Remote
O&M Service Engineer - New Jersey
SMA takes pride in maintaining a corporate culture founded on cooperative management, supporting employees in finding a healthy work-life balance, placing a high value on continuining education and further training, and crafting a company health management program that is continously improving the working conditions and health-related behavior of their employees.
A Veteran’s Guide to Pursuing an MBA
If you are a veteran thinking about pursuing an MBA, it is important to consider a few factors before choosing the right school, especially one that is veteran friendly. Schools that recognize and have programs in place for veterans will help you to succeed and excel in your program. In turn, your MBA experience will be successful.
U.S. Veterans Magazine highlights a few things veterans should look for in an MBA program to help ensure that you accomplish your goals and also to help you have a good experience while pursuing higher education.
A veterans’ association chapter on campus
An association dedicated to the veteran experience on campus is instrumental in helping you have a good experience at school. A veterans association chapter helps you meet and get connected to other veterans, something that is hard for transitioning military to find after the service. A veterans’ association chapter is also an advocate for you, working to create a better experience for veterans while in the MBA program.
An online MBA program
An MBA program that can be done online is a great asset, allowing for flexibility to veterans struggling with PTSD, those who are working while obtaining a degree, and those who need a program that can work around a busy schedule. More and more colleges and universities are recognizing this need. U.S. News saw an increase of 50 percent of online programs, from 180 programs in 2017 to nearly 270 online MBA programs in 2018. Most online MBA programs also include the same curriculum that is offered on campus.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Check to see if the school you are interested in attending is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program, sponsored by the Veterans Administration, was created for veterans to help with the cost of attending school. Under the program, a participating school declares a set amount that they will waive in tuition as well as how many students they will accept in the program each year, degrees covered, and the maximum contribution per student. In turn, the Veterans Administration agrees to pay an equal contributed amount. There are certain eligibility requirements for veterans to qualify for the program. A school’s participation shows that they are very military friendly, and willing to accept veterans into an MBA program at their institution.
The cost-effectiveness of an MBA
Of course, if you are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill or the Yellow Ribbon program mentioned above, cost will not be the biggest factor in deciding on a particular MBA program. However, it is worth pondering whether or not the school is worth the cost. Consider an MBA option that will allow you to attain the best education in order to reach your career goals.
School Accreditation
This is perhaps one of the most important steps in pursuing an MBA, as it is important to verify that the school you are interested in attending is accredited in the career field that you wish to occupy.
No matter the MBA program you choose, it is never too early to begin working with Orion. Prior to graduation, we will work with you to build your resume, provide you with career counseling and transition assistance, prepare you for interviews, and arrange interviews for positions that are a match with your background, qualifications and desires. Register with Orion and learn more about post-military careers for student veterans.
Key Resources for Active Duty Military and Veterans Preparing to Interview
Are you a transitioning military member or a veteran preparing to interview and not sure where to begin? We’ve just launched a new page, Interview Essentials, filled with our most highly recommended podcasts and videos to kickstart your career search and interview with confidence and success.
Each section highlights the podcasts and videos that will help you succeed in the interview process. In our “Getting Ready to Interview” section, we’ve highlighted podcasts such as Everything You Need to Know about Preparing for the Interview Process, Frequently Asked Interview Questions, and Overcoming Challenging Interview Questions. We’ve also included a video on the STAR format to help you navigate and answer interview questions.
If you are considering interviewing at an Orion Hiring Conference, we’ve included a podcast from Senior Vice President Todd Phillips with everything you need to know about the event, including the differences between an Orion Hiring Conference and a traditional job fair, how to prepare for an Orion Hiring Conference, and what to expect when you attend.
For a deeper look at the interview process, the Interview Essentials page also includes podcasts on how to sell yourself in a job interview, reasons why you’re not getting a second interview, and how to ask the right questions and close the interview like a pro.
Lastly, the Interview Essentials page includes information for pursuing a career in Sales. Don't think you're interested in Sales? Consider this - when you interview, you are selling yourself. Make sure you understand the basics of sales and how these concepts can be applied directly to interviewing, with our videos on sales overview and preparation and our podcast on how you can launch your post-military journey with a career in Sales.
We hope that the Interview Essentials page and the tools provided will be a valuable asset in your military transition journey. You can also find more military and veteran job seeker transition resources here.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast, From the Battlefield to the Boardroom! From the topics covered above to financial resources, veteran success, industry spotlights, and more, our podcast is a great resource for every stage of the transition.
Top 5 Best Cities for Veteran Job Seekers
When transitioning out of the military, one of the main drivers in choosing a new career is geographic location. Most job seekers want to live in a location that is either closer to family, has a mild climate, a low cost of living, etc., but it is important to keep in mind that you should first consider the job climate in a particular city or region. You have to go where the jobs are!
In a recent article, GI Jobs narrowed down the top five cities for veteran job seekers, based on cost of living, companies looking to hire veterans, and cities with a strong military connection.
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Ranked #21 on the Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report, the sprawling metropolitan area of Dallas-Fort Worth is the perfect blend of city living and suburban quiet. Many young professionals live in downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, while many young families live in the surrounding suburbs, where they can have a small community life and also have access to two major cities. Texans are by nature very friendly, which creates a pleasant place to live.
Both cities also hold military ties. Military bases such as Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Sheppard Air Force Base, and Dyess Air Force Base are all in the area. As a result, many companies in both cities are military friendly - Honeywell, Siemens, and Applied Avionics are just a few of the companies that hire veterans.
San Diego, CA
The California coast is a desirable place for transitioning military, not only because of its proximity to many military bases, but also because of its beautiful weather. San Diego is no exception. For the outdoor enthusiast, San Diego offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed all year. The city also offers all the perks of a large metro area, and the nearby communities and suburbs have a close-knit, small town feel.
Because of its strong military presence, veteran job seekers do not have as much of a problem translating their military experience to civilian lingo - most civilian companies in the area are familiar, and know the benefits of hiring transitioning military.
Tucson, AZ
Surrounded by mountain ranges, the city of Tucson ranks as one of the healthiest places to live due to its clean air rating, which is rare to find in a major metropolitan city. Since its inception, the city has grown exponentially over the years, but still maintains its Southwest roots. Tucson draws people due to its low cost of living and beautiful scenery.
Tucson is home to major aerospace companies such as Honeywell and Aerovation, a major plus for any transitioning military with aviation experience. According to the University of Arizona’s Economics and Business Research Center, Tucson is experiencing “significant acceleration in job growth” this year.
Hampton Roads, VA
Hampton Roads encompasses the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, and Suffolk, and is home to many major military installations, so it is no surprise that this area is a desirable place for transitioning military and veteran job seekers. The Hampton Roads region has the largest concentration of military personnel outside of the Pentagon, which in turn attracts government agencies such as NASA, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, and more.
With all this in mind, companies in the area understand the importance of hiring veterans. Whether or not military job seekers are looking to work for a government agency or a private company, the area has a history of hiring veterans to fill those needs.
Huntsville, AL
Known as “Rocket City,” the city of Huntsville grew significantly in the early 1960s during the Space Race, and is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the state. Huntsville is ranked #11 on the Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report, and it is easy to see why. The city center has seen a revival in recent years, and the downtown now offers urban living, trendy restaurants, and shopping options.
Due to its roots, the city is home to a variety of space, missile, and aviation companies. Huntsville also boasts a strong military presence, and is home to the Army Space & Missile Defense Command and the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center. Therefore, the city has a strong military presence and familiarity with military life.
Transitioning from the military can be an overwhelming experience. In a recent study by the Pew Research Center on veteran transition, 44% of veterans who served within the ten-year period after 9/11 reported difficulty with re-entry into civilian life. Check out our transition guide for help with navigating everything from the transition timeline, civilian benefits, and more.
If you are ready to find a new career, visit our job search page. With thousands of positions in our database, many in the cities listed above, we are a great resource to help you find your next career. Get started and register today to speak with a Recruiter to help begin your military to civilian transition process.
Military Officers Connect with Civilian Careers at Orion’s Distinguished Candidate Conferences
Distinguished candidates include graduates of Military Service Academies or Top Universities, those with an advanced education, and those that have consistently ranked above their peers in Officer Evaluations.
Our DCCs offer a unique format, designed to maximize our candidates’ chances of receiving a job offer, consisting of interview preparation, briefings by the interviewing companies, and a President's Reception to network with hiring managers and other candidates, culminating in interviews the next day.
You can view a complete guide to our DCCs in this video featuring Orion Regional Recruiting Manager Mike Wood:
The feedback from candidates attending our DCCs is consistent every year, with veterans saying it is by far the best way to find their next career.
In 2019, 180 Military Officers found their civilian careers through our Distinguished Candidate Conference, with companies including Corning, Honeywell, Ingersoll Rand, Siemens, and many others. Our final DCC of the year will be held:
Orion only holds a few DCCs each year, so opportunities to attend are limited. If you would like to be considered for this special hiring event, please contact us via the link above.
Keep Your Resume Up to Date in our Database
If you haven't already, be sure to upload your updated resume in our database. Our search engine will pull key information from your resume that recruiters are searching for current job opportunities. By keeping an updated resume on file in our database, you will increase the chance of us making a great match as new career opportunities are presented.
You can upload your resume by logging in to your account and selecting "My Resume," entering in your information, and uploading your document. Forgot your password? Click on the forgot password link and enter your email address.
You can register on our site here. Creating an account gives you access to apply for jobs in which you are interested, and allows our recruiters to identify you as a potential match for positions they are are seeking to fill.
Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion
Video Series: Minute with Mike
Check out our weekly video series, Minute with Mike! Every Tuesday, Recruiting Manager Mike Wood offers a brief review of the current job opportunities nationwide, along with advice for your job search. Watch the video below, and keep an eye out on social media for the weekly editions!
According to Your Peers
Career Success with Orion
Podcast Series for Job Seekers
Have you tuned in to From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, our podcast series dedicated to supporting military job seekers? We have a variety of episodes covering everything from the civilian transition process to valuable insights and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders.
We've recently added new podcasts, including:
101. Degree now, or Degree later?
100. Boost Your Career by Developing a Growth Mindset
99. How to Avoid Complacency and Grow in Your Career
98. Liz McLean Discusses Post Military Success, Shares Resources for USAFA Grads
97. Shift Work: Is It Right for You?
Visit us online to listen to all the episodes, and explore our new podcast categories on each stage of the transition process. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast platform or RSS feed, to automatically receive new episodes as they are released.
We'd love to feature your questions in our upcoming episodes. If you have any questions you'd like to hear us answer, click below to email us!
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 managers for only those positions that are a match with your needs and preferences.
Northeast
Parsippany, NJ October 27 - 28 - Officers please contact Ben DiTota, 757-998-8544, for more information; Enlisted candidates please contact Annette Stephens, 757-998-8524, for more information.
Norfolk, VA November 17 - 18 - Officers please contact Ben DiTota, 757-998-8544, for more information; Enlisted candidates please contact Annette Stephens, 757-998-8524, for more information.
Midwest
Columbus, OH October 20 - 21 - please contact Dan Young, 513-644-3355, for more information.
Detroit, MI November 14 - 15 - please contact Dan Young, 513-644-3355, for more information.
South Central
Dallas, TX (Military Technicians) November 3 - 4 - please contact Doug Bell, 737-209-3361, for more information.
Southeast
Atlanta, GA (Distinguished Candidate Conference) October 28 - 29 - Contact Alyssa Muscarello, 984-208-3987, for more information.
Atlanta, GA (Military Technicians) October 28 - 29 - Contact Alyssa Muscarello, 984-208-3987, for more information.
Western
Seattle, WA October 23 - 24 - Contact Jay Koranda, 858-267-4233, for more information.
San Diego, CA (Military Technicians) November 6 - 7 - Contact Jay Koranda, 858-267-4233, for more information.
Join the Orion Team
Account Executive Careers with Orion
Orion Talent 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 Austin, TX and San Diego, CA offices.
As an Account Executive, you will be responsible for identifying and working closely with America's leading companies in order for them to hire transitioning military veterans and develop smarter hiring programs. Average total first year income for Account Executives is $80K+, with a goal of $100K+ in your second year and beyond.
To qualify, you should have military experience, a Bachelors degree, and a desire to succeed in sales. You do not need prior sales experience, as we will provide you the training, tools and resources needed to succeed.
Visit our Account Executive Careers with Orion Talent page to learn more about working at Orion, including a video, podcast, and webinar on our Account Executive positions.
Once you are ready to apply, the next step is to complete an online sales assessment.
If you're looking for a quick way to introduce yourself, please send an email that includes your resume to Isabel Jessee.
Career Transition Planning and 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! Please send an email to the Regional Recruiter listed for the base visit in which you are interested.
Southeast
For all base visits in the Southeast, contact Mike Wood for more information.
MCAS New River - October 23
JB Charleston - October 24
MCAS Beaufort - November 8
MCAS New River - November 21
JB Charleston - November 21
South Central
For all base visits in the South Central U.S., contact Bob Berkholz for more information.
Fort Hood - October 30
Midwest
For all base visits in the Midwest, contact Dan Young for more information.
Great Lakes GPS - November 19
Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion
Did you know that Orion candidates earned $16,000 in referral bonuses in the third quarter of 2019?
For every job seeker you refer to us who is subsequently hired through Orion, you'll receive a $100 gift card to a retailer of your choice after they reach 90 days on the new job!
It's simple - just click here to refer a friend. 30 seconds of your time could be $100 in your pocket!
Companies Recently Hiring
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Connect with Orion Online
Follow us to keep up-to-date on all things Orion, including hiring events, base visits, webinars, and news pertinent to veterans through our social media listed below.