Q+A Interview

Can you share a bit about your military background?

My branch of service was the U.S. Army, my military occupational specialty was “Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic” and my rank at retirement was SFC/E-7.

What is one valuable lesson, skill, or core value from your time in the service that you still carry with you today?

I would say the one valuable skill that I learned from my military service is the ability to work with others to accomplish the mission.

What sparked your interest in MANTECH, and how did you navigate the initial transition from the military to the corporate world?

I had been in the civilian world since I retired in 2009 working for various companies. I became interested in MANTECH when I saw a booth at a local job fair on Ft. Bliss.

What was the biggest culture shock or unexpected challenge you faced when entering the civilian workforce?

For me the biggest shock in coming back to the civilian world was the number of people that worked with us that had no prior military background but they were very proficient at their jobs.

Were there any specific programs, mentors, or resources (e.g., SkillBridge, veterans networks) that helped you bridge the gap?

At the time that I retired I was unable to use the resources that the military provided.

How do your military skills translate into your current role here at MANTECH?

I think my adaptability and teamwork skills translated well from military to the civilian world.

How would you describe your experience feeling “at home” or finding your footing in the civilian world? Do you feel MANTECH understands the value veterans bring?

I feel that MANTECH is a good fit for veterans because we are provided the opportunity to showcase the skills we learned during our service and I think MANTECH utilizes these aspects well.

What does a typical day look like for you now, and what do you enjoy most about working for MANTECH?

Our typical days consist of repairing vehicles so that our clients can accomplish their mission.

What do you miss most about being in the military, and how do you find or replicate that sense of community/camaraderie in your civilian life?

The thing I miss most is the camaraderie. The feeling that whatever you go through you have your brothers and your sisters at your side.

If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to yourself on the day you separated from the military, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to expand your horizons, and learn as much as possible.

What advice would you give to other veterans who are currently looking to break into MANTECH and the cleared field?

I would say to apply for positions at MANTECH, it will be a rewarding career.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about learning and helping others around me.

Is there anything else about your journey, your identity as a veteran, or your time at MANTECH that you’d like to share?

I would like to say that my time so far at MANTECH has been very rewarding and educational.