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20 G.I. JOBS | OCTOBER 2017 | GIJOBS.COM FLIGHT DECK TO DESK. Working as a senior tax accountant for Marsh & McLennan Companies* in New York City is worlds away from the flight deck of a nuclear aircraft carrier, where John Gonzalez served as an aviation electricians mate. "There are few direct simi- larities since I went from an aircraft carrier flight deck to a desk job. That's a big change!" INDEED. There's at least one similarity, though, to the car- rier. "This was an extremely demanding job, where I also used analytical troubleshoot- ing skills that have assisted me in my current career," he says. DOING WHAT HE LOVES. Taxes may not provide the same adrenaline rush as a flight deck, but Gonzalez still loves taxes. "Despite what people may think about tax, it is actually very interesting, as tax laws and accounting practices are constantly evolving. The work is never static or bor- ing," Gonzalez says. SAILING THE SEAS. A native of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Gonzalez enlisted to see the world and earn college money. He visited 45 countries through three deployments and lived in Japan. But he never planned to make the military a career. DOING HIS HOME- WORK. Gonzalez began re- searching his military educa- tion benefits years before he separated in 2006. "I spent a lot of time learning about the VA education programs," he says. "I contacted schools, and spoke to VA advisors. I knew I would be leaving the service to go to school, and wanted to ensure that I knew what I needed to do to make my transition seamless." THE PAYOFF. Gonzalez used his GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor's degree, an MBA and a Master of Taxation. What he didn't count on was the campus culture. "The biggest issue was the gap in age and maturity. It's hard to relate to people who don't have your background with regard to life skills and lessons that we learn in the military at a young age. We are forced to mature at a fast rate." TIPS FOR YOU? "My sincere advice is not to be scared. Tran- sitioning isn't easy, but if you're determined to succeed, you can. I also advise service members to learn about all the great VA edu- cation programs, network with schools to learn about what they offer veterans, and research the many employers that value what we bring to the table." John Gonzalez Sr. Tax Accountant Marsh & McLennan Companies* Age: 35 Branch of service: Navy (2001-2006) Delaware Air National Guard (2012-Present) Highest rank: Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5), Navy; Staff Sergeant (E-5), Air National Guard Rating: Aviation Electricians Mate (AE2) AFSC: Emergency Management Journeyman (3E951) Education: • Bachelor's degree, business management, Wilmington University, 2010 • Master of Business Administration, Marylhurst University, 2011 • Master of Taxation, Nova Southeastern University, 2014 WHY RESEARCH ROCKS If you could redo your transition, what would you do differently? I would have enjoyed the college experience more, and not tried to rush through. It really is a fun time in life, and I recommend people take full advantage of the experience. Childhood hero? Nelson Mandela, Cesar Chavez and Abraham Lincoln Hobbies? I am an avid skier, back-country hiker and love downhill mountain biking. Top thing on bucket list? I'd love to visit the Himalayas, Bora Bora, and also hike the Inca Trail in Peru. Favorite sandwich? An Italian hoagie with hot peppers! Childhood dream job? Probably being an airline pilot or an astronaut. WE HAD TO ASK! Flight deck veteran's exhaustive research of his VA benefits leads to a corporate job he loves. SUCCESS STORIES JUNIOR ENLISTED *Company is a paid client.