Veteran Programs

I have been working as a Systems Analyst in the MBIB Division for around eight months of a one-year Veterans Affairs-sponsored Work Experience. My responsibilities include researching and providing recommendations for an issue tracker software to track and manage software bugs and user correspondence emails for the MBIB Phenix Software Development Team. This task requires understanding the team’s needs, specific use case, and more importantly, evaluating, selecting and implementing tracker software through qualitative and quantitative analysis.

What I enjoy most is using tools to improve on my data analyst skills. I am developing stronger programming and data visualization skills as I present my findings to the team. In addition, I have an opportunity to learn and interact in a world-class organization making a positive impact on the biological sciences arena as well as other science areas.

To veterans interested in the data science and analysis field, I would say that you’re in the right place at Berkeley Lab. Although COVID requirements allow for minimization of on-site work, this position can be and has been fully remote. We hold virtual team and one-on-one meetings several times a month. I’m given a chance to sharpen my presentation skills during some of these online meetings and everyone is very considerate and professional. It’s a great work experience. It also will be what you make of it, so make sure you ask questions, take advantage of available resources, and document your experiences. Thanks to the VA and Berkeley Lab for making this possible!

As a Senior Business Manager, I’m able to leverage my previous experience as a comptroller in the Marine Corps and apply it to identify and align the resources needed to effectively manage the business and administrative services functions in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). These functions include strategic communications, training/employee development, property, conference/travel, facilities, environmental health and safety (EH&S), business continuity planning, and administrative services. 

I have truly enjoyed working at Berkeley Lab because of the similarities it has with the military in its “team science” approach towards its mission. The Lab is well-structured and provides the support any transitioning service member might want or need. I’ve found a great mentor and leader in the OCFO who has been instrumental in my transitioning and success at the Lab.

The Lab’s environment is very welcoming. The individuals that work here are extremely smart, friendly, willing to help, and are always open to supporting all new hires to the lab. I have always lived by a set of ideas: 1) Surround yourself with good, positive people with a can-do mentality; 2) don’t be the smartest person in the room, and; 3) be around people you would like to be like. The Lab and the OCFO fulfill all three of my goals. And I have truly enjoyed learning from the different people with whom I have interacted in the organization. 

I would like to thank my family, the Marine Corps, OCFO, the Lab, Hiring Our Heroes for giving me the opportunity to transition into the civilian world. 

“I currently wear several hats as an Associate Engineer. Project coordination of beamline motor controls and equipment protection systems. Monitoring and advising on electrical safety at the Advanced Light Source. Whatever else is necessary to get the job done.

Due to the nature of research, much of what we do is unique. That means there is a lot of variety in the tasks that we perform and requires a Swiss Army knife skillset. I appreciate that the lab recognizes the valuable contributions that veterans can bring from their training and experiences.

I would tell any motivated veteran to come to the lab. Hard work and drive can propel a rewarding career, provide recognition and at the same time, make valuable contributions to society.”

I am the primary IT support technician assigned to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) and a backup IT Help Desk technician.  I like the variety of things I get to be involved in as a technician and I love how the culture of the Lab allows me to bring my whole self and to devote a portion of my time and energy into growing alongside our diversity community.

Working at Berkeley Lab allows veterans to continue to have a sense of mission and purpose in service to our great nation as we work collaboratively to our mission of “Bringing Science Solutions to the World” in support of the Office of Science of the Department of Energy. While the mission is different, working at the Lab has many similarities to working on a military installation, with a large closed campus that has similar needs in supporting the facility.

Many of the jobs at the site have direct correlation to roles that veterans may have performed during their military careers. For veterans who have prepared for different careers since leaving service, our culture is a place where our thoughts and contributions are welcomed and respected at all levels. There are also opportunities for regular employees to be part of our disaster preparedness teams to which many veterans are already well suited. 

As a veteran serving relatively early in my career at Berkeley Lab, I get to be a technician, I get to be involved in our veteran recruitment process, I get to be a thought leader in our diversity community, and my leaders encourage my growth as a whole person, not just the “technician” they hired me to be.