Inside Solutions Architect at CDW
A year down range teaches Marine Reservist some new tricks he applies to corporate America.
By Warren Duffie 

When Sean Orquiola returned to his civilian job after a year in Iraq, the Marine Corps Reservist needed to adjust to a more relaxed pace.

“In the military, especially on deployment, you live at a very fast pace,” said Orquiola, 31. “You get up, put on your uniform and get your weapon. Then you spend the day on security patrol or in convoys. You’re always on edge. I was nervous about whether I would fit into civilian life again. Luckily, I work for a great company.” 

On the Job
Orquiola is an “inside solutions architect” with CDW, a leading provider of technology products and services for business, government and education. He helps company salespeople market IT products and services throughout the East Coast.

The former sergeant compiles price data and figures for salespeople to present to potential clients. He then assigns engineers to install products and perform follow-up service and maintenance. Orquiola also participates in sales calls and writes maintenance support contracts.

“One thing the military teaches you is versatility,” Orquiola said. “You’re always doing multiple tasks – even in boot camp when you’re folding your uniform, shining your boots or cleaning your rifle. That ability to multitask helps immensely in the corporate world.

“The military also gave me a lot of self-confidence, which is vital when selling to customers,” he continued. “If you don’t have confidence in your product, you lose credibility.” 

In Uniform
Orquiola joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1997.

“I didn’t know anything about the military,” he said. “But I had a neighbor who was a Marine, and I was fascinated by how his uniform looked. He looked sharp, and that appealed to me, so I decided to enlist.”

After basic training in San Diego, Orquiola was trained as a field radio operator (0621) at nearby Twentynine Palms.

In 2003, Orquiola graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications. He landed a job with CDW but deployed to Iraq a month later: “One month I was at work, the next month I was in the field getting dirty.” 

The Transition
When Orquiola returned to civilian life in 2005, he had an advantage: his job at CDW already was waiting for him. Still, he was nervous about coming back.

“I wondered if it would be the same job,” he said. “Was it still something I wanted to do? How would my co-workers react after my absence? After all, I only worked there a month before deploying.

“Thankfully, my transition back was smooth,” he continued. “I would advise those leaving the military to learn about civilian medical benefits. In the military, Uncle Sam takes care of everything, but as a civilian, you’re responsible for a lot more things regarding benefits.”  

Orquiola’s Advice
Attend veteran job fairs. “The companies in attendance are committed to hiring military. They understand what you bring to the job. Take advantage of this and make connections.” 

Develop a game plan. “Figure out what you want to do. Do you want to go right into a job? Maybe you want to go to school. Maybe you want to go into business for yourself? It’s important to figure these things out before your transition.” 

Get some direction. “Talk to those who have already made the transition. They can offer some great tips to make your experience easier.” 

How’d You Get That Job?
When Orquiola returned to civilian life in 2005, he had an advantage: his job at CDW already was waiting for him. Still, he was nervous about coming back. 

“I wondered if it would be the same job,” he said. “Was it still something I wanted to do? How would my co-workers react after my absence? After all, I only worked there a month before deploying.”

What Orquiola Likes About His Job

• Helping to provide great service to CDW customers.
• Working for a truly veteran-friendly company.
 

www.gijobs.com/cdw