TANGOALPHA3 IS EXCITED TO HIGHLIGHT THE MANY EXCELLENT VETERANS WE’VE ASSISTED IN FINDING JOB PLACEMENTS.
The Veteran Spotlight series is a chance for us to catch up with our community of veteran talent. We discuss things like how their current job placement is going, what it was like while on the job hunt, as well as any challenges they may have faced while transitioning from the military to the private sector. In the end, it’s a great way to highlight excellent people and provide an inside vantage point into some of the services we provide and industries we serve.
WE RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH KEYA TO CATCH UP AND ASK HER ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE WITH HER JOB HUNT AND WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR THE PRACTICAL ADVICE SHE SHARED WITH US
Keya Strausbaugh
Keya is a critical part of TA3’s effort to provide sustainment and support to the Defense Health Agency’s enterprise network. She works as a Network Specialist at Edwards AFB in California alongside the men and women of the 412th medical group. Keya kicked off her career in IT when she joined the Army Signal Corps where she served for 7 years. We’re proud to have her as a part of our team and grateful for the insight she shared with us.
What is a typical day at work like for you?
A typical work day for me involves monitoring the WAN/LAN network assets that are assigned to me, while communicating with my Chief Information Officer on the ongoing and upcoming projects that support the DHA mission. This is but a small piece of the team. I collaborate with a multitude of customers and technicians managing and being proficient in the day to day activities.
I wish I could provide information on exactly what a typical day involves however each day presents new challenges. The days are typically fast paced and ever-changing.
Did you face any challenges when you first transitioned from the military into the private sector?
When I transitioned from the military into the private sector I was fortunate to have a job lined up. My biggest challenge at the time was communicating my skills as a 25B (Information Technology Specialist) and 25Q (Multichannel Transmission System Operator Maintainer) into terms employers in the private sector could understand. Due to that limitation I did not find a job that closely aligned with my military experience. I found myself removing things from my resume or making the accomplishments seem simple in an effort to get someone to understand what I had accomplished.
What was your initial job search experience like?
My initial job search experience was unsuccessful. Often times when I would apply the recruiters would deny me before even getting to the interview process. Things were not looking well until I found an employer who worked with veterans and understood the information in my resume.
How has your military training and experience helped you in the private sector?
I’m grateful that my military training and experience has equipped me with the knowledge, discipline, professionalism and the flexibility to adapt to most situations. Furthermore my military background gives me the capability to cohesively work in partnership with my teammates.
What advice would you give to transitioning veterans looking for their first job after leaving the military?
Leverage and utilize all of your resources. Attend career fairs and other hiring events. Most important of all don’t settle or slim down your experience for any reason. Find a way to translate your skills or work with someone who specializes in doing so.
What has your experience been like working with TangoAlpha3?
My experience with TangoAlpha3 has been nothing short of amazing. The team that I worked with are highly efficient, extremely professional and very knowledgeable individuals. I am extremely proud to work with TangoAlpha3 and often times I’m ecstatic to interact with them.
You may email Keya with any questions!
