What a Co-Founder and CEO at Ascender Systems Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Defense Industry
Jorge wishes someone had told them that the defense industry operates much like their military service in terms of confidentiality; for the first three years, their kids thought that their job was "making bubble gum" due to code names, highlighting the restriction on sharing details about developments and the science behind the work. While one can discuss interactions with people, the defense industry limits the details one can share, which continues the restrictions they experienced in the military.
Defense Industry, Confidentiality, Military Transition, Work-Life Balance, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jorge Muniz
Co-Founder & CEO
Ascender Systems
United States Naval Academy United States Naval Academy
University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business Master of Business Administration - MBAMaster of Business Administration - MBA
Engineering, IT, Math & Data
Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Veteran
Video Highlights
1. The speaker's work in the defense industry is often classified, meaning they can't share details about their work, even with family.
2. Defense industry roles may involve code names and a need for discretion, which can impact how you discuss your work with others.
3. While you can discuss interactions with people, sharing specific details about the developments or science behind the work in the defense industry is often restricted.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I can share this much: For the 25 years I was in military service, about half of the roles I held meant I couldn't share what I did with my wife or kids. I really couldn't even tell them what I was doing or where I was operating.
In this current role, for the first three years, my kids thought my job was making bubble gum. This was because we had code names, and my kids only heard of Juicy Fruit, Hubba Bubba, and Big Red. They genuinely believed I made gum, which I don't.
I wish I had known that this is a continuation of military service. While I can talk about interactions with people, I can't share the specifics of what we do, the developments, or the science behind our operations.
Anyone entering the defense industry will find this to be the case. It doesn't mean you have nothing to talk about; you're just restricted in what you can say.