“My Transition” #30: Marcus Richard — USMC and Army Reserves to Technical Specialist
Marcus found that even though some parts of transition are hard, continuously seeking knowledge and self-improvement is key.
Start networking and connecting with civilian professionals at least one year before you get out. Have a plan and execute it.
Portland, OR — Marcus started his military career in the US Marines with deployments to Fallujah and other places. He continues to serve in the Army Reserves and works in various technical roles. His commitment to service is a testament to the sacrifices that military members go through in order to balance service with daily civilian life commitments.
DJS: Why did you join the military?
MR:
I joined the military for two reasons. The first is because community college didn’t work out. I was burnt out from being in school my entire adolescent life and after high school I just didn’t want to be there. The second reason, I joined was to get some direction in my life. I figured it would be a good place to start.
DJS: What was your favorite part of being a Marine? Any good stories?
MR:
My fellow Marines became my family, during those four years and after, most of the holidays and birthdays were spent with Marines. Any good stories? Well all I can say is, “Fleet Week”.
My fellow Marines became my family…
DJS: What were the most important skills or lessons that you learned?
MR:
Leadership, teamwork, planning, and communication.
DJS: Did you know what you were going to do when you left the Marines?
MR:
I had no clue, I came home to my family with no solid plan. I sat on my parents couch for at least a month before my parents got tired of me being a couch potato.
I sat on my parents couch for at least a month before my parents got tired of me being a couch potato.
DJS: Did you face any struggles?
MR:
I struggled with just figuring out life all over again, like I didn’t know what to do, I was lost. So I just signed up and went to college.
I struggled with just figuring out life all over again, like I didn’t know what to do, I was lost.
DJS: Tell me about your initial job search process?
MR:
My initial job process was basic, all I did was put a resume on careerbuilder and just waited for a phone call or email. Now that I’m back to being unemployed, I’m using LinkedIn to network, as well as make connections through other social media outlets. Also I’m using, Indeed and Craigslist to look for work.
DJS: Did you use the GI Bill? If so, any advice to fellow veterans?
MR:
I used the GI Bill to get an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Heald college. Going back to school was a good decision, however, I wish I would have done a lot more research before-hand instead of just going with the flow. I now have a degree from a college that shut down and I’ve never held a position in business administration or accounting. My advice to fellow veterans is this, stay away from for-profit colleges. There are good public colleges out there.
My advice to fellow veterans is this, stay away from for-profit colleges. There are good public colleges out there.
DJS: Did your military skills translate well into other jobs?
MR:
Surprising yes, quite a few skills transferred over to the civilian side such as: leadership, team building, management, time management, planning and execution, communication, and problem solving, just to name a few.
…quite a few skills transferred over to the civilian side such as: leadership, team building, management, time management..
DJS: Did you feel well prepared for your positions at Verizon and Assurant?
MR:
Yes I felt very prepared, however it wasn’t solely because of my military experience. I gained a lot of knowledge by self-study with mobile devices and their accessories beforehand. That’s the great thing about the technology field. You don’t have to wait until you’re a college graduate. You can play around and fix technology on your own time. Now I’m not saying that a college degree isn’t needed, however, your experiences can get you on the career path as well.
I gained a lot of knowledge by self-study with mobile devices and their accessories beforehand.
DJS: Do you enjoy volunteering in your community?
MR:
Yes, it’s always a good feeling to give back to my local community.
DJS: How did you land your current job at Assurant? What do you do there?
MR:
I honestly didn’t do anything special, I simply applied online and submitted a resume. I’m a Tech Support Analyst. Basically we solve problems that customers have with their mobile and wireless devices. Using problem solving skills we’re able to determine if the issue is the software or hardware. We communicate with customers by phone, live chat, and email.
DJS: Did you use any veteran networking strategy to land any of those jobs? If so, how did you make those connections?
MR:
I didn’t network, I would like to think that my previous hands on experience with Verizon led the way to the interview.
DJS: What skills from the military translated into your jobs and made you successful in those roles?
MR:
Communication, teamwork, and problem solving.
DJS: Are there other veterans in your workplace? If so, how is that dynamic?
MR:
Well the comradery is still there, as well as the competition of which service had it harder. I don’t think that will ever go away and I’m alright with that.
DJS: If you knew one thing before the transition process that would have made your experience easier, what would that be?
MR:
Start networking and connecting with civilian professionals at least one year before you get out. Have a plan and execute it.
Start networking and connecting with civilian professionals at least one year before you get out.
DJS: What was the hardest piece of transition?
MR:
Translating the military jargon into civilian language that hiring managers and human resources personnel can understand was difficult.
DJS: What one piece of advice do you have for anyone reading this?
MR:
Network and reach out to people in positions that you want to possibly be in as a civilian. In my experience, LinkedIn and Twitter have both been a big help.
Network and reach out to people in positions that you want to possibly be in as a civilian.
Bio
Marcus served four years of active duty service in the Marines as an Administrative clerk. His time in service included one deployment to Fallujuah, and one deployment with the 26th MEU on the USS Iwo Jima. He earned the rank of Corporal and was Honorably discharged. He currently serves in the Army Reserves as a Bridge Crewman as a Sergeant and is on his 7th year of that enlistment. Marcus has also earned three personal awards during this time.
As of right now, Marcus is no longer with Assurant as his civilian leadership and he could not come to an agreement that would allow him to sufficiently fulfill his Army Reserve obligations that happen outside of the normal drill schedule dates.
As of today, Marcus is back on the job hunt… so if you know any hiring managers who would be interested in interviewing him, please reach out via his LinkedIn profile here or at his personal website here.
Recommended resources
Veteran Mentor Network — “I only have one that has worked for me and that’s VMN.” The mission of the Veteran Mentor Network is to help Military Members, Military Spouses, and Veterans establish and achieve job search, career and life goals.
Are you interested in sharing your story of transition? Or are you a military transition specialist who would like to share some tips? Send me an email at MilitaryTransitionStories@gmail.com
The goal of this series is to bridge the military-civilian divide in three ways: 1) Highlight the incredible skills and value that military veterans of all generations and backgrounds bring into the workplace. 2) Help transitioning veterans understand their true value and therefore aim as high as possible in their employment and educational goals. 3) Discuss the common struggles, pitfalls and indicators of success in veteran transition, in order to provide better transition assistance from both military and civilian sides.
