Q+A Interview

Can you share a bit about your military background?

I honorably served in the United States Navy for 24 years, and I retired as a Firecontrolman Chief Petty Officer

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

Accountability, I always hold myself accountable for everything that I do.

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

My buddy that I served with was working for MANTECH, and he told me great things about the company. The transition was challenging, but very rewarding.

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

One of the biggest culture shocks was having to use a timecard and work prescribed hours. I was used to working until the task was either complete or at a good stopping point for the day.

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

SkillBridge; As a leader in the military you have a mission to complete to the best of your ability. The courses that SkillBridge provides expanded my knowledge of understanding and how to approach situations with different perspectives in the civilian world.

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

My military skills definitely have been instrumental in my current position. I have the opportunity to work with other veterans and people right out of college. I am able to continue mentoring, training, and passing knowledge to all of my co-workers.

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 think MANTECH fully understands the benefits that veterans provide. The transition from the military to my job here is very satisfying, because I continue to do what I love to do. I enjoy being able to continue to serve my country and help the US Navy to continue to be the strongest force in the world.

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

A typical day consists of testing, analyzing, and providing feedback for the TTWCS system. The rewarding part of my job is that I have the ability to provide information to other system engineers about the issues, corrections and desires that Sailors that operate this system need and want.

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?

What I miss most about being in the military, is the people I bonded with over my entire career. As a civilian I am making new bonds with my co-workers, and ensuring that they know that what we do here directly provides support to the Navy. Also I try to instill in them that our job here will eventually bring home our forward deployed Sailors back home safely to their families.

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?

Life is but a moment in time, so maintain a great work-life balance.

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

Bring the same passion that you have when you served because MANTECH will have your back.

What are you most passionate about?

Providing a good life for my family.