Systems Developer Consultant at Prudential Financial Inc.
Marine Corps sergeant trains for new
career in IT.
By Warren Duffie
A former Marine Corps rifleman, Divjot Singh, 23,
compares his education in the financial industry to learning how to disassemble
and re-assemble an M-16: Follow instructions, learn fast, pay attention to
details and get help if you need it.
“I work with people who have 20 to 30 years of
experience in this industry,” Singh said. “That’s such a valuable resource to
have on my job. Each day, I’m learning new things and I have to pick them up
fast – like in basic training. It’s exciting and gives me a real sense of
satisfaction.”
On the Job
Singh is consulting as a systems developer for
Prudential Financial Inc., a financial services leader that offers a host of
products – including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services,
mutual funds, investment management and real estate.
Based in Newark, N.J., the former sergeant works for
Prudential’s mutual funds sales reporting group. He uses specialized software
applications to compile reports about market performance, sales figures,
quotas, etc. – and makes the data available to company representatives
worldwide.
Singh participates in Prudential’s VETalent
initiative, which trains Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans for jobs in
information technology. The program – a partnership with Rutgers
University-Newark and the nonprofit Workforce Opportunities Services (WOS) –
lasts a couple of years and leads to certification. WOS also pays a $500 per
week stipend to participants.
“When I first heard about this program, I couldn’t
believe it,” Singh said. “I thought there had to be a catch. I had been
applying to tons of jobs with no success. This is such a wonderful initiative
for military veterans and I’m very appreciative of the opportunity.”
In Uniform
Singh joined the military in 2006. Growing up in an
Army family, he first considered that branch; but on the way to the recruiting
office, he caught a glimpse of a Marine in full dress uniform.
“I thought to myself how I wanted to wear that
uniform,” Singh said. “Yes, I based my decision on a uniform.”
After basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Diego, Singh completed infantry school at nearby Camp Pendleton. He served in
North Carolina, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Transition
Singh decided to leave the Marine Corps in 2010 to
pursue a college education. His final duty station was with a Wounded Warrior
battalion – where transition representatives told him about Prudential’s
VETalent program.
After submitting a résumé – on which he showcased the leadership and team-building
skills he honed in combat – Singh received an invitation to take a battery of
pre-certification tests in math and English. He scored well and was accepted
into VETalent.
“I’m very happy with how my transition turned out,” he
said. “I saw a sizable pay increase. Although I now have to pay for rent,
utilities and other bills, I know I made the right decision coming to
Prudential.”
Singh’s
Advice
Be open to change. “I had to move to New Jersey for
this job. It can be daunting to move to another state, but you should be
flexible and consider whether such a move could lead to a great career.”
Network. “Start building your network as early in your
military career as possible.”
Ask questions. “This is your future. Find out as much
as possible about a company. Do your research. Don’t be afraid to learn.”
How’d
You Get That Job?
Singh decided to leave the Marine Corps
in 2010 to pursue a college education. His final duty station was with a
Wounded Warrior battalion – where transition representatives told him about
Prudential’s VETalent program.
After submitting a résumé – on which he
showcased the leadership and team-building skills he honed in combat – Singh
received an invitation to take a battery of pre-certification tests in math and
English. He scored well and was accepted into VETalent.
What
Singh Likes About His Job
- Using a variety of fascinating
technology
- Working for a company that really cares about veterans
Did You Know?
Prudential’s Military Veterans Network
(VETnet), composed of Prudential employees, provides a vehicle for
communication and for sharing common issues, and offers an important channel of
communication between Prudential and the veterans’ community.
Prudential’s VETalent initiative trains
Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans for jobs in information technology. The
program – a partnership between Rutgers University-Newark and the nonprofit
Workforce Opportunities Services (WOC) – lasts a couple of years and leads to
certification. WOS also pays a $500 per week stipend to participants while
training.