Seth Phillips is a Project Coordinator for the Oceaneering Technologies (OTECH) group headquartered in Hanover, Maryland.
Before joining Oceaneering, he served seven years in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, attaining the rank of Hospital Corpsman Second Class (HM2 – E-5). He said that he credits his current successes to the values learned during service.
“The time I spent in the military was not always easy, but the lessons learned, along with trials and tribulations have contributed to my success today. A lot of opportunities that I have today would not be possible without the military.”
Seth enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2014 and immersed himself in the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. As he transitioned out of active-duty service following his graduation in August 2021, he knew that he wanted to join a company that held the same values as the Navy.
Seth researched the DOD Skillbridge program, which allows service members to obtain internships for in-demand career fields during the service member’s 180-day window prior to separation from active duty. Oceaneering is an authorized DOD Skillbridge organization.
In March 2021, Seth was approved for an internship at Oceaneering’s Marine Services Division (MSD), which ultimately led to his full-time position as a project coordinator.
Seth said that the transition to a civilian career was easy due to the similarities and the high standards associated with Oceaneering’s Core Values. He also noted that the company offers a great sense of camaraderie amongst its employees.
“I enjoy being part of a team that designs and produces products for customers that impact the world,” he said. “The company takes good care of me and allows me to challenge myself as much as I can handle.”
A natural leader, Seth detailed how opportunities for diverse experiences and leadership development while in the Navy gave him a clear understanding of teamwork, which he often emulates in his current position.
“I had the opportunity to be submerged in a very diverse community. The different leadership schools that I attended while in the military added to my ability to be not only a good co-worker and teammate, but it prepared me to be a leader in all things that I do.”
For retiring or transitioning military members, Seth said that there is no such thing as being overprepared for life after service.
“Attend every class that you can for retiring or separating from the military,” he said. “Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) goals and always have a plan with multiple contingencies.”
He also advises taking advantage of available opportunities like the DOD Skillbridge Internship that served as a steppingstone to a full-time career at Oceaneering.
Seth had this last piece of advice for transitioning veterans: “No one wants something more than you do. You are in charge of your future.
“All you have to do is get after it.”
Seth remembers his friend, Michael “Dox” Doxtater HM3(FMF). A fun-loving and supportive brother who unfortunately took his life in 2021. Seth shared words of encouragement, “It is okay not to be okay. There are people always there to help. No one should have to go through the suffering and pain associated with suicide.”
The Veterans crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via phone, text or online chat.
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