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VETERAN SUCCESS STORY
IBMer Alex knows what it means to serve. A third-generation soldier, Alex joined the Army after high school and served for eight years – including three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. As an Abrams M1A1 Main Battle Tank crew member, Alex’s job on two of his tours was to “seek and engage” an elusive enemy. Back home in North
Carolina, Alex continued his education at Wake Tech, continues to serve as an Army reservist, and recently – with IBM and CASY sponsored training and job placement assistance – has transitioned to a civilian career.
Alex explains, “After eight years in the military, I was ready to settle near my family and take on new challenges. I still contribute [one weekend per month] to serving my country, while IBM has helped me make the most of my Army training, education and technical expertise.”
Alex participated in the Veteran’s Employment Initiative, sponsored jointly by Corporate America Supports You, the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network, and IBM. The Veteran’s Employment Initiative is part of an IBM Impact Grant portfolio that includes skills and capacity building. Through the program, veterans in the U.S. and UK can receive free training on IBM i2 Analytics software in preparation for the certification exam to become advanced data analysts.
After completing the course and earning his advanced data analyst certification, Alex received career placement assistance from IBM – though he was no stranger to the company.
“My mother is an IBMer, and my aunt was an IBM Distinguished Engineer who recently retired after 39 years with the company. As a member of an IBM family, I grew up hearing about the company’s traditions of innovation, service and values. So when it came time to chart the course of my next career, IBM seemed like a natural fit.”