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Raytheon Career Event – How to break into the defense industry?

Veteran

Erik S. Schlacter Jersey City, NJ

I served in the Marines and I’m thinking about going into the defense industry. I don’t know a lot about it and I’m hoping you can help me understand what might be entailed. I’m open to different roles within a defense contracting company. Thanks so much for all your help today, Raytheon!

9 November 2017 9 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Merry Vickers Richardson, TX

Thank you for your service. I recently started with Raytheon and the change from local government/law enforcement was not difficult in any form. There are so many opportunities here for all types of positions. Here we work in conjunction with contractors and military, and in all areas of the defense industry. So your options are limitless.

Give your resume a format change and lead with a summary that outlines your skills and qualifications. Share generalities from past positions to translate how it will be beneficial in new roles, like skills, duties, projects or management. Use clear civilian language to describe your career objectives, but highlight key wording from job descriptions and any accomplishments you have achieved. Keep the verbiage in present tense and have others read through it for feedback. If you can pursue any volunteer opportunities, contract jobs, certifications or even CEU (Continuing Education Units) courses will show how interested you are and make recruiters take notice. Take advantage of in-house professional development and training programs available, which always shows you are willing to do and learn more.

I hope this helps you on this new journey and I wish you all the best.

Kindest regards,
Merry Vickers

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Alissa Ochoa Clearwater, FL

Hi Erik, 10 yrs ago I got out of the Air Force and threw my resume online into Raytheon -- never thinking I'd get a call back. Turns out Raytheon highly values Veterans leadership, management, and unique military skills. The kind of level of responsibility the military allows us to have starting out at a young age is highly sought by Raytheon. It's been a great fit for me and even more rewarding to be a part of an organization that provides for the warfighter. Apply online and see what happens, no harm in trying, you never know what doors it'll open!

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Robert Hartranft Riverdale, MD

Hi Erik, Thanks for your service. If you are open to the technology field, sometimes getting a Certification in a field (for example: Oracle Database Certification) can open a door while you work on a degree. Also keep any security clearances active.

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Lindsey Borg Woodbridge, VA

Thanks for your service, Erik. I retired from active duty and made the transition to the defense industry about five years ago. I echo Nina's comment about your experience being highly appreciated and valued. I recommend starting with a solid self review of your experience and how you want to apply it -- what are you most interested in doing next? With that, look for opportunities that match your interests at https://jobs.raytheon.com. Also, consider seminars or short courses that may fill gaps or add new elements to your experience.

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Nathan Hurt Sterling, VA

Erik,

The defense industry is like every other industry in that it has core functions it needs to perform to stay alive: Sales, Contracts, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Quality Control, Legal, and Leadership (not necessarily in that order). What they are called a how they function are different things. Additionally, the defense industry is highly regulated, particularly when it comes to dealing with non-US persons and entities. So, there is an additional layer of security and scrutiny that occurs in it. However, the defense industry is also singularly focused on bringing the best technology to the warfighter, which gives it a great and very patriotic focus.

Look around you. Everything around us is either already controlled by computers or soon will be. If you can develop skills in cyber security (this entails certifications) or Computer Science and can combine that with an active security clearance, you can most likely find a job in defense. If not, PMP, CFCM, or SHRM certifications, coupled with a security clearance can certainly help. Reach out to people you know who are in defense and pick their brains. Search defense companies' web sites for job reqs that you find interesting and ask your acquaintances in those companies about what the job is really like, what the pay is like, and what the company culture is like so you can determine if the position is a good fit for you and vice versa.

All the best,
Nathan

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Kimberly Eckhardt Framingham, MA

Hi Erik!
DoD jobs are quite strong right now, so it is a good time to look. I noticed you have a degree in Communications. Are you interested in doing something in that realm? Did you have any minors, or any types of jobs that are of particular interest to you?

There are a broad range of jobs you can apply your skills to. Some roles that come to mind are Technical Writing, Sales, Project Management, Field Service & Support, Test Technician and more.

My advice would be to find a few DoD based companies that you are interested in and start reading through job descriptions. Find ones that closely match your skillset, and tailor your resume and cover letter to that. Make some contacts via LinkedIn or here on ACP and see if they can help you find an "in".

Best of Luck & Thanks for your service!!

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Walter (Wally) Massenburg Andover, MA

Erik, As you look to your future, there are several fundamental questions you need to ask yourself: (1) Where do you want to live; (2) What type of job do you want (and that you have some experience); and (3) How much do you want to make to comfortably live on? While Defense company's are different, in a lot of ways they are the same. I would do an assessment of what skills did you learn while serving or in schools. Then I would do an exploratory search with just one company to see what requisitions are posted. For Raytheon, that would be rayjobs.com. See if your skill sets and your qualifications match something that looks interesting. Then take the next step and take a chance by applying. Today, there are plenty of opportunities and jobs, finding the right one is a journey.

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Neil Serafin Easthampton, MA

I am a Raytheon stock holder.....Raytheon’s market position is very strong...they win DOD contracts....they win foreign contracts....you have walked the walk and talked the talk involving war and the preparation for war...use it to your advantage...if I were to still be working...I would be looking on the sales side at Raytheon....sales pays very well.

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Nina Hopwood Indianapolis, IN

I came from an Airline background myself. I found the different terminology to be the most difficult. I kept a large dictionary of Acronyms with me at all times. After a few months, I got it. Raytheon encourages Veterans from all facets to apply. They are very supportive as well. Raytheon has over 3000 jobs listed on our website right now.. You're past experience is valued at Raytheon....Please log on and see what you might be interested in.... https://jobs.raytheon.com

9 November 2017 Helpful answer

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