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24 G.I. JOBS | SEPTEMBER 2017 | GIJOBS.COM Age: 33 Military Service: Sergeant (E-5), Marine Corps (2002-2014) MOS: Refrigeration Mechanic (1161) Education: • Associate degree, network and system administration, Craven Community College, 2016 • Associate degree, cybersecurity and network management, Craven Community College, 2016 • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), 2016 • CompTIA Security+, 2016 • CompTIA Network+, 2015 • CompTIA A+, 2015 SUCCESS TELECOM TRANSITION SERGEANT What worked best in your job search? Being flexible and taking opportunities when they presented themselves. Before working for Cisco, I took an IT job at my community college. I knew it was not something I would do forever, but it was a good opportunity for experience. Also, I was enrolled with the Wounded Warrior Project, and they were the ones that directed me to Cisco's Veteran Talent Incubation Program, through which I ultimately got my job. The program was not easy, but it was totally worth it. What was the hardest interview quesঞon you were asked? Why do you think that you deserve this job? Best advice for transiঞoning service members? Find something you will enjoy doing, and don't be afraid of having to start at the bottom. You will rise quickly if you stay motivated and do the best job you can. Most importantly, polish those on-the-job skills. If you're in IT, take an hour a day to work on a certification or project. You will learn the most doing hands-on work. ARODI GRULLON FERNANDEZ Customer Support Engineer, Cisco, Inc., Fulton, Md. DATE OF HIRE January 2017 What attributes of a potential job were of most value to you and why? The most important to me at the time was to find something I would enjoy. The culture was also a factor since I missed the camaraderie of the military. Work/life balance is great, but I did not want a job just to check-in and out; I wanted to be involved.