Veterans Take Project Management a Few Steps Ahead

Since the development of the Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) time estimation method and the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in the 1950s, the United States Military has forged core tools of the project management profession. When the Department of Defense required the Earned Value Management methodology to be used on all projects starting in the 1980s, these formal project management techniques rose to gold-standard status. The widespread adoption meant thousands of servicemen and women became fluent with project management tactics and skillsets. And yet, as many military veterans have learned, it takes some finesse to communicate how those skills from the service translate to the civilian workforce.?

“My last position in the Navy was Surface Warfare Officer,” says veteran Ken Lusk. “Of course, it can be hard for someone looking at a resume to see how that applies to the job opening they need to fill.” Lusk, who is currently the Director of Implementation and Technical Support of Digital Platform at Mayo Clinic, served 23 years of active duty in the US Navy.?“The military is heavily reliant on solid project management skills for everyday operations - personnel management, problem resolution, conflict resolution, risk identification and management, as well as scope, timelines, milestones and budget management.”?

“The military is heavily reliant on solid project management skills for everyday operations."

-Ken Lusk, Director of Implementation and Technical Support of Digital Platform at Mayo Clinic

?When Ken began considering a transition to civilian life, a generous offer from his commanding officer gave him the chance to translate those skills into something the US job market could understand. The opportunity gave him access to a PMP bootcamp, covered the cost of his registration fees, and allowed time to study for the exam. He achieved his PMP certificate in 2018 and was hired as a Project Manager for Mayo Clinic soon after.??

“I saw project management as a way to bridge the gap between the experience I had within the Navy and the type of work and position I sought to hold after retirement. Achieving my PMP helped me develop myself further and gave me a widely recognized certification to help my resume.” Ken’s military life sharpened his instinct to see and respond to a situation as his naval days came to an end. When he noticed his new project proponents at Mayo Clinic looking for agile project management methods, he earned his Certified Scrum Master (CSM) credential in anticipation of the organization’s new direction.?

Ken’s employers are not the only ones seeing the value of veterans leading their teams. Project consultancy firm Matrix PMO definitely sees the link between military service and consistent project results. “Our clients love having veteran project managers,” says Sarah Currid, head of their veterans' recruitment program. “The discipline they learn, their work ethic, their follow-though, and leadership skills – all those characteristics they hone in the service, - who wouldn’t love a project manager like that? Who wouldn’t love an employee like that?”?

"Our clients love having veteran project managers,” says Sarah Currid, head of their veterans' recruitment program. “The discipline they learn, their work ethic, their follow-though, and leadership skills – all those characteristics they hone in the service, - who wouldn’t love a project manager like that? Who wouldn’t love an employee like that?”?

Matrix PMO has developed a veteran recruitment program to support those with US service history and their spouses. The program offers priority interviewing for veterans, a competitive compensation and benefits package, and the opportunity to put advanced project management skills to work in the power and energy sector.??

Matrix PMO’s program is one of a growing number that contributed to driving chronically low veteran unemployment rates down to just 2.7% at the end of last month (US Department of Labor). After years of programs and tactics have been deployed, veterans hiring programs are beginning to pay off. Unemployment for their cohort is now below the national average.??

This Veterans Day, we thank our many fellow citizens who have given so much to serve our country. If you are, or know of, a veteran or current serviceman who may be preparing to transition to civilian life, project management may be a career you want to explore. PMI has developed a business case for the military and their spouses to show why joining the ranks of certified project managers may be a brilliant option for your future career. Wherever we may find you, we give you our gratitude for your service, and wish all the peace and security you fight for return to you and your family. Thank you, Veterans!?

Written by Andrea Smith, Director of Social Media for the PMI La Crosse – Rochester Chapter.

Matrix PMO is a project management consultancy firm with project professionals posted across the country. They are a 2022 sponsor of the PMI LaCrosse - Rochester Chapter.

This article is part of the chapter communications and news for 2022.?#PMILacrosseRochester?Interested in volunteering to be part of the chapter communications team or adding an idea for an article? Email us at?[email protected]