Legal Secretary at Coca-Cola Enterprises
Former Marine helps lay down the law at Coca-Cola Enterprises.
by Warren Duffie

You can say that Robbie Daniels has had an ideal transition experience. The former Marine works for one of the world’s largest and most iconic corporations, has a challenging job in a dynamic environment, and found it a few months after separating from the military.

Despite her success, however, there is one thing she would have done differently: “I would have lined up a job before I left the Marine Corps. No matter how much money you save, it’s a scary feeling not having work once you get out.”

Daniels, 28, is a legal secretary for Coca-Cola Enterprises. Working in the corporation’s Atlanta, Ga., headquarters, the former sergeant supports two attorneys, a paralegal, and sometimes four other secretaries. Daniels’ job is a tornado of paperwork. She normally arrives at 7 a.m. and spends her day editing and “red-lining” legal documents, reviewing marketing contracts, and researching statutes. In addition, she prepares agendas and documents — as well as sends out invitations via e-mail — for meetings.

“There have been times when I was on the phone and red-lining at the same time,” Daniels says. “My job requires a great deal of multi-tasking. That’s where my Marine Corps training and discipline really come into play. I know how to prioritize and organize my to-do list so that each daily mission is accomplished.”

A Rewarding Career in Beverages
Coca-Cola Enterprises is the world’s largest marketer, producer, and distributor of the products of the Coca-Cola Company, accounting for two billion cases annually. That represents about 21 percent of Coca-Cola’s worldwide volume. Named by G.I. Jobs as one of “America’s Top Military-Friendly Employers,” the company employs approximately 73,000 people who operate 428 facilities, 54,000 vehicles and 2.4 million vending machines, and dispensers.

Supplying large volumes of product to consumers across the globe can be a monumental task, similar to moving beans and bullets across the battlefield. Coca-Cola Enterprises’ operations mimic the supply chain management used in the military. Veterans are potential links in their logistics support chain. And Coca-Cola Enterprises is continually looking for candidates in manufacturing, supply chain/logistics, equipment services, warehousing and sales. Opportunities for upward mobility are endless.

“We find that our employees with military backgrounds all have solid analytical skills, strategic focus and solid sense of maturity,” says Shawn Bethune, a company human resources specialist. “Outside of participating in several career fairs geared toward military candidates of all branches, we promote the fact we do hire vets.”

Aside from a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and 401 (k), Coca-Cola Enterprises offers professional courses to help veterans excel in a corporate environment — including basic math and writing courses.

“Being in the military involves dedication and relationship-building among different people and their abilities to step up and meet all of life’s challenges,” Bethune says. “In so many ways, this parallels what the success of Coca-Cola Enterprises depends on. Our success is based on front-line customer relationships and our employees’ dedication to meeting the challenging demands of our business.”

From Security to Sodas
When Daniels enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996, she had no idea she would eventually work for one of the world’s premier corporations. The Fort Worth, Texas, native wanted to do some traveling and challenge herself.

“I picked the Marine Corps because they’re the hardest branch,” Daniels says. “All of the military branches are hard-core, but the Marines offered that extra challenge.”

After basic training at Parris Island, S.C., Daniels was sent to Camp Johnson, N.C., for training as a legal services specialist. Her subsequent tours included stints in Japan, Hawaii, Haiti, and Australia. She served as a law clerk, a military justice chief, and on U.S. embassy security details.

Daniels’ career was a colorful one — allowing her to visit exotic lands and meet dignitaries and world leaders. She had her photo taken by Associated Press during a wreath-laying ceremony attended by President George W. Bush. But by last year, she wanted to establish roots to one day get married and have children.

So Daniels decided to enter the civilian workforce. She attended transition assistance classes as well as seminars on résumé writing and interviewing. After separating, she moved to Atlanta — “It’s a hot city with a lot of opportunities.” — and placed her name and résumé with several staffing agencies and “headhunting” firms. Within a few months, she was hired by Coca-Cola Enterprises.

“One thing that appealed to me was the camaraderie here,” Daniels says. “It’s similar to the military, and Coca-Cola is very committed to its employees.”

Daniels’ Advice:

Prepare a year in advance. “This will allow you to save your money, take all the transition classes you need, and search extensively for a job. That way, you can find a position you’ll enjoy before separating.”

Create a great résumé. “You can be the most talented person in the world, perfect for the job you want. But if your résumé is lagging, you won’t even get through the door. Become a master at writing your résumé.”

Find a mentor. “Talk to someone who has already made the transition. The more you know about civilian life, the better off you’ll be. I didn’t have a mentor, but I try to help my friends who are still in uniform — that way they’ll have an easier time than I did.”