Project Manager at Deloitte LLP
Navy lieutenant recruits officers for civilian jobs with Deloitte.
By Warren Duffie 

The corporate battlefield is mined with unknown dangers. You must constantly evaluate opportunities to expand your business, and strike when the moment is right. You need to seek vital intelligence on the maneuvers of your competition and outflank them. Victory requires a sound strategy, efficient operations and logistics, and an ability to effectively manage risk.

“That’s why so many companies target junior military officers for their recruiting efforts,” said Kevin Whirity, a former Navy lieutenant. “JMOs are trained to see the ‘big picture,’ have strong leadership and analytical skills, practice good time management, and can present their ideas with powerful communication skills.”

On the Job
Whirity, 30, is a project manager with Deloitte LLP, a major professional services organization. He’s responsible for the company’s junior military recruiting outreach, which places JMOs in jobs within Deloitte’s federal consulting and auditing arm.

Of Deloitte’s 45,000 employees worldwide, more than 5,700 work in this federal practice. They provide solutions regarding business strategy, operations, technology, risk management and human capital. The division works with a host of government contractors and agencies such as the FBI and CIA.

In the year that Deloitte’s JMO recruitment initiative has been in existence, about 70 people have been placed in jobs worldwide.

Whirity’s day normally begins at 0730. After attending to administrative items, he performs phone interviews with JMO candidates. He then touches base with Deloitte’s internal clients to review their needs and sell them on the virtues of hiring JMOs. The rest of the day is spent in contact with various recruiters and TAP officials.

“A lot of my job is done over the phone and on my laptop,” said Whirity, “so I’m sometimes working late at night. That’s fine, though. My job is interesting and I enjoy being able to help officers leaving the military. I can relate to their fears and concerns.”

In Uniform
Whirity was a student at Illinois’ Millikin University when he first thought about joining the Navy.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 2003 with a degree in economics, Whirity was stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes as a human resources officer.

When his Great Lakes stint was complete, Whirity was assigned to Navy Recruiting District Jacksonville: “I recruited college kids for officer candidate school. It’s funny how I recruited people into the military and now I’m recruiting officers into the civilian world. It’s very satisfying.”

The Transition
Realizing that he didn’t want to make the Navy a 20-year career, Whirity began preparing for his transition early – earning an MBA from Loyola University and a master’s in commercial real estate from the University of Florida.

When he left the Navy last year, Whirity made use of the career services offices at his three universities and networked with fellow alumni. He connected with another Navy grad who worked for Deloitte and told Whirity about the company. Whirity did some research on Deloitte and spoke with several representatives. He liked what he heard, sent his résumé and landed a couple of interviews. He was hired in November 2009.

Whirity’s Advice
Develop your professional network. “When you’re transitioning out, it’s useful to talk to other people and hear their stories and experiences.”

Lose the jargon. “Become an expert at translating your military skills into civilian language.”

Stay confident yet humble. “In the military, you accomplished more than most people. You’ll bring so much more to the table with your civilian company. Use that to your advantage, but don’t be arrogant or throw it in people’s faces.”

How’d You Get That Job?
Realizing that he didn’t want to make the Navy a 20-year career, Whirity began preparing for his transition early – earning an MBA from Loyola University and a master’s degree in commercial real estate from the University of Florida.

When he left the Navy last year, Whirity made use of the career services offices at his three universities and networked with fellow alumni. He connected with another Navy grad who worked for Deloitte and told Whirity about the company. Whirity did some research on Deloitte and spoke with several representatives. He liked what he heard, sent his résumé and landed a couple of interviews. He was hired in November 2009.

What Whirity Likes About His Job
Working with and helping my fellow JMOs transition to civilian life.

Deloitte offers a world of opportunity.

I enjoy being able to work from home a few days a week.

Did you know?
Deloitte LLP has a Junior Military Officer recruiting program targeting JMOs separating from the military with four to eight years of experience. For more information, visit www.deloitte.com/jmo.