Transitioning military experience into a Northwell career

Michael J. Caines is an associate information technology specialist for Northwell Health based in our Melville, New York office. Michael assists in the implementation and maintenance of the information security architecture and solutions, and he also provides security design assistance on new products and other projects.

Michael’s involvement with the U.S. military, where he followed a career path similar to his role at Northwell, took place over a span of seven-and-a-half years that included active duty, and as a member of the army reserves.

In honor of Veterans Day, Michael shared with us more about his career growth at Northwell; how his time in the military inspired his decision to join us, and how being a member of the Veterans and Allies: Liaisons of Reintegration business employee resource group (VALOR BERG) has helped enhance his experience at the organization.

What excites you about your role at Northwell Health?

Without a doubt, my current occupation has been a huge step forward in my life, in every aspect. I am beyond happy with the team I work with and the experience I gain every single day.

What were your responsibilities while on active duty in the U.S. Army Reserve?

My MOS (military occupational code, used to identify specific jobs within the military) was 25B: information technology specialist. I performed system administration and maintained computers and servers within the computing and network environments. In addition, I was responsible for my junior soldiers who reported to me.

Northwell Health’s job search enables for searches using MOS codes

What skills did you learn in the military that translate into a civilian career here at Northwell?

In the military, I learned how to monitor data, security, and confidentiality, as well as ensuring compliance within an organization while working to maintain proper standards. This directly translates over to my civilian career today.

How does Northwell support you as a veteran both personally and professionally?

Northwell offers not only amazing job opportunities, but they also open so many doors for veterans to advance in their career and improve themselves both personally and professionally. When I started my process in joining Northwell, my recruiter took the time to thoroughly explain and go over what I needed to help with my resume. Once I began my career, I enjoyed the frequent check-ins to see how I was doing and if I was comfortable with my career choice. And as for my current team, they were extremely welcoming.

Most jobs that I’ve had in the past, teams just want to throw you into a job while providing minimal training and expect you to just figure out everything on your own. The IT Risk Management team that I am with now are the opposite. No matter what the task, they take ample time in making sure that I am on the right track, that I understand what I am doing, why I am doing it and that I can independently perform my job to standard. The diversity in work experience within the team also helps me learn things from different perspectives, attributing to my own personal growth. I’ve been treated with nothing but respect — and even though I’m still new here, my opinion on numerous topics is still valued because of my military experience.

What makes you passionate about  the VALOR BERG for veterans?

There are so many veterans who return home with lack of help and support. VALOR helps equip veterans with the proper resources they need to succeed, such as professional development and mentoring. The team works with service members to connect them to outlets that will support their physical and psychological well-being. VALOR truly helps someone coming from the military workforce and seamlessly transitions them into the civilian workforce.

What advice would you give a veteran looking to continue their career journey at Northwell Health?

I would tell any veteran to take the first step and immediately apply to any job they see at Northwell where there skills could be applied —because their life could be given a complete 180 turn, for the better!

Start your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn more about our commitment to veterans.