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74 G.I. JOBS | OCTOBER 2016 | GIJOBS.COM Age: 31 Military Service: Senior Airman (E-4), Air Force (2006-2010) Air Force Reserve (2010-2014) AFSC: Desk Sergeant/911 Dispatcher Why did you enlist? In 2006, I was studying criminal justice full time in college, working full time and taking out all kinds of student loans. The military's college benefits and on-the-job training were extremely compelling. What is different about the civilian workforce? In the military, someone is always telling you what to do and checking up on you. Allstate is more laid back and less structured. They trust you to figure out how to do things and how to excel. Why did you choose this career path? I always liked conducting investigations while serving in Air Force security. Investigating an accident claim also requires you to do interviews and put the pieces together into a story and timeline. Your "people skills" are especially important in talking with a person who's unhappy about being in an auto accident – just like in the military, where you learn how to handle confrontations without taking it personally. In fact, Allstate is recruiting more veterans into claims positions to put our military skills to work. What is your best advice for transiঞoning service members? Don't be scared to try new things. Say "yes" to new opportunities. I never thought I'd work in the insurance world – I thought that was just for people who are really good at math – but it turned out to be the best career path for me. MARIE DELACRUZ Casualty Claims Adjuster, Claims Department, Allstate Insurance Company, Woodland Hills, Calif. SENIOR AIRMAN