Veteran Spotlight: Meet U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Ian

Ian is a Security Coordinator overseeing classified document control at Northrop Grumman. He graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, as well as Bachelor of Science in Business. In 2011, Ian joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a Military Policeman. During his time in the Marine Corps, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for his first duty station, followed by a tour at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, California. After leaving active service in 2016, Ian transitioned into the civilian sector as a Federal Police Officer serving the Marine Corps community at MCAS Miramar.

male in US Marine Corps uniform

How long have you been with Northrop Grumman? How did you hear about us?

I have worked for Northrop Grumman for four months and initially discovered this amazing opportunity by looking on the company’s career website.

What is your military background? How did your military background set you up for the role you are in now?

My military background consists of being a Military Policeman in the Marine Corps. My first tour was stationed in Okinawa, Japan serving in a Law Enforcement Battalion, followed by a tour at MCAS Miramar as a part of the Provost Marshals Office. I feel that these two duty stations set me up for success in my current position by providing me with the opportunity to hone my interpersonal skills, develop the ability to repeatedly achieve thoroughness, accuracy, and consistency, all while using keen observation and concentration to accomplish a task. The biggest skillset that I gained that has set me up for success, however, is gaining the ability to have a calm mindset while working in a fast-paced environment.

What was your experience transitioning into Northrop Grumman as a Veteran?

The transition into Northrop Grumman as a veteran was seamless! Every step of the hiring process was thoroughly communicated and explained so that I could understand the differences working in the industry rather than being on the government side. Not only did I have an amazing talent acquisition business partner at Northrop Grumman, but my manager and the Rancho Bernardo security team have been very supportive and continue to put forth a tremendous effort to invest their time to help me grow into my position in every way possible.

What do you hope to gain from your role?

I would like to gain a deep understanding of every facet of industrial security and how it not only impacts those that work on site in Rancho Bernardo, but how the actions we take impact the success of the programs we support. Industrial security is a completely new world for me, and I value each new thing I learn.

What advice would you give to other Veterans interested in a career at Northrop Grumman?

To any veteran wondering if they should apply for a position at Northrop Grumman, my advice would be to match your skillset to one of the various opportunities the company has and apply! While each day is a challenge, I love that I am still able to serve our men and women in uniform, even if I don’t directly work with them.

woman in blue clean suit

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