Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

What is the most useful piece of information about transitioning into the civilian workforce?

Veteran

Vernon Perry Southern Pines, NC

I am a very driven individual and enjoy a challenge, but need to know what in your opinion it is like in the business world

20 September 2018 8 replies Military to Civilian Transition

Answers

Advisor

Scott Gagnon Winthrop, MA

My advice would be to find a balance between the "by the book" procedural approach of the military and finding your rhythm in making decisions based upon information and what is the best outcome in the decision. In the technology field, yes, we have procedures but there are many times where a judgement call has to be made and sometimes fall outside of the procedures. Sometimes these decisions are good and sometimes they don't go as planned. I think in civilian employment, you will find a more forgiving workflow when mistakes are made as long as you can explain the "who, why and how" around it and the "what" you have learned.

My last piece of advice is to be customer focused in everything you do. I hope this helps.

20 September 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Alex Haseley Washington, DC

Be curious. Be very open to change. The hardest part is to adapt to new cultures, new styles of decision making - especially ones that are more consensus based rather than what we're used to in the military. It's not about conforming, it's learning how to adapt your style to thrive in a different environment. And sometimes it's the little things - style of how they write emails, run conference calls, organize meetings, formality of their work attire, etc. Those that refuse to change typically have a hard time adapting because there ends up being tissue rejection.

20 September 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Joe Pierce Jonesboro, AR

expect it to take time Vernon

Advisor

Stan Berris Minnetonka, MN

You are not in the military any longer - you need to understand that people may not be as disciplined or work as hard as you. It's OK, you will stand out in a good way. However, you also need to understand that applying the discipline you acquired in the military does not make anyone else less valuable - only different. Also, take the time to line up and understand how your military skills match with the civilian skills (they all do). Having this understanding will go a long way in how you sell yourself and help people understand your value to any job you may apply for in civilian life. Look for other veterans that may work at the company and connect with them to learn more about the inside track (www.linkedin.com).

Advisor

Andy Bergin Greenwich, CT

Vernon, Learn their language. Google a target company or industry. Find key executives in that industry talking about strategy, culture, challenges, etc. You can also find articles or thought leadership pieces they've written in industry journals. Many conferences post videos of keynotes and panels where you can watch experts in that field opine on current issues in that field (ex: corporate security). It's pregame intel for networking and interviews. It helps you cultivate your 'inside baseball' voice when talking to them. It gives you an edge over others who never went that extra step.

Advisor

Nancy Quartey Palo Alto, CA

Hi Vernon,
It sounds as if you’d like to explore what the civilian work environment is like. As a coach I can help you explore options and work with you to evaluate whether they might provide the lifestyle you’re looking for. If you’d like to discuss, please book a time to chat at nquartey.youcanbook.me
I look forward to speaking with you!
Nancy

Advisor

Steven Sablan Carmel, CA

Vernon,

Congrats on your coming retirement and transition. When I was getting ready to hang up the spurs, the most useful advice I received from my mentor was this: For 20 years, you became accustomed to blooming where you were planted. As you get ready to leave the military, plant yourself where you will bloom. Good luck!

Advisor

Seth Lynch Plano, TX

Vernon,

Alex and Scott give some really good professional advice and really hit the nail on the head around the cultural differences between military and civilian work.

My biggest challenge and something that set me back a bit when I first transitioned was much more around taking care of the personal changes between military and civilian work. First, make sure you put yourself first in salary negotiations. This will likely be the first time you've ever had to negotiate a salary. Remember, the company has offered you a job, that means they want you on the team. They aren't going to offer you their best salary first. They'll leave room to negotiate. If you think they can do better, make the ask. The worst that can happen is they say no and counter. They won't take offence.

Make sure you compare benefits and short and long term incentives available to you. Also, find out how likely short and long term incentives have been paid out. Focus on those variable portions of your compensation. They can make a big difference down the road. Learn about the difference in stock options and RSUs if the company is publicly traded. If it is private, find out if there are any types of equity stakes offered in the company to employees or options in case the company goes public.

From a professional standpoint, my recommendation is always be willing to take risks at work. Write down a career plan and reassess it at least once a year. Ask your boss to be part of a challenging project. Take roles that get you a lot of exposure to executive management of the company and/or your customers. Decide early if you want to manage people or remain an individual contributor and make that part of your career path plan.

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.