Katie Mcky

 

These companies have a track record of welcoming vets

 

Whereas once veterans' skill sets were a well-kept secret, today's forward-thinking companies understand the value this elite group brings to the workplace. As do all the companies that are included below, all of which appeared on MilitaryTimes' "Best for Vets: Employers 2015" list. It's a list compiled by considering diverse factors, such as percentage of military hires to pay raises for activated reservists.

 

Read on to hear from these 10 veterans, who offer candid discussion regarding the challenge of transitioning to a non-military job and how it was handled, and what it's like working in a company that made the "Best for Vets" list.

 

Thriving At USAA

 

As an Army captain and personnel officer, Alice Garcia was versed in human resources work, from running a processing station at San Diego to being a diversity admissions officer at West Point. However, when she was hired by USAA and slotted into insurance, she was out of her bailiwick.

 

With no professional experience in the insurance industry, "it was intimidating to be around peers who had 20 or 30 years in insurance," she notes. "However, USAA provided a full training program. I felt fully equipped to be a manager, but it wasn't just the knowledge imparted. It was also the support system from my peers. They really valued my knowledge of USAA's members, which is knowledge of the military."

 

Garcia is thriving in her current role, HR business strategy & planning director, providing top-tier human resources.

 

"I work on our enterprise-wide employee strategies, which is how we're going to attract and retain the right people for our future needs," she explains.

 

That's not unusual for USAA, just one of the reasons Garcia loves working there. In fact, Garcia was a USAA member before being hired as one of USAA's 28,000 employees.

 

"USAA was my company when I was in the military and I loved them," she says. "I went to them for everything I needed advice on. I wondered what it would be like to be an employee. Well, I fell in love with them again on the other side too, so much so that I've gotten all my military family members to also join USAA. We are focused on the mission and our members and that matters a lot to me."

 

What also eased the transition is overlapping values.

 

"The values here are built on military values," she says. "You develop and lead your team just like I did in the military."

 

There was even a welcoming wagon of sorts.

 

"VETNet is our employee resource group," Garcia says. "Veterans host military birthdays and events for our veterans, spouses, and family. It extends that sense of camaraderie and community from the military to USAA."

 

Garcia believes that the military prepares its people to thrive, no matter where they land.

 

"In the military, you learn how to adapt," she says. "You'll bring that to the civilian world. My fellow vets should be confident in moving into the civilian world. You'll work through the coming challenges and thrive."

 

Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, USAA has additional main offices and career opportunities in Dallas, TX; Chesapeake, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; Phoenix, AZ; and Tampa, FL. For career info, visit: usaajobs.com/

 

Empowered At Capital One Financial

 

Dustin Navarro, 'operations manager at Capital One Auto Finance, leads a team of six associates and 15 contractors. His leadership skills were developed in the Army.

 

"Combat deployments with the Army helped me internalize that I am responsible for all aspects of my work and my team," confirms Navarro. "It also helped me visualize and prioritize many competing priorities without feeling overwhelmed."

 

Navarro has added to his leadership skill set at Capital One Financial.

 

"After 10 years of military service, it took some time to adjust how I communicate with teams," he notes. "At Capital One, I'm empowered to engage appropriate resources as needed. Being expected to communicate out- side of the 'chain of command' has significantly increased my effectiveness. I've also learned to be more succinct in my communications and to tailor information for the targeted audience."

 

Navarro employs prioritizing and partnering to powerful effect.

 

"I once felt incredibly challenged to deliver a project transition as I faced a looming contract expiration," he recalls. "I was constantly under pressure from newly identified risks that could jeopardize our goals. My leadership team empowered me to prioritize my problem solving efforts while also being receptive to the risks that I escalated to them. We partnered to resolve risks by providing additional resources and providing refined guidance as needed. While I felt complete responsibility for my project, I never felt alone."

 

And Navarro's banking peers value him wherever he is.

 

"I consistently feel that my diverse background is valued and actively incorporated here," he says. "After my unexpected mobilization for Afghanistan, my entire team partnered with me to facilitate my transition."

 

Veterans at Capital One will find infrastructure in place to facilitate their transitions from the military to banking.

 

"Today, a network of veteran volunteers supports transitioning veterans and their new managers as they join Capital One," Navarro explains. "Capital One really embraces these veterans and helps them bring out their strengths."

 

"I enjoy every day at work because I feel the same ties to a positive, united purpose that I felt in the military," adds Navarro.

 

Headquartered in McLean, VA, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients through a variety of channels. For career info, please visit: capitalonecareers.com/how-to-apply

 

A Commitment To Employees At Citibank

 

Miriam Carpio-Hospedales, a reservist in the 514 Security Forces Squadron since 1997, is also vice president at Citibank. She not only loves her job as a reservist, but also her work at Citibank.

 

"Although I studied criminal justice, I started working in banking in September of 1989. Deep down inside, that is all I have wanted to do," says Carpio- Hospedales. "The sense of urgency and responsibilities for meeting the needs of the business and clients is something I enjoy. In my position, I am able to represent the organization, leadership team, and our clients."

 

It's not just banking that Carpio-Hospedales loves. One of 240,000 employees, she also loves her Citibank colleagues and its culture.

 

"I love the culture and values of the business, which leadership actively promotes, and a demonstrated commitment to the employees," she says. "I like the ability to lead by example and also participate in teamwork. We can resolve inquiries/prob- lems quickly and efficiently to meet departmental business needs whether new and/or difficult. There's great opportunity for growth here and continuous support from the leadership to retain, develop, and mentor those amongst our teams."

 

Carpio-Hospedales also enjoys her ongoing deployments, which range in mission. She served on active duty after 9/11, deployed to Saudi Arabia, Moron AB and then Kelly Field, TX, in support of humanitarian relief operations for Joint Task Force Katrina. Wherever and whenever she's deployed, her Citibank colleagues have her back.

 

"My colleagues at Citi are my second home, and the support I have received while being deployed was phenomenal," she acknowledges. "I am forever indebted to my extended family."

 

Carpio-Hospedales also likes that Citibank has a global reach, much like the U.S. military.

 

"For me, it's about being there for each other and finding a way of integrating it all to enable progress for the communities where we have a presence," she says. "Along with our global footprint and ability to serve people around the globe, that is what makes this company unique - and that is why I am so proud to work at Citi."

 

Interested in becoming one of her colleagues?

 

"Anyone interested should visit CitiSalutes.com," Carpio-Hospedales explains. "Citi Salutes is a company-wide initiative to support veteran consumers and job seekers that helps connect veterans to Citi's entire range of services geared to the veteran community, including career opportunities, partnerships with leading veteran service organizations, and useful banking services."

 

Headquartered in Sioux City, SD, Citibank is the consumer division of financial powerhouse Citigroup. For general career info, visit: careers.citigroup.com/Ca-reers/Default.jsp?lang=en

 

A Supportive Environment At Leidos

 

Jack Dale, Spanish linguist at Leidos, assists his team with online research and related duties. The military prepared him for his current position.

 

" Beyond specific skills, I learned certain attitudes or values which have served me well over the years—attention to detail, pride in one's work, determination, and flexibility," says Dale.

 

It's work he enjoys, at a defense company that provides scientific, engineering, systems integration, and technical services. "Leidos provides me with the opportunity to contribute daily to our nation's defense," Dale says.

 

Dale became a linguist because of deep cultural roots.

 

"I was born in El Salvador and grew up there and in Guatemala," he says. "As expected, I have a deep affinity for the Spanish language and for Latin American culture, and so it seemed almost natural for me to enter this field."

 

One of 19,000 employees worldwide, Dale also appreciates the welcome mat that Leidos rolls out for veterans.

 

"One aspect of our welcoming attitude and of the company's commitment to our veterans is the Military Alliance Group (MAG), one of several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Leidos. The MAG endeavors to support personnel who are military veterans. It also allows employees, both veterans and non-veterans, to participate in many worthy activities, particularly those that honor military service and that provide supsupport

 

for those serving at home and abroad."

 

Dale has also found his supervisors to be accommodating.

 

"I am always pleasantly surprised at the understanding shown by my supervisors concerning my personal and professional interests, as well as the flexibility I'm afforded to pursue those same interests," he acknowledges.

 

Dale's career compass came from a quiet man.

 

"On the ride to the recruiting station, and before leaving from Baltimore on my way to Army Basic Training, my mother's husband told me to always take advantage of all opportunities to learn more and to improve myself," recalls Dale. "He also said, 'Every door that opens up for you, don't be afraid. Just walk right through.' His words impressed me very much, as he was a very quiet man and not prone to say much or to give unsolicited advice. But I am glad I listened to him that day, and I've tried to abide by his words ever since."

 

And now Dale passes his own wise words along.

 

"You must take ownership of your professional development, and you must take advantage of any and all opportunities to improve your craft," he says.

 

Headquartered in Reston, VA, Leidos' vision is to be a recognized global leader in solving important problems in national security, health, and engineering. For career info, visit: leidos.com/careers

 

An Emphasis On Service At The Army and Air Force Exchange Service

 

"Family Serving Family" is the guiding slogan of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, which is the military's Wal-Mart, located on Army and Air Force bases around the world.

 

"The Exchange lives up to its values and continuously strives to increase its support to military members, veterans, and their families," says Louisa Garcia, business analyst III - SFD - Fuel Team.

 

"We proudly serve the troops that protect our country at home and abroad, as well as their family members and veterans. It is truly an organization that lives up to its core value of 'Family Serving Family.'"

 

Garcia is responsible for the business analysis and identification of ways to reduce costs and improve customer service of a $2 billion fuel operation that incorporates 262 locations on military installations worldwide.

 

She's not alone in serving those who serve.

 

"The Army and Air Force Exchange Service employs approximately 35,000 associates, which includes a significant amount of military veterans and family members," explains Garcia.

 

"First and foremost, I am proud to be an American Latina woman, a retired USN-R officer veteran, and an employee for a top-notch organization that supports veterans and military troops worldwide," Garcia emphasizes. "Therefore, the Exchange's Military Times recognition on the 'Best for Vets' list inspires me to give my best every day to ensure we continue to live up to this achievement."

 

Like her fellow veterans, Garcia's military service prepared her for her current work.

 

"The skill set that I garnered from my military career led to a rewarding Exchange career spanning 39- plus years," she says. " I believe it was the structured military training, attention to detail, and ability to analyze data as an intelligence officer that provided me with the skill set necessary to be successful."

 

Garcia also loves the diversity of her colleagues.

 

"The most surprising quality is the broad backgrounds and cultural diversity of the personnel," she says. "We are such a strong and united family with one mission in life "Serving the Best Customers in the World" our troops and their families."

 

Headquartered in Dallas, TX, the Exchange offers over 42,000 jobs in 20 different career areas. For career info, visit: aafes.com/about-exchange/exchange-careers/

 

Feels Like Home At ManTech

 

The transition for Ronald Cabral, a shop foreman, from the military to ManTech International was as easy as a Sunday morning.

 

"It was an easy transition for me and others who went directly into defense contracting," says Cabral. "ManTech employs many veterans, so I easily related to my coworkers. Task assignment and completion were paramount to those of us who served in the military, and those qualities are appreciated at ManTech. I could immediately see how smoothly things ran because of the discipline of so many veterans."

 

ManTech is a leading provider of innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs for the intelligence community; Departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security, Energy, Veterans Affairs, and Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the health and space communities; and other U.S. federal government customers.

 

Cabral works at ManTech's National Training Center, Army Center of Excellence, and is one of approximately 7,300 employees worldwide. His work felt familiar and familial from the first day.

 

"Leaving the military, soldiers usually look for roles and positions related to their military duties," he notes. "For me, ManTech provided that, along with a sense of stability and genuine concern. I like the way ManTech takes care of its people."

 

His years as a non-commissioned officer helped him greatly. "As an NCO, you have to be able to give instruction and receive guidance from superiors," Cabral explains. "Working as a defense con- tractor, I have to provide instruction to employees and soldiers about the equipment we support, while adhering to guidance from my leadership on situations relevant to the program."

 

He also feels that ManTech's "Best for Vets" rank is well deserved.

 

"Making the list is a great call! ManTech is excellent at hiring veterans, and the quality of veterans that ManTech hires has always been second to none. This is the reason I felt a sense of accomplishment when ManTech hired me. Our program's management team seems to always take care of employee needs. I guess you can say I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we all matter at ManTech."

 

Headquartered in Fairfax, VA, 50 percent of ManTech's employees have a military background. For career info, visit: mantech.com/careers/Pages/careers.aspx

 

Veterans Valued At Xcel Energy

 

Like the other veterans in this article, Robert S. Munoz, lineman technician at Xcel Energy, gained valuable skills through military service.

 

"The military trained me to be an adaptive leader who can perform in the most hostile and extreme environments," Munoz says. "It instilled in me a strong work ethic and the desire for continuous self-improvement."

 

However, going to work for a major utility company like Xcel Energy, with 12,000 employees across eight states, proved challenging.

 

"The transition was very challenging for me," he notes. "I had to learn an entirely new skill set and safety requirements related to my new career. As I transitioned from the military to a civilian career, I needed to find a position with pay and benefits that could support my family."

 

However, Xcel Energy had his back.

 

"Through Xcel Energy's apprenticeship programs, I was able to learn a new trade that will provide continuous career options in the future," explains Munoz. "Xcel Energy provided the on-the-job training and the safety equipment I needed to become proficient in the line trade. It also sends all of its apprentices to annual training to learn the technical aspects of the profession."

 

Military bennies also helped.

 

"By utilizing educational benefits provided by the Montgomery G.I. Bill, veterans can also take advanbecause it understands the value they deliver.

 

"Xcel Energy values veterans and the leadership skills we possess," Munoz says. "The company provides the opportunity to find career paths to make us successful professionals in the civilian workforce."

 

Today, Munoz constructs and maintains electric power distribution facilities, like power lines and substations, for Xcel Energy in New Mexico and Texas. However, his lofty work presented another challenge.

 

"After joining Xcel Energy, its climbing school pushed my comfort levels," recalls Munoz. "The training involved learning a new skill, using unfamiliar equipment, with the possibility of falling from great heights. I overcame this obstacle through dedication and determination. I did not let my fears get in the way so I could focus at the task at hand."

 

Now comfortably with the company, Munoz sees and appreciates Xcel Energy's connection to its communities.

 

"The most surprising thing about Xcel Energy is its dedication to the local community and the nonprofit organizations it supports," he says. "In 2014, Xcel Energy invested more than $13.6 million in our communities. I have personally participated in several educational public demonstrations and volunteered for numerous United Way fundraisers, along with my co-workers, at our service station in Carlsbad, NM."

 

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Xcel Energy has been the No.1 wind energy provider in the nation for 10 years running. For career info, visit: xcelenergy.com/Company/Careers

 

Proud To Serve At U.S. Bancorp Fund Services

 

Military service greased the wheels of Edward Paz's career.

 

"After leaving the Navy, I went to law school at Northwestern, aided by the G.I. Bill, and then worked at a couple law firms before joining U.S. Bancorp Fund Services," he explains. "The transition was straight forward."

 

Now vice president & counsel for U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, Paz finds that the favor is returned, as U.S. Bank eases the way for its veteran hires.

 

"U.S. Bank (the parent company of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services) has a 'Proud to Serve' business resource group that organizes military events and activities throughout the year, including a special military and veteran employee conference call led by U.S. Bank chairman, president, and CEO, Richard Davis," he says. "This annual call supports and honors military and veteran employees, discussing vetveteran's issues and the role of U.S. Bank."

 

Adds Paz, "In addition, U.S. Bank makes it a point to recognize veterans with articles on the internal homepage and special items (such as U.S. Bank 'Proud to Serve' posters and pins). Closer to home, both Jea- nine Bajczyk and Joe Neuberger, the heads of Fund Administration - Legal and Fund Administration, respectively, make it a point to stop by and chat about U.S. Bank's support for former military personnel. Most importantly, one of my colleagues on our team is a drilling Army reservist and the team makes sure to properly schedule projects around his military time commitments."

 

Paz also appreciates the collegiality at U.S. Ban- corp Fund Services.

 

"My colleagues are the best part of my job," he remarks. "We have a great dynamic group on the legal team and are constantly exchanging ideas, discussing effective practices, and refining our approach. We have an open-door policy and collaborate frequently with other divisions."

 

And what is Paz's job?

 

"I assist financial sponsors, such as investment advisers, with the formation and ongoing registration and compliance obligations of open-end mutual funds registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission," he explains. "The mutual fund space is always changing with new SEC regulatory obligations, innovative product structures, and an evolving marketplace in how mutual funds are sold," Paz comments. "My time in the Navy definitely prepared me for handling multiple projects on quick timelines."

 

It also helps to have another type of veteran beside him.

 

"The long tenure of my co-workers results in deepened relationships with our clients, as we can help to provide guidance on new projects with our clients based on our understanding of the client's business," he says.

 

Headquartered in Milwaukee, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services provides single-source solutions to support a variety of investment strategies and products. For career info, visit: usbank.com/careers/index.aspx

 

Skill Set In Demand At Southern Company

 

Matthew Ortiz, lineman for Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, believes that Southern Company seeks vets because of their skill sets.

 

"I strongly believe this company understands America has the best military in the world," says Ortiz. "Recruiting veterans to a forward-thinking, cutting- edge company indeed reaps benefits. Veterans bring a fresh set of eyes and a unique skill set invaluable to any company."

 

Ortiz learned many skills in the military that transferred well to his job with Georgia Power. "A few include teamwork, communication, hard work, critical thinking, common sense, an open mind, as well as being coachable and paying attention to detail," Ortiz explains. "These traits definitely prepared me for a rewarding career."

 

Southern Company offers good benefits and a thorough safety program.

 

"From day one, Georgia Power and Southern Company made it clear that safety takes precedence over everything," he comments. "The culture of safety is evident in everything we do. I am also thankful for the company's benefits, which provide quality care for me and my family.

 

"Our company leadership has an open door policy," Ortiz says. "They are approachable and make it easy for me - and my teammates - to discuss matters. I am also impressed with local involvement with the community. The motto of being 'A Citizen Wherever We Serve,' drives us all to make our communities better because we are there."

 

Like many other veterans, Ortiz was uncertain about his future as he neared the end of his military career. "As a father of three and the sole bread winner of my family, I needed to follow a career path that was not only equally as challenging and rewarding as the military, but one that could also provide for a family of five," he says. "Fortunately, through the military's Transition Assistance Program, I took advantage of the separation service the military provided. If it weren't for this service, I would not have heard of the Troops to Energy job program, and the efforts Georgia Power was taking to transition veterans into the civilian work force."

 

And Ortiz hopes to join his colleagues who've enjoyed long careers.

 

"I believe a characteristic of a great company is the longevity of tenured employees," he says. "It's an absolute privilege to learn and work with people who have been in the trade for 35-plus years."

 

Headquartered in Atlanta, gA, Southern Company is one of the premier energy companies in the Southeast, serving more than 4.5 million customers. For career info, visit: southerncompany.com/about- us/careers/home.cshtml

 

Fulfilling The Mission At Union Pacific

 

As general superintendent for the Western Region at Union Pacific's Harriman Dispatch Center, Ruben Lopez might be the envy of model railroaders everywhere.

 

"I lead the team that oversees the movement of hundreds of trains a day on Union Pacific's railroad network that runs across nine states in the Western part of the country," he explains. "I manage more than 200 (205) Union Pacific employees, including four superintendents and six directors who help me manage the rail network, 36 corridor managers, and 159 dispatchers. The engineers and conductors operating Union Pacific trains count on my team and me to keep trains moving. We are like a group of air traffic controllers. We work as a unit."

 

Lopez understands unit cohesion, given his military background.

 

"The men and women of Union Pacific are dedicated to serve," he says. "That is our company mission. I like that because it aligns with my personal values that, in part, were set in stone during my time as a student at the United States Military Academy."

 

Vets learn to perform under pressure and that's an attribute needed at Union Pacific.

 

"Employment with Union Pacific is compelling and takes a great deal of focus," Lopez notes. "But nothing takes more focus than being in battle. When you feel the pressure of deadlines on the railroad, it is amazing to think back on some of the pressures you experienced in the military. It gives you confidence that you can be successful."

 

From the Academy to Union Pacific, Lopez has led a life bigger than himself.

 

"I have always known that I wanted to be part of something larger than myself," he explains. "I had that opportunity during my time in the United States Army, and I have been doing that here in my 23 years with the railroad. The railroad is directly connected to the economic health of this country. I feel that what we do every day at Union Pacific lines right up with what I did in the military."

 

The leadership skills he learned at the Academy serve him still.

 

"As a leader, you learn there is a time to be decisive and firm, and a time to be engaging and seek feedback," he emphasizes.

 

Lopez isn't alone in delivering military-grade verve, as nearly 20 percent of Union Pacific's 47,000 employees are ex-military. Like the military, relocation has been part of Lopez's tenure, as he's worked in eight cities.

 

"Each time you move, you have to learn a new job and a new territory, and ramp up very quickly," he remarks. "You have to establish yourself and your leadership style, but I enjoy the opportunity to sharpen the saw."

 

Headquartered in Omaha, NE, Union Pacific invested $33 billion from 2006-2015 in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. For career info, visit: up.jobs/