Michael Santiago
Vero Beach,FL
Summary
Dedicated professional advisor with extensive experience guiding applicants and families through education benefits, including the GI Bill, tuition assistance, and career development programs. Expertise in recruiting is complemented by strong counseling and mentorship skills, enabling effective navigation and planning for future educational opportunities. A passion for empowering individuals drives a commitment to fostering informed decision-making that supports long-term academic and career success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Recruiting Benefits Advisor and Instructor
US NAVY
Port Saint Lucie, FL
04.2023 - Current
- Advised applicants and service members on federal benefits including GI Bill, tuition assistance, healthcare (TRICARE), and career transition programs
- Conducted one-on-one counseling sessions to assess goals, eligibility, and long-term career planning
- Educated individuals and families on military and veteran benefits, simplifying complex policies into clear, actionable guidance
- Mentored and coached applicants through enlistment, education planning, and career development pathways
- Delivered structured training as an Instructor, developing and presenting curriculum on benefits, policies, and professional development
- Ensured compliance with DoD and Navy regulations, maintaining accurate records and documentation
- Collaborated with schools, community organizations, and families to provide outreach and education on career and education opportunities
- Managed a high-volume pipeline of candidates, maintaining consistent follow-ups and tracking progress
- Assisted individuals in overcoming barriers related to education, finances, and career uncertainty
- Recognized for strong performance, professionalism, and ability to build trust with diverse populations
US Navy Recruiter
United States Navy, USN
Port Saint Lucie, FL
11.2019 - 03.2023
- Built strong relationships with internal and external candidates to ensure an excellent hiring experience.
- Completed human resource operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees.
- Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
- Developed and implemented plans to improve recruitment process.
- Generated and analyzed reports to monitor employee engagement and attrition trends.
- Conducted phone interviews to assess applicants relevant knowledge, skills, experience and aptitudes.
- Advertised job opportunities on social media platforms and job boards.
- Collaborated with internal teams to continuously improve recruitment processes and execute as efficiently as possible.
- Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
- Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
- Advocated for staff members, helping to identify and resolve conflicts.
- Advised managers on best practices to maintain compliance with applicable laws.
- Collaborated with hiring managers to understand job requirements and expectations.
Naval Security
United States Navy, USN
Bremerton, WA
01.2017 - 11.2019
- Screened individuals and prevented passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Wrote detailed reports on property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons and unusual incidences.
- Updated shift logs and produced daily reports to document security activities and specific incidents.
- Reported suspicious activities and persons to law enforcement.
- Patrolled and monitored premises in company vehicle, on bicycle, and by foot.
- Acted quickly during emergency situations to reduce opportunity for damage and injury.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations to assess and deflect issues.
- Monitored and authorized entrance and departure of vehicles, cargo trucks, and visitors.
- Conducted training sessions for new security personnel to facilitate compliance with security protocols.
- Monitored CCTV cameras and alarm systems for security breaches.
- Wrote detailed reports of all security breaches and investigations.
- Secured premises and personnel by patrolling property and monitoring surveillance equipment.
- Examined doors, windows and gates to verify security.
- Patrolled internal building spaces and facility grounds to identify and deter threats to assets.
Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Equipment
United States Navy, USN
Norfolk, VA
05.2015 - 01.2017
- Trained deck division personnel in upkeep of ship's external structure, marlinspike, painting, rigging and deck equipment.
- Organized and maintained hand tools and equipment used daily to maximize work performance.
- Completed regular vessel inspections to identify deficiencies and coordinate corrective actions.
- Handled landing signalman responsibilities on air-capable ships and as coxswain on RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boast).
- Dismantled engines using hand tools and examined parts for defects.
- Protected ship and personnel by signaling passing vessels with flashing lights, flags, radios and whistles.
- Followed factory service manual protocols to restore, maintain and test small engine equipment.
- Identified root causes of engine problems to pinpoint trouble and determine optimal repair strategies.
- Kept detailed records of inventory, orders and repairs to document updated inventory stock and completed work.
- Removed, disassembled, inspected and completely renewed engines to perform complete equipment overhauls.
- Tested and inspected engines to determine malfunctions, locate missing and broken parts and verify repairs using diagnostic instruments.
- Adhered to laws and regulations based on voyage locations.
- Recorded repairs made, time spent and parts used.
- Supervised and coordinated activities of crew aboard ship.
- Stood watch during specified periods and determined geographical position of ship.
- Verified hydraulic fluid, air pressure and oxygen levels to check on systems operations.
Education
Associate Of Arts And Sciences - Health Sciences
Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FL12-2022
High School Diploma - undefined
Poinciana High School
Kissimmee, FL05-2012
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Excelsior University
Albany, NY07-2025
Skills
- Microsoft Word
- Public Speaking
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Outlook
- Assessments and Qualifications
- Safety Training
- Microsoft Excel
- Background Checks
- Instructing
- Networking
- Catapult Maintenance
- Aircraft Recovery
- Aircraft Launch
- Equipment Maintenance
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Machine Operations
- Final Assembly Processes
- Small Parts Assembly
- Train Employees
- Employee relations
- Benefits analysis
- Human resources expertise
- Problem-solving
- Leadership skills
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
Accomplishments
Recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for professional achievement, awarded for exceptional performance, sustained excellence, and significant contributions to organizational success.
Timeline
Recruiting Benefits Advisor and Instructor
US NAVY
04.2023 - Current
US Navy Recruiter
United States Navy, USN
11.2019 - 03.2023
Naval Security
United States Navy, USN
01.2017 - 11.2019
Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Equipment
United States Navy, USN
05.2015 - 01.2017
High School Diploma - undefined
Poinciana High School
Associate Of Arts And Sciences - Health Sciences
Indian River State College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Excelsior University