

Bill Boyer, Site Manager, Advanced Technology Services (ATS)
Former Marine Discusses Transitioning
Transitioning servicemembers face an interesting conundrum once they leave the service: Veterans leave the armed forces with valuable skills but aren't sure how to market those skills to the corporate world. The most pervasive fear is that most employers won't hire veterans with a strong military background and little work experience.
Bill Boyer, a former E5 Sergeant in the Marine Corps, faced the same dilemma when he transitioned from the armed services in 2000. However, Bill knew that if he had the right amount of confidence in his skills, companies would be confident in hiring him.
Advanced Technology Services headquartered in Peoria Ill., admired Bill's confidence - and military background - and gave him a job as a factory floor maintenance technician five years ago. Bill's strong skills and self-assurance helped him quickly rise through the ranks to become a leader in the company.
Today, Bill tells Military.com about how his military background helped him land a job with a leading supplier of outsourced factory maintenance, industrial component repair and IT services for top FORTUNEĀ® 500 companies.
Military.com: When did you serve in the armed forces? And what was your highest rank?
Bill Boyer: I [was stationed] at Camp Pendleton, Calif. I joined in 1996 and [transitioned] in 2000 with an honorable discharge from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion. My highest rank was an E5 (Sergeant) in the Marine Corps.
Military.com: Did your military experience help you get your job at ATS?
Bill Boyer: Definitely. With the position I have today, in regards to my promotions, I give all the credit to the Marine Corps. I give 99 percent of the credit to the Marine Corps for my leadership skills.
Military.com: How long have you been with Advanced Technology Services?
Bill Boyer: I've been with ATS for five years. I started as a factory floor process maintenance technician.
Military.com: And what's your title today?
Bill Boyer: I'm a Site Manager for Advanced Technology Services.
Military.com: What did you learn in your transitioning experience that will help other veterans?
Bill Boyer: I would say that I learned to have confidence. Stay focused and stay confident. Many vets lose confidence, and many vets think there's a job waiting for them because of a strong job market, but there's not. People that come out [of the service] now have better skills, but they don't sell those skills.
Military.com: What do you like most about ATS?
Bill Boyer: It's a very people oriented service company. Our business is driven by people.
Military.com: Is it a veteran-friendly employer?
Bill Boyer: That's an understatement. ATS loves veterans, we are very interested in the skills and background veterans bring [to the company]. Veterans bring a very similar culture that is already embedded in ATS.
Military.com: What is the best way for veterans to find a job at Advanced Technology Services?
Bill Boyer: Veterans should go to advancedtech.com, to search for job listings or contact the military recruiter at MilitaryRecruiter@advancedtech.com.
Military.com: What's the best advice you can give to transitioning service members?
Bill Boyer: Be aware of your capabilities and accept a position that utilizes them to the fullest. Don't accept anything less.