FUGRO
Fugro recruiter offers inside advice to help you GET HIRED™.

Fugro is looking for adventurous people who are excited by technology-based problem solving. Fugro collects and interprets data related to the earth’s surface and the soils and rocks beneath. On the basis of this data the company provides advice, generally to the oil and gas industry, the mining industry and the construction industry.

Kevin T. Spain, senior human resource representative for Fugro, retired from the U.S. Navy in 2003 after a 20-year career that included service in flight operations, firefighting and recruiting. Today he recruits fellow veterans to begin rewarding new civilian careers with Fugro.

G.I. Jobs asked Kevin what it takes to get hired at this Top 100 Military Friendly Employer:

GIJ: What do military veterans bring to your company that you like?

Spain: They’re mission-oriented, loyal, have proven leadership skills, great work ethic, and a can-do attitude. They work well with diverse groups.

GIJ: What issues or surprises do military transitioners/veterans need to be aware of when entering the civilian work force?

Spain: Their skills do transfer, however, they must be able to translate them into civilian terms, on paper and also verbally. Their career paths in the civilian world are not as structured.

GIJ: What advantages do military personnel have over their peers of the same age and education level?

Spain: Real-world experience, maturity and focus.

GIJ: What disadvantages do service members and veterans face in their civilian job search?

Spain: Having to re-invent themselves transitioning back to civilian life.

GIJ:  What are the most common mistakes you see on military/veteran résumés?

Spain: Military jargon; same résumé for all jobs applied to.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes military/veterans make in interviews?

Spain: Not doing enough research on the company and job. Not selling themselves.

GIJ: How would you recommend a military candidate research your company to see if it is the right company for them?

Spain: Visit the company website; talk to employees of the company who are vets. See what work the company has done. Do not rely on blogs or social networks.

GIJ: Is relocating essential to promote within your company?

Spain: No, but it could help for certain positions.

GIJ: What types of positions does your company recruit military for?

Spain: Backgrounds in topographic and hydrographic surveying, geospatial disciplines, electronics, inertial navigation, GPS, GIS, imagery analysis and many others related to geosciences, geotechnical and survey fields.

GIJ: Summarize the responsibilities of one of these positions.

Spain: Operate satellite survey equipment, and conventional survey equipment that is interfaced to graphic computer systems for navigation purposes in the marine environment.

GIJ: What is the beginning salary range for this position?

Spain: $38,000-$42,000 per year

GIJ: Are there any specific educational requirements for this position?

Spain: Associate degree; technical and/or military technical background in geospatial discipline or electronics.

GIJ: Summarize the typical career progression for someone in this position.
 
Spain:

• Offshore survey technician
• Senior offshore survey technician
• Offshore survey party chief
• Senior offshore survey party chief ($80,000 to $100,000+)
• Survey analyst or marine survey supervisor
• Manager marine data management or operations manager
• General manager, marine operations
• V.P. marine operations
  

GIJ: Are there any non-military incentives that might interest military new hires?

Spain: Tuition reimbursement, relocation allowance (by position), employee discounts with vendors, company travel for work.

Kevin T. Spain
Senior Human Resource Representative
Branch of service: U.S. Navy
Highest rank attained: Petty Officer First Class (E-6)
Years of service: 1983-2003
What did you do in the military? Aviation Boatswain Mate (equipment); Navy Counselor (Career Recruiting Force); Flight Operations; Firefighter; Recruiting & Retention
How long have you been in employee recruiting/HR? 11 years experience in the U.S. Navy; five years in HR/corporate recruiting as a civilian; four years with Fugro.

Fugro
HQ: Houston (U.S.); Leidschendam, Netherlands (Corporate)
Employees: 13,500
Veteran Employees: 249 in U.S.
2009 Revenues: $2.6 billion
www.fugro.com
Honored by G.I. Jobs as a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer, 2010 and 2011.

Spain’s Advice

1. Seriously network and research companies you’re interested six months prior to separation.
2. No military jargon on résumés, tailor your skills on the résumé to fit the position.
   
3. Research the differences between the military and civilian world; use TAP/ACAP as your first resource for transition.