The New R&R - Resilience and Renewal: Celebrating Veteran Career Transformations

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be a challenging journey. In this Q&A session, Melissa Early (She/Her) ( 美国军队 veteran, now Sr Vice President at Truist ) shares her experiences, challenges, and advice for others making career transitions.

Q1: How did you translate your military skills and experience for civilian job applications, and how did you address any potential employer concerns about your military background?

A1: Initially, I didn’t know how to translate my military skills and experiences. I was a 12C, Bridge Crewman, and that didn’t seem relevant to the civilian opportunities I was pursuing. I was fortunate to work for leaders who helped me make the connection. Now, I can communicate how the Army values instilled in me—leadership, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage—differentiate me from others.

I have been able to articulate the risk management and leadership skills I learned and how these experiences make me a strong candidate for just about any role in an organization. Problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience have really helped me thrive amidst changes like mergers, organizational shifts, and leadership changes.

Q2: What strategies and resources were most effective in your job search, including any veteran-specific services or programs you utilized?

A2: Military and veteran organizations and veterans who had transitioned were incredibly helpful. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to use specific programs or services, I received a lot of advice and encouragement. Job searching is stressful, especially when you feel you lack the necessary experience and hiring managers don’t recognize transferable skills. Resilience and adaptability were crucial for me. I also humbled myself by taking an entry-level position to get started, believing that my hard work would lead to progress, which thankfully it did.

Q3: How important was networking in your job search, and how did networking and mentorship influence your journey?

A3: I didn’t fully understand networking until a few years into working in a corporate environment. Over time, I realized networking was happening naturally as I built relationships. I had excellent coaching and sought opportunities to broaden professional connections both at work and outside. Volunteering and board service also helped develop amazing relationships.

Every position I have had in the last 11 years resulted from relationships developed before the roles were posted for applicants. I’ve been fortunate to receive invitations to apply and recommendations from leaders I’ve worked with. Mentors saw potential in me, sometimes more than I did, leading to success in roles I hadn’t considered. Networking and mentorship have been key to my career journey.

Q4: Considering the role of mentorship, how did you find a mentor, and what impact did they have on your transition? Do you mentor veterans now?

A4: I prefer a mentorship relationship that is less formal, where the mentorship comes naturally. This can be with a peer, senior leader, or even someone more junior in their career. I haven’t sought an official mentor, but I have had mentors assigned by a manager. Informal mentors have helped maintain my confidence, reflect on mistakes, and coach me to improve, aiding my transition and ongoing career.

I don’t formally mentor veterans, but I try to share what I’ve learned from transitioning to my current work experience. I hope it helps them the way it helped me.

Q5: What were the biggest challenges you faced during your transition to civilian employment?

A5: During my transition, I was a military spouse, and my husband, at the time, was still active duty, so many supportive resources and benefits didn’t change. The hardest transition was feeling a loss of camaraderie, a dramatic shift in my day-to-day schedule, and becoming a mom all at the same time.

Q6: Reflecting on your transition, what is one thing you wish you had known or done differently?

A6: I wish I had understood the transferable skills I had. I could have had a better resume and better responses to interview questions. At the time, I was thinking too specifically about my MOS instead of the broader experiences I had in the military.

Q7: Since leaving the service, how many jobs have you had, and what influenced your decision to choose your current employer?

A7: I have been with three companies since I transitioned, in several roles. Where I am currently, I have had eight different positions in five different segments over 12.5 years. The functions and segments have varied—Mortgage, Operations, Enterprise Risk, Legal & Public Affairs, and Human Resources. Despite the differences, I’ve been able to work with great teams, problem-solve, and implement solutions. My transferable skills have helped me succeed in various roles and teams.

I initially chose my current employer for the stability of my work schedule, allowing me to spend nights, weekends, and holidays with my kids. What keeps me with my employer is the people and culture. I love the people I work with and the leaders I work for.

Q8: What advice would you give transitioning service members, veterans, and their families as they consider new employment opportunities?

A8: The discipline and values strengthened during service set veterans apart from the civilian workforce in the best way. We’ve learned the importance of working together with a team mindset, being ‘all-in’ for the group’s benefit rather than focusing on self. While many skills can be taught, some behaviors hiring managers seek are harder to find. Veterans possess these key behaviors and characteristics!

Conclusion: Key Recommendations for a Successful Transition

Here are some key recommendations based on the insights shared in this Q&A session: Translate Military Skills Effectively, Leverage Veteran Resources, Embrace Networking, Seek Mentorship, Be Open to Entry-Level Positions, Recognize Transferable Skills, Choose Employers Wisely, and Utilize Military Values. By following these recommendations, transitioning service members, veterans, and their families can navigate the complexities of civilian employment with greater confidence and success. Embrace the journey, seek support, and remain resilient—the skills and values gained during military service are your strongest assets in building a fulfilling civilian career.