Dominique Ramirez
Career
1997-2001 | U.S. Navy – Aircraft Electronics Technician |
2005-2009 | U.S. Navy – Surface Warfare Officer |
2009-2011 | U.S. Navy – Officer Recruiter |
2011-2013 | Federal Student Aid – New Media Analyst |
2013-Present | Department of Veterans Affairs – Public Affairs Specialist |
I enlisted in the Navy in 1997 after graduating high school. At Recruit Training Division (AKA boot camp) I was promoted from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-2 (Seaman Apprentice). Following boot camp, I attended Seaman Apprenticeship Training Division to become a non-designated Seaman. Having graduated at the top of my class, I was given my choice of A school. I chose Aircraft Electronics Technician (AT) A school in Pensacola, Florida.
I graduated again at the top of my class and was promoted to E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) and given my choice of C school and also my choice of orders. I chose Calibration Technician C school and the USS Tarawa, LHA-1.
While aboard the Tarawa, I took the E-5 advancement exam and passed and advanced on my first try. I had reached the rank of Petty Officer Second Class by the age of 19. At this point, I applied for and was accepted to the Broadened Opportunities for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program. Upon graduation, I was able to attend Drexel University under an ROTC scholarship, but eventually transferred to the University of San Diego, where I earned my bachelor’s in Business Administration.
After graduating from college, I was commissioned an Ensign (O-1E) and reported to the USS Momsen as a Surface Warfare Officer. After completing a deployment to the Philippines, I, unfortunately, developed knee problems and was eventually medically separated from the Navy. However, I was able to join the Navy Reserves and serve as an Officer Recruiter.
I finally left active duty in 2011 and started my career in the federal government at the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) as a New Media Analyst. This was back when social media was a relatively new concept in the federal government. I helped launch the @FAFSA Twitter account and was part of the team that managed social media for FSA. Also while at FSA, I began pursuing my Masters in Information Technology with an emphasis in Web Design.
In 2013, I was hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where I currently work. My new position allowed me to combine my experience in social media management with my education in web design. I currently manage the VA’s main social media accounts, with a total reach of more than 2 million followers across all social media platforms. Additionally, I help manage VA’s main websites, VAntage Point (VA’s official blog) and VA.gov.
Other Employment
Webmaster | AFGE Local 17 |
In 2021, I was hired to build a new website for AFGE Local 17. I currently maintain Local 17’s website, help them publish new content to the site, and also manage their social media presence on Twitter.
Education
University of San Diego | Bachelor of Business Administration | Magna Cum Laude |
Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Information Technology | Summa Cum Laude |