Veterans salute the flag during the presentation of colors at the Veterans Day At The Wall, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
As a veteran who transitioned from a Navy aircraft carrier flight deck to a corporate desk and eventually the corner office, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique challenges of reintegrating into civilian life. The journey from the military to the corporate world is not easy, but it’s one that many of us are well-equipped to navigate.
When I left the Navy, I faced the daunting task of translating my military experience into a civilian career. The jargon, the hierarchy, the mission — all of it was different. Yet, the core values remained the same. My time in the service instilled in me a sense of discipline, a commitment to teamwork, and the ability to lead from behind. These qualities have guided me through a successful career in the tech industry, where I’ve had the privilege of leading business transformations in sectors ranging from financial technology to human resources software.
For veterans making this transition, the biggest challenge is often figuring out how to translate military skills into a language civilian employers understand. Rest assured, the qualities that made you successful in the military — loyalty, dedication, decision-making and adaptability — are highly sought after in the corporate world.
I’ve seen this in my journey from the flight deck to the boardroom. The precision and calmness under pressure required to gather intelligence during the Gulf War have served me well in high-stakes business environments. And I’m not alone — many veterans have successfully transitioned into leadership roles.
Why veterans make valuable employees
A recent report found that veterans are more likely to be employed in leadership roles than non-veterans, with 12% holding executive or senior-level positions. The reasons why are clear. Veterans bring unique skills and qualities that make them highly desirable candidates for civilian jobs. Veterans are accustomed to long hours and demanding tasks, showcasing a strong work ethic and dedication to their responsibilities.
The business world, like the military, is constantly changing. The high degree of adaptability my fellow veterans cultivated in the military sets them up perfectly to handle the daily challenges of a professional workplace. Veterans are experienced in overcoming challenges and adversity, demonstrating resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Their military training frequently involves complex problem-solving and critical thinking, equipping them to analyze situations, assess risks, and make informed decisions. These qualities helped me lead my team during tough times.
Throughout my time in the corporate world, I have lived and worked through some of the hardest times the nation has faced, including 9/11, the 2008 housing crisis, and COVID-19. These challenges not only brought hardships to people’s personal lives, but they translated into work life as businesses had to find ways to operate in the midst of a changing environment. The pandemic, for example, forced many of us to adapt quickly to new realities. We had to rapidly digitize our operations to help our clients stay connected with their communities. It was challenging, but my military background prepared me to lead through uncertainty. The ability to remain agile, loyal to the mission, and transparent with my team were all lessons I learned in the service.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and veterans often benefit from resources and support to help them translate their skills and experiences into successful civilian careers.
For veterans looking to move into business leadership, here are five strategies that can help:
Be resilient and patient: The transition to civilian life can be bumpy. Stay focused, learn from your experiences, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
Seek guidance: Look for mentors with experience transitioning from military to civilian careers. Veteran communities and networking groups can offer valuable resources to help make these connections.
Capitalize on your military skills: Your military experience equips you with valuable discipline, teamwork and strategic thinking — essential assets in the corporate world. Highlight these on your resume and in interviews.
Stay ahead of the curve: The business world is constantly changing, particularly in tech. Keep your skills sharp and relevant through continuous learning and professional development.
Add value: When you land the job, often mindset makes the difference. Don’t think of it as a Job, think of it and work it like it is a mission. Regardless of the size, make it your craft.
Lead the way for veteran careers: By succeeding in the tech industry, you can inspire others to follow. Your success can help veterans discover new career paths and utilize their unique skills.
To my fellow veterans: Let’s channel the dedication and commitment we showed in service toward our post-military goals. Our unique experiences and skills make us natural leaders in any field. By supporting one another, we can succeed individually and inspire the next generation of veteran leaders.
Chris Bacon is chief executive officer of Ministry Brands.
