FZer Spotlight: Cristina Arguizoni

Our Armed Forces play a critical role in ensuring national security, upholding peace, and defending our values and interests. It's also a hub of highly skilled people who have an immense array of talents and experience to add to our economy and organizations. Simply put, the integration of veterans into the trades benefits everyone. We interviewed Cristinia Arguizoni, SSG Staff Sergeant and now Safety Specialist for our Middle Tennessee team, about her experience in the Army and her transition into the trades. Here's what she had to say!

What branch of the military did you serve in? What brought you to the army?
Right out of high school, I went to college. After one semester, it became very clear that it was not for me. I realized that I wanted to see more of the world and get hands-on experience. I honestly decided to join the army quickly and without much thought. I had a gut feeling that I needed to do it and trusted it. Two months later I was in basic training.

What was your experience?
Well, I was in the army for eight years, stationed in Arizonia, Georgia, and then Tennessee. I really enjoyed my time and I learned a ton. My last few years in, I had the same gut feeling as before that it was time to leave and try something new. I started thinking through my skills and experience and looking for opportunities that would align. I did some things with occupational health, public health, and then safety. I saw the Safety Specialist position at FZ and just went for it.

What made you interested in the electrical industry?
To be honest, I never thought much about it. Safety is safety. As long as the company has a foundation based on people and valuing their safety, it doesn’t matter where you are. I find it really interesting now and love my role here. I get to work behind the scenes, supporting our team and helping us collectively work safer.

Have you seen any similarities between the trades and your experience in the Armed Forces?
Our values at FZ and in the Army are the same. Especially when it comes to integrity and professionalism. The nature of the work for both can be hazardous and is fast-paced. In the Army, you're so trained to identify risks and figure out ways of mitigating them. My role here as a Safety Specialist is the same - identifying, flagging, and correcting unsafe situations.

Also, you're always looking out for the person next to you. That team mindset, where we win and lose together. When it comes to safety, that's huge. How do I keep myself and my other FZers safe. At FZ and in the army, that reliance and trust create a close-knit team, like a family. The culture is very similar.

What have you learned during the service that you apply in your job now?
I learned so many random skills in the army, seemingly every day. I became good at a lot of little things. It's amazing how many of those skills have come into play in my role here.

What would you say to someone exiting the Armed Forces and re-entering a civilian career?
Opportunity is out there. You know more than you think you do. Take advantage of it.

We can never thank our veterans enough for the time, effort, and sacrifices they've made for the freedoms and security we have every day.