Our Commitment to the Military Community

• Current Job Title: Senior Engineer II 
• Military Title: Sergeant 
• Military Branch: Army and Army National Guard 

Tell us more about your military background: 
Armor Crewman for three years in the Army, and a truck driver for five years in the National Guard. 

What has been your career path so far? 
I worked 14 years at our Davenport, Iowa factory as a Controls Technician before transferring to St. Louis three years ago to work at the Corporate Headquarters 

In your opinion, what are the most important transferable skills from the military to the corporate world? 
Organization and a "can do" attitude. The military taught me self-motivation and the drive to always improve myself. This has served me well in the workplace. 

What, if any, obstacles did you face upon transitioning out of the military? 
The biggest one was probably just feeling like I was behind friends of mine that went straight to college. 

Why Purina? What led you here and why have you stayed with the company? 
Purina originally intrigued me because of how much automation we do. Then shortly after I was hired, my father was diagnosed with cancer and despite not having any vacation time, the management group worked with me to give me as much time as I needed to spend time with him during his last months. I was very impressed with them putting the employee first and realized it is a rare quality in business today. The job itself has always been interesting because we are constantly changing so it stays challenging. In my previous jobs, I became bored after a couple of years because it was always the same old thing. I have been with Purina for 17 years and being bored has never been an issue. 

Would you refer other veterans to work here? And if so, why? 
Yes. They respect and honor their military employees, and go above and beyond to show this. 

What advice would you give to others preparing to transition from the military? 
Prepare ahead of time and have a plan. It may not always work as planned, but it, at least, gives you a path. From there you can overcome and adapt from the obstacles. 

• Current Job Title: Nestlé Purina Corporate Security Manager 
• Military Title: Sgt. Infantry Squad Leader 
• Military Branch: United States Marine Corps 

Tell us more about your military background: 
Stationed at Camp Lejeune NC 1995-1999 assigned to Weapons Company 2nd Battalion 8 Marine Regiment. Deployed to Yugoslavia in 1996. Served with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. 

Tell us about your current role at Purina – how would you describe what you do to someone else who's not in our field or in our company? 
The Corporate Security Manager is responsible for hiring, developing, coordinating, influencing, leading, and measuring all Corporate Security programs, personnel, contractors and consultants. This role is responsible for the strategic identification and evaluation of all security risks, threats and vulnerabilities to prevent and protect or mitigate harm to people, assets, property, and brand reputation. 

Describe your transition from the military to the civilian world. 
It was self-driven with little to no support. Spent a few months re-acclimating to society and then enlisted in the police academy. 

In your opinion, what are the most important transferable skills from the military to the corporate world? 
Leadership 

What, if any, obstacles did you face upon transitioning out of the military? 
Having a steady stream of income and housing, as well as adjusting to society norms. Certain behaviors were installed that did not transition well back to civilian life, such as aggression. 

Why Purina? What led you here and why have you stayed with the company? 
Opportunity. 

Would you refer other veterans to work at Purina? And if so, why? 
Yes. Opportunity, work-life balance and the culture. 

What advice would you give to others preparing to transition from the military? 
Have an open mind and utilize the experiences you have endured to your benefit. The life experience will serve you well and will help you find success. 

What advice would you give to employers seeking to hire veterans? 
Look for life skills, for example: leadership, responsibility, working while under extremely stressful situations, teamwork. All these honed traits can be found in most veterans. 

Can you share a special, or funny, memory from your time in the military? 
The most special part of my service were the lifelong friendships and camaraderie that was formed. 

• Current Job Title: Manager, Business Analysts 
• Military Title: Airborne Infantryman 
• Military Branch: U.S. Army 

Tell us more about your military background: 
I served as an Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1985 to 1989, deploying in peacetime to Honduras, Puerto Rico, and Alaska for short durations and training opportunities. 

What has been your career path so far? 
I began my career as a Systems Technical Specialist at our Atlanta Factory in November of 1999. After pursuing a Bachelor's Degree, I entered the management track in 2006, leading to assignments in Zanesville, OH and Flagstaff, AZ as an Information Systems Manager. Currently I am serving in the Engineering Department as a Manager of Business Analysts leading software development efforts as a Product Owner. 

Tell us about your current role at Purina – how would you describe what you do to someone else who's not in our field or in our company? 
I lead a multi-skilled Software Development Team, while advocating for stakeholders at our Corporate Headquarters and within the factories. 

Describe your transition from the military to the civilian world. 
My transition was fairly pleasant due to the nature of my work in Telecom when I left the service. I was able to rely on myself for the majority of my work, and utilized my abilities to communicate effectively to ensure customer satisfaction. 

In your opinion, what are the most important transferable skills from the military to the corporate world? 
Tenacity. Leadership. Innovation. 

What, if any, obstacles did you face upon transitioning out of the military? 
Finding a purpose that was as rewarding as the accomplishments while serving. 

Why Purina? What led you here and why have you stayed with the company? 
Personal interactions with specific people while servicing the Atlanta Factory Phone System. I knew almost instantly that I wanted to work for and with the people I encountered in Atlanta. My continued success and desire to stay with Purina is directly attributed to the relationships and rewards of serving in this company. Opportunities to improve myself have continued to be presented at nearly every turn, and I am extremely grateful for that. 

Would you refer other veterans to work at Purina? And if so, why? 
Absolutely, and I have had the opportunity to hire a veteran while working at the Flagstaff Factory. Purina is a place for veterans to thrive. 

What advice would you give to others preparing to transition from the military? 
Prepare to form relationships with people in many different ways than you currently do. Trust is earned and given in different ways than in the military. 

Pie in the sky: What's your dream job beyond what you're doing today? 
I would like to continue my current path to learn as much as I possibly can about the art of Software Development and our Business Processes. 

Can you share a special, or funny, memory from your time in the military? 
My Father spent the entire week at Fort Benning during my Jump week in Jump School, observing all of my jumps, and spending time with me when I was not on duty. He was a Cold War Era Veteran, and it was my honor to have him pin on my Jump Wings upon certification. 

• Current Job Title: Associate Wellness Center Manager 
• Military Title: Hospital Corpsman/HM3 
• Military Branch: Navy 

Rank/Rate: 
When I got out, I was an HM3, Hospitalman 3rd class, but had just technically had achieved advancement to HM2 (based on a point system, which takes into account an advancement test score, awards received, evaluations and several other factors). My specialty was aviation medicine, and I was attached to a squadron that deployed on aircraft carriers. In fact, I had just completed a six-month deployment on the USS KittyHawk in April before I separated in June '97. 

About Karen: 
What I love about my job at Purina is what I loved about what I did in the Navy. No two days are the same! I love challenges and variety. I do have the privilege of taking care of our sick associates and answering medical questions that they have, but I get to spend time teaching them. Sometimes they have questions about something their doctor told them, or they have a problem they don't understand, or the doctor is testing for a certain diagnosis that they are concerned about. I can spend more time with them actually answering all of their questions, which you never have time for in a private practice. I can plan educational events like lunch-and-learns. But, I can also be part of our safety team, work with Community Affairs, go out to our other local facilities to give flu shots (I was the first person that I know of in the Navy that used to go from the clinic to my squadron's hangar to give flu shots and medical screenings) and help plan awesome companywide events, like our Health Fair and our Veteran's Day celebration. 

Advice: 
Don't underestimate the value of what you did and learned in the military. While the job titles may be very different, your experiences are something that no civilian that is applying for a job can match. Show off! Brag about the cool stuff you did. You led teams. You worked in multiple, diverse environments. You taught your peers. Sometimes civilian jobs will list requirements for a degree, but please don't let that prevent you from going for things that may seem out of reach. Call the company and talk to their recruiter. If you're in college, use the resources for veterans to help you get ahead. Attend job fairs and recruiting events. Participate in veteran's organizations like Amvets, The Mission Continues, American Legion, etc. Not only can you get info on job opportunities, you can network and fellowship with people who will understand you better than most. Remember, right now companies are looking to hire veterans. Don't be shy, be proud of what you have sacrificed for your country, and of all that you've accomplished. 

• Current Job Title: Business Specialist, IT 
• Military Title: Captain, Armor 
• Military Branch: Army 

Tell us more about your military background: 
I graduated from United States Military Academy at West Point, in 1985. I attended Armor Officer Basic Course at Ft. Knox. I served two years as an Executive Officer of a Basic Training Company in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Then, I went to Friedberg, Germany, for four and a half years with an Armor (Tanks) unit. I was a Platoon Leader, Deputy Subcommunity Commander Executive Officer (big title, meant I was responsible for dealing with the dependents of all the soldiers on the Caserne and other activities), and then a Battalion Maintenance Officer for an Armor Battalion. I went to Desert Storm at that time and spent six months in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. Upon return, I deployed back to Ft. Knox where I became a Project Officer for revamping the training of National Guard and Reserve Armor Units. I then got out of the military as part of the RIF (Reduction in Forces) program. 

What has been your civilian career path so far? 
When I first got out of the military, I did not have a job lined up, so I had to do a lot of job hunting. I finally landed a job as a Production Supervisor for Packaging Corp. of America, a Project Engineer for Engelhard Corporation, a Production Supervisor for Roadmaster Corporation (made treadmills), a Maintenance Supervisor, Planner and Manager for Kelly-Springfield Tire Company and then went to work for Nestlé. Working for Nestlé, I have been a Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Planner for the Jonesboro Prepared Foods Plant. I then went to work for the Nestlé USA GFIT (Global Field Implementation Team) getting all the Nestlé USA factories live in SAP (I did this for six years). I am currently working for the Regional Business Solutions Team at Purina to implement new projects and tools for the markets to use. 

Tell us about your current role at Purina – how would you describe what you do to someone else who's not in our field or in our company? 
I provide assistance to the different markets; everything from Purina to Prepared Foods and Ice Cream to Nestlé Waters, and try and help develop programs and tools to help them do their job better. 

Describe your transition from the military to the civilian world. 
I did several of the recruiter (head-hunter) job fairs specifically aimed at junior military officers, with few results. I don't know that the companies that were hiring knew what they were really looking for as far as the military and the recruiters were just interested in filling a slot, even if you weren't the best qualified or it was your best choice. When I got out of the military, I was unemployed for about a month. I did a lot of knocking on doors and visiting companies to get my résumé in front of them before I finally landed a job. 

In your opinion, what are the most important transferable skills from the military to the corporate world? 
Ability to adapt. Ability to take charge and make difficult decisions. Ability to handle crisis when needed and go with little or no guidance. 

What, if any, obstacles did you face upon transitioning out of the military? 
Sometimes it was difficult to understand the motivation (or lack thereof) of the people working with or for you. In the Army, there is a lot of Esprit de Corp and people were there because they wanted to be. There was a sense of teamwork. They knew they made a difference, so it was more a matter of guiding to get the job done. I have been in some jobs, luckily not with Nestlé, where people are only there for the pay check and to do as little as possible. 

Why Purina? What led you here and why have you stayed with the company? 
I liked the stability of Purina and greater Nestlé. Nestlé is diversified enough that when one market is down, another will be up and they are very thorough in thinking about what companies/businesses they get into. 

Would you refer other veterans to work at Purina? And if so, why? 
Yes, it is a good place to work with the potential to grow, not just within Purina, but within the greater Nestlé organization. 

What advice would you give to others preparing to transition from the military? 
Give yourself a lot of lead time. Don't rely on "head hunters" (recruiters) to find you a job. Make sure you have some savings, and that you're whole family is ready for the transition. Most importantly: You will need to be actively involved. Also, contact a résume' writer who specializes in transferring your skills, duties and job responsibilities into something that the civilian work place can understand. 

Can you share a special, or funny, memory from your time in the military? 
My unit went to Hohenfels, Germany which is a training area for tank units. I was the Battalion Maintenance Officer at the time and had about 60 guys that worked either directly or indirectly for me. Right as we were getting ready to start our maneuvers, it started raining and the dust that Hohenfels was known for turned into soupy mud. The tanks kept getting stuck and my guys would be running around pulling them out. We spent five days, muddy and nasty, eating cold MREs (Meals Ready to Eat, or so they claimed), with very little sleep, yet my guys were happy because they were doing their job and having a good time.