Retired Army 1st Sgt. Antwon Davis spent two decades protecting and defending his country, but when he left the service, Davis faced the challenge of finding a new career that would safeguard his future and that of his family. “Starting a new career after military service can be trying,” said Davis, whose stellar military tenure included a deployment to Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom. “GEICO was a champion for me in helping me find my next career.” Davis began GEICO’s Veteran IT Transition Program in March. Launched in 2015, the program combines 12 months of classroom work, mentoring and real-world experience to transform military veterans into full-time GEICO IT analysts. Veterans are paid and receive benefits during training. The program had been based solely at GEICO corporate headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, but next year, it is expanding to the company’s regional office in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a city with a strong military and veteran presence. Veterans who are interested, can learn more or apply here. “Those who have served in the military have unique talents and skills,” GEICO Manager of IT Talent and Leadership Development Missy Clark said. “GEICO believes in this program. We believe our commitment to supporting veterans’ onboarding, training and development will build long-term employment and growth opportunities that will be beneficial to veterans and GEICO.” Although Davis is still in the training phase of the program, he is already fully immersed in his job as a GEICO IT software analyst. After completing training in coding, spreadsheets, pivot tables and other tools essential to his job, Davis now works to fix and prevent bugs on GEICO websites. “Much like the military, we support one another as a team,” Davis said of his fellow IT associates. “We feel a sense of accomplishment when we solve issues and create solutions.” Veteran IT Transition Program applicants do not need previous tech experience or a college degree. Clark said what the program does seek is veterans who are results-oriented, adaptable and self-reliant. “We look for demonstrated leadership, a willingness to learn and demonstrated growth while in the military,” she said. The inaugural Virginia Beach Veteran IT Transition Program begins in early 2020. Applications are being accepted now.
Read Full Press Release