Supporting Service Academy Grads on the Outside: Why Veterans Make Exceptional Teammates in Any Workplace
Jan 17, 2025Why Veterans Make Exceptional Teammates in Any Workplace
Are you a midshipman wondering how to prepare for life after the Naval Academy? Or perhaps you're a junior officer contemplating your next steps? In this episode of the Academy Insider podcast, I sit down with Brendan Aronson, Naval Academy graduate, Marine Corps veteran, and now CEO of The Military Veteran.
We explore the unique value that veterans bring to the civilian workforce and discuss strategies for a successful transition from military to civilian life. Brendan shares insights from his journey, from his time at the Academy to his current role in executive search and venture capital.
Building Bridges: The Value of Networking for Veterans
Networking is a critical skill for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. It’s not just about finding job opportunities; it’s about creating meaningful connections that can provide guidance, mentorship, and mutual growth.
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Leverage Your Military Network: Connect with alumni, veterans’ groups, and LinkedIn veteran-focused groups for job leads, mentorship, and support.
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Master Informational Interviews: Approach professionals in your desired field for casual conversations to gain insights and advice about transitioning from the military.
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Attend Veteran-Friendly Events: Participate in career fairs and networking events tailored for veterans, and always follow up after meeting new contacts.
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Translate Military Skills for Civilians: Highlight transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, and share stories that showcase your experience.
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Build Authentic Relationships: Focus on genuine connections, be patient, and consistently stay in touch to nurture your professional network over time.
Overcoming Challenges in Transitioning to Civilian Careers
Transitioning from military to civilian life is an exciting yet challenging journey for many veterans. This process involves not only adapting to a new work environment but also adjusting to different social dynamics and expectations. The unique skills and experiences gained in the military may not always seem directly applicable to civilian roles, leading to feelings of uncertainty or frustration. However, there are effective strategies and support systems that can help veterans navigate these challenges and build a successful career in the civilian workforce.
- Understand the Civilian Job Market: Familiarize yourself with industry terminology, job expectations, and workplace culture to bridge the gap between military and civilian roles.
- Translate Military Skills into Civilian Terms: Learn how to present military experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers, highlighting leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- Seek Career Counseling and Mentorship: Utilize resources like veteran career programs, mentors, and transition assistance services to guide you through the career shift.
- Develop Emotional Resilience: Transitioning can be emotionally challenging. Practice self-care, stay positive, and engage in support networks to overcome feelings of isolation or self-doubt.
- Be Open to Learning: Stay adaptable and open to new skills or certifications that may enhance your employability in civilian roles.
Education After Service: Is an MBA or Further Study Right for You?
For many veterans, continuing their education after service can be an important step in advancing their civilian careers. With a variety of educational paths available, deciding whether to pursue an MBA or further study depends on individual goals, career aspirations, and personal interests. This decision requires careful consideration of the time, cost, and potential return on investment.
- Evaluate Career Goals: Consider how further education aligns with your long-term career aspirations and whether it will open doors in your desired industry.
- Weigh the Costs and Benefits: Research the financial investment, including tuition and time commitment, versus the potential salary increase and career advancement opportunities.
- Consider Alternative Education Paths: Explore other options such as certifications, trade programs, or specialized courses that might be more aligned with your goals or less time-consuming.
- Take Advantage of Veteran Benefits: Utilize GI Bill benefits and other veteran-specific educational programs to offset costs and access financial aid.
- Assess Personal Commitment: Be honest with yourself about your readiness for further study, considering your family life, work-life balance, and personal interests before committing to a degree program.
No matter where you are in your transition, know that you’re not alone. There are resources, networks, and communities ready to support you every step of the way. Keep pushing forward, stay open to new possibilities, and always believe in your ability to thrive.
The future is yours to shape, and with determination, resilience, and the right mindset, you’ll continue to make an impact in ways you’ve yet to imagine.
To listen to the full podcast with Brendan Aronson click here.
Grant is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy class of 2017. He is also the founder of Academy Insider. You may reach out to Grant with questions at [email protected].
To learn more about the Naval Academy, connect with Academy Insider.
You can also subscribe to his podcast the Academy Insider Podcast with Grant Vermeer on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Stitcher and Spotify.