[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]So you’ve decided that the civilian job market is your next step – now what? Since your military experience was fast-paced, intense and hands-on, why not choose a tangible career path that builds on that same
experience?
Retail isn’t just about stocking shelves and running a cash register. It requires leadership. It demands planning, teamwork, execution and making game-time decisions.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Don’t be fooled – retail isn’t the kind of job you can just “show up” to 40 hours a week and collect a paycheck. You will be constantly challenged and pushed to grow professionally. It’s the kind of challenge you’ve been searching for to mimic your military experience as a civilian.
When you’re ready to make your transition out of the military, don’t make the mistake of believing a career in retail is only a short-term solution until you find your “real career” — 10, 15, or 20 years from now, you’ll be telling your friends that retail was the best professional choice you’ve ever made, aside from joining the military in the first place.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_half last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_half][one_half last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Yuval Fleming[/title][fusion_text]Field Consultant, 7-Eleven
Age: 32
Military Service: Lieutenant (O-3), Navy (2005-2013)
Designator: Surface Warfare Officer (SWO)
Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science,
University of Colorado – Boulder, 2005[/fusion_text][/one_half][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]What do you do? I oversee eight 7-Eleven stores within a geographic area, consulting and influencing franchisees and store operators to develop, update and execute business plans and strategies to grow sales and profitability.
How did you get that job? An old friend of mine joined 7-Eleven after college and he was still with the company. The fact that he was still with the same company nearly eight years later led me to believe that 7-Eleven is a company that develops and retains talent – something that was very appealing to me.
Why did you choose this career path? I really enjoy the science of retail and customer service. Having lived in other parts of the world I really treasure and value the customer service that is provided in this country. Working in a convenience store that is run by a franchisee, you truly get to become a part of a local community.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_half last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Rusty J. Hodges[/title][fusion_text]Data Center Technician II/Data Center Operations Lead, Amazon Web Services
Age: 29
Military Service: Staff Sergeant (E-6), Army (2006-2016)
MOS: Signal Section Chief (25C)
Education: Microsoft Networking Fundamentals/CompTIA Network+
Pursuing associate degree, computer and network engineering, Pierce College Puyallup[/fusion_text][/one_half][one_half last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_half][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]What do you do? I am responsible for the troubleshooting, maintenance and installation of network and server hardware in Amazon data centers. I also serve in personnel and project management roles and as an escalation point between our technicians and our managers.
What surprised you about the civilian workforce? I was surprised to see how many veterans I was working alongside. It definitely helps make the transition from soldier to civilian that much easier.
What skills learned in the military do you apply to your job today? I know it sounds general, but the seven Army values. Every successful corporation is founded on principles similar to the Army values. Once you commit yourself to not only learn those principles, but to live them, the sky’s the limit.
Any funny incidents during your first days on the job? I was WAY overdressed. I didn’t realize that network technicians would get so dirty until I saw two of my fellow colleagues who started a few weeks before me. The next day I embraced the true Amazonian culture: T-shirt and jeans![/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_half last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_half][one_half last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Cate LeMay[/title][fusion_text]Co-Manager, Walmart
Age: 46
Military Service: Navy (1988-1990)
Navy Reserve (1990 -1996)
Marine Corps (1997-2014)
MOS: Military Police (5811/5819)/
Criminal Investigator (5821)
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Accounting, University of Ashford, 2013
Associate degree, University of Phoenix, 2005[/fusion_text][/one_half][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]What worked best in your job search? Going to job fairs aboard base.
What didn’t work? Not understanding after 20 years in the military how applying for a job had changed. It is all about networking.
What’s the biggest challenge in your job? Getting the associates to understand how everything operational ties in together and if one step is missed it can throw everything in a department off balance.
What skills learned in the military do you apply to your job today? In the military we work under the small unit leadership where you’re given an end state and you go make it happen. You aren’t told how to do it, you’re not given step-by-step micromanaging guidance. It’s, “This is what I want, go make it happen.” At Walmart, you need to be able to change on the dime and make decisions quickly. I think experience working in a fast-pace, detailed-oriented and result-driven environment has contributed to my success at Walmart.
Best advice for transitioning service members? If you take the time to learn and educate yourself just like you did in the military, the sky’s the limit for you. You can do anything you want in this company. The only one that is going to hold you back is you.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_half last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]George McDaniel[/title][fusion_text]Assistant Store Manager, Macy’s
Age: 40
Military Service: Master Sergeant (E-8), Marine Corps (1993-2014)
MOS: Intelligence Chief (0291)
Education: Specialization in Business Analytics, University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School, 2016
Bachelor’s degree, intelligence analysis, American Military University, 2010[/fusion_text][/one_half][one_half last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_half][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]What was your job in the military? I started my career in the infantry and the Marine Corps Security Forces. After four years I moved into intelligence, where I would spend the next 17 years doing everything from administration to operations to strategic planning at the national level. It is all a blur now –21 years goes by quickly.
What surprised you about the civilian workforce? Macy’s is very similar in culture to the military. Team wins, communication, accountability, collaboration and agility are just a few of the traits that share a common thread with military culture.
What is your typical day like? Every day is different at Macy’s, so it is important to be agile. My days can vary depending on what I may need to ensure is accomplished in a given week or month. In general, I balance my days across talent development, communication, selling effectiveness, merchandise execution, strategic planning and store operations.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth]
