Supervisor of Training and Development at ENSCO
Navy chief plots a successful course from ships to oil rigs with ENSCO International.
by Warren Duffie

Transitioning veterans are often advised to start planning their separations at least a year before taking the plunge into civilian life. Randall Thomassie took this wisdom to a higher level by mapping out his retirement 15 years before he left the Navy.

“About five years into my Navy service, I realized that I would have to get out one day,” says the 20-year veteran. “So I went to college and obtained formal, recognized degrees. Let’s face it: The military’s training is the best in the world, but many civilian companies won’t hire you unless you have a degree. I didn’t want to limit myself.”

Thomassie’s hard work and preparation paid off. Armed with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, he now holds a rewarding and well-paying job with ENSCO International – a multibillion-dollar, international offshore drilling company.

Thomassie, 41, is supervisor of training and development for ENSCO’s North and South American Business Unit (two other business units span Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific). Based in Broussard, La., Thomassie and two subordinates schedule, conduct, and document training classes for 1,400 employees. These seminars cover a range of topics … including offshore drilling, mineral management, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations, to name a few.

“It’s crucial that our employees stay up to speed on their training,” he said. “We’re government-regulated, and if things go wrong on our drilling rigs, we can be cited and heavily fined.”

On the Job
Thomassie’s day begins at 7:15 a.m. After checking his e-mails and voice messages, he spends a couple of hours responding to training requests and scheduling classes. The remainder of his day usually involves meetings regarding current initiatives and new programs he wants to implement. For example, he’s trying to build an “elite leadership course,” as well as partner with an ENSCO supplier to develop seminars on properly operating industrial-sized air compressors. In addition, Thomassie often teaches the eight-hour “introduction to the oil field industry” seminar required for all new employees.

“You asked me which military skills still come into play each day – well, which don’t?” Thomassie asks. “Everything you learn in the military can transfer directly to the corporate world – discipline, a ‘can do’ attitude, attention to detail, and an understanding of the importance of documenting processes and procedures.”

Looking to see the World
Perhaps Thomassie was destined to be a sailor. Growing up in Lafayette, La., he was captivated by sea stories spun by his father, a former Navy man. The younger Thomassie wanted to see the exotic worlds his father described.

After basic training, Thomassie served for three years on the frigate USS McInerney, based in Mayport, Fla. Afterwards, he attended small arms instructor school at the Naval Special Warfare Command in New Orleans. This launched his teaching career, and he served as a beacon of knowledge on topics such as ammunitions management, anti-terrorism, hazardous materials handling, and naval rights and responsibilities. He also taught leadership courses to new petty officers.

“I loved teaching,” Thomassie says. “I loved watching someone come in not knowing what to expect and leave being able to use a skill I taught him.”

But his stellar career came with a price. Like many “military brats,’ Thomassie’s children were often upset by his long deployments.

“Fifteen years into my career, I was on USS Saipan and was deployed for 286 days,” Thomassie says. “That was hard on my kids. So I decided to get out at 20 years, which I did in 2003.”

The Transition
Thomassie’s transition was smooth. He contacted the Department of Defense’s Troops to Teachers program in 2002 and enrolled in a master’s program to obtain his teaching certification. Two weeks after leaving the Navy, he was teaching social studies at a Louisiana junior high school.

It was a dream job, but dark clouds loomed. Two years later, the school had to cut one of its two social studies teachers. As a newbie, and because he wasn’t yet certified, Thomassie was laid off. And because he hadn’t completed his certification (he was almost done), he was unable to get another school teaching job. Depressed, Thomassie was looking through the newspaper when he spied an ad placed by a privately-owned oil drilling company calling for a training coordinator. Impressed with his maritime experience and instructor’s background, the firm hired Thomassie.

Although the Navy man enjoyed the job, the pay wasn’t great and there was very limited growth potential. So Thomassie scoured industry magazines and saw an ad for the ENSCO job he now holds. Within a couple of months, he was hired.

“The pay is great, the company just entered the Fortune 500, so it’s growing,” Thomassie says. “I also receive great benefits like 401(k) and profit-sharing. This is a wonderful company to work for, and it truly values veterans.” [ENSCO currently seeks veterans as engineers, roustabouts, and administrative staff to handle legal and payroll responsibilities.]

Thomassie’s Advice
Prepare for your transition early. “Get as much education as you can and establish a nest egg. When I was in the Navy, I paid off all my bills and saved my money, so I owed nothing when I got out. That helped a lot.”

Don’t be afraid. “Companies are practically falling over themselves to hire veterans. Your discipline and skills are in very high demand.”