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Veterans Transition Interview Series: When Preparation Meets Opportunity

Felix Martin, Project Manager, ManTech International Corporation

More Info From its beginning in 1968, ManTech International Corporation has consistently delivered innovative information technology and technical services solutions to federal government customers. Today, ManTech has grown to become one of the U.S. government's leading providers of innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs supporting the Intelligence Community; the Departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security and Justice; the Space Community; and other federal government agencies. Our expertise covers software development, enterprise security architecture, information assurance, intelligence operations support, network and critical infrastructure protection, information technology, communications integration and engineering support. View all opportunities at ManTech International Corporation

The old adage, "luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity," is the best description of a transitioning servicemember's job search. As you separate from the service, you spend most of your time preparing for your re-entry into the civilian world and finding a job. And, according to Felix Martin - a project manager for ManTech International Corp.- it's important to use that time to plan your career path and prepare for any opportunity that may come your way.

In this interview, Felix Martin speaks to the issues transitioning servicemembers face and how preparation and opportunity equal success.

Military Advantage: When and where did you serve?
Felix Martin: I was in the Air Force from 1981 to 1985. I was based at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and later at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.

MA: What was your highest rank?
FM: I separated as an E-4 Sergeant.

MA: Did you run into any challenges when you transitioned out of the service?
FM: In the service there was always a structure in place to help you transition to a new assignment. Services are usually conveniently located within your base to provide you with a variety of support that are often taken for granted. When you transition out of military service that structure disappears quickly following separation until a company hires you. You must be prepared to rely on your own resources during that transitional period.

I was in Germany for two years working at Spangdahlem before my career field was terminated. That's when I made the decision to separate from the Air Force and get a job as a civilian contractor. Initially, the transition was very smooth. I was doing the same type of work as a defense contractor that I did in the Air Force. I found that you have to be more self-reliant in the civilian world. [And] you need to remain flexible to change if you're looking for opportunities to grow within your new organization. Opportunities often depend on your willingness to remain flexible and adapt to new changes.

MA: What's the biggest mistake you see transitioning servicemembers make?
FM: Not having a plan. As [servicemembers] approach separation it's important to determine what you want to do. You need to start laying the groundwork. If you're job requires you to travel, prepare your family, medical records, passport, security clearance information, etc.

MA: Did your military background help you get the job you have today?
FM: Yes, I've worked as a defense contractor for over 20 years and I've had several positions of increasing responsibility in the defense industry.

MA: Is ManTech a military-friendly company?
FM: Most definitely, working at ManTech can provide a very easy transition. I hire people with a military background almost every day to fill a variety of positions located CONUS & OCONUS.

MA: How can veterans look or apply for jobs at ManTech?
FM: [Veterans] can go to www.mantech.com, and click on the 'Career' link and search for jobs on our website. It's very self-explanatory. [They] can upload their resume, search for job openings by state, and create a user account with their own profile.

MA: What's the best advice you can give to transitioning servicemembers?
FM: A good resume is an important tool to help with this transition. Make sure you identify all your technical and supervisory experience. List your education and all the training and certifications you received. Provide dates and locations where you worked and account for all time periods. Find out which companies perform similar services for which you qualify. If you can identify the Program or Project Manager within that company, a phone call followed by a cover letter and your resume is a good way to establish contact.

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