In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we sit down with Beau Higgins, a retired Marine Corps officer and current Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Arcadia Group. Beau takes us through his transition from a 25-year career in the Marine Corps to corporate leadership, including his impactful tenure at Amazon and his groundbreaking work with Oplign, a tool designed to bridge the gap between military and civilian careers.
Oplign serves as a cutting-edge Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) translator, helping veterans craft skills-based resumes tailored to civilian job markets. With its unique technology, Oplign matches veterans to roles at top-tier companies like Amazon, Boeing, and Wells Fargo. Beau breaks down how this tool simplifies the job search process and empowers veterans to present their unique skills in a way recruiters value.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Beau shares his deep connection to the Travis Manion Foundation. Having served alongside Travis Manion, Beau discusses the foundation’s mission to support Gold Star families and its efforts in character development for youth through programs like "Character Does Matter." He also shares his experiences as a race director for the 9/11 Heroes Run, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the veteran and civilian communities alike.
Key Topics Covered:
- Beau’s personal journey transitioning from the military to corporate leadership.
- Why early transition planning and networking are essential for success.
- The innovative role of Oplign in helping veterans translate their military experience into civilian job skills.
- Unique qualities veterans bring to the workplace, including resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.
- How the Travis Manion Foundation makes a difference in supporting Gold Star families and fostering leadership in youth.
Actionable Insights:
- Start Early: Begin planning your transition months (or even years) before leaving the military.
- Network Effectively: Use the "50 cups of coffee" approach to build connections and learn about different industries.
- Leverage Tools: Use resources like Oplign to simplify resume building and job searching.
- Get Involved: Support initiatives like the Travis Manion Foundation to stay connected and make a meaningful impact.
Links and Resources:
💼 Explore Oplign: http://oplign.com/
🌟 Get Involved with the Travis Manion Foundation: https://www.travismanion.org/
🔗 Connect with Beau Higgins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauhiggins1/
🎥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread the word and support the veteran community!

#Oplign #TravisManionFoundation #Leadership #Networking #vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranSuccess #MilitaryTransition #VeteranHiring