Veteran Value within Tech
Why your military experience makes you an ideal candidate
Breaking into a new field is a challenge, especially if the military is all you have known. However, it’s a challenge that you can certainly overcome. As a Veteran, there are many characteristics you encompass, experiences you’ve had, and values you have lived that you can bring to the Information Technology field. With this entry, I hope you are reminded of how valuable you can be in the Information Technology Field.
Why Your Military Chapter Matters
First and foremost, I want to reinforce and remind you of the profound value of your military experience when it comes to transitioning into the tech industry. Whether you’re aiming for a role that requires strong interpersonal skills like Sales Engineering or Solutions Architecture, or you’re pursuing a technical position like software development, your military background equips you with a unique set of skills that are highly sought after in the tech world.
In the fast-paced tech industry, effective communication and interpersonal skills are as critical as technical expertise. Take, for example, a Sales Engineer or Solutions Architect role, where you’re at the forefront of engaging with clients. Success in these positions hinges on your ability to empathize with clients’ needs and communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and relatable manner. Even in more technically-focused roles like software development, collaboration and communication remain vital. Tech projects are rarely solo endeavors; you’ll often work in pairs or teams, brainstorming ideas, revising applications, and presenting your work to both colleagues and clients. Being able to articulate the logic behind your code to both technical experts and non-technical stakeholders is an invaluable skill that sets you apart as a junior software developer.
Your military experience has honed your ability to function seamlessly within a team, where collaboration and effective communication are a way of life. The extensive training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities you’ve encountered in the military have equipped you with a wealth of experiences that many college graduates lack. Think about all the aspects of your military journey: the diversity of experiences, the ability to advise supervisors and mentor junior colleagues, adhering to strict deadlines under pressure, effective project planning, and client-facing roles. These soft skills are not just desirable but essential in any job or company within the tech industry.
Companies are actively seeking individuals with your level of workforce experience and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams. Your military background provides a solid foundation for excelling in the tech world, and all you need to do is complement it with the relevant technical skills and certifications.
So, whether you’ve already started your tech journey or are considering making the transition, take pride in your military experience. It’s a powerful asset that sets you apart in the tech industry. Embrace the challenge of learning new technical skills while leveraging the unparalleled qualities you’ve gained from serving in the world’s finest fighting force. Your ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate will undoubtedly propel you to new heights within the tech sector.
Values
The military is an organization built on the foundation of unwavering values. Each branch has its own distinct set of principles they live by. Take, for instance, the Army values — Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage (LDRSHIP). These values are instilled so deeply that they become a part of who you are. You can still recite them effortlessly, a testament to the indelible impact of your Infantry OSUT training.
Values aren’t unique to the military alone; many companies in the civilian world are also guided by their own sets of principles. Some are deeply rooted in their values, while others may not place as much emphasis on them. One standout example of a values-driven organization is AWS and Amazon, which adhere to 16 Leadership principles.
As a military veteran, you are the epitome of an ideal candidate for tech companies that value integrity, discipline, and purpose. Your years of service have shaped you into a person who lives out these values every day. What better fit for a tech company than someone who has already experienced the power of values in action?
But it’s not just the military values that matter; your personal values are equally significant. Many veterans join the military from diverse backgrounds, often coming from challenging circumstances. The military becomes a transformative force, providing structure, discipline, and a sense of purpose. As you transition into civilian life, these personal values stay with you, influencing every aspect of your life, regardless of the organization you join. It’s essential to recognize the profound impact of personal values in addition to the military values you embraced. As you explore potential companies to work for in the tech industry, take the time to explore their “about pages” and learn about their core values. You will find some organizations whose values resonate deeply with the ones you lived by in the military and the personal principles you hold dear.
Finding a company that aligns with your values is not only essential for your own fulfillment and growth but also for building a successful career. When your values align with those of the company you work for, you become part of a collective force, moving forward with a shared purpose and vision. This alignment will undoubtedly shine through as you market yourself to potential employers in the tech industry.
Diversity
Diversity can be a polarizing topic for some, but in this scenario, I think there is a benefit to noting the vast backgrounds Veterans come from itself. We come from all walks of life, regardless of financial status or upbringing. Veterans represent a unique cross-section of society, as they start off as enlisted service members or officers, leaving behind their previous identities to serve the nation with dedication and honor. The bond forged among service members, who hail from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, is unlike any other. It is this very essence that makes Veterans highly valuable in the modern workplace, contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives and skills.
Veterans are accustomed to working in multicultural environments, where cultural sensitivity plays a crucial role in achieving operational success. Through their service, they have gained an unparalleled ability to excel in diverse teams and effectively integrate individuals from different backgrounds into an organization’s culture. Their innate understanding of the importance of collaboration and inclusivity fosters a sustainable and positive work environment that benefits everyone involved.
Only one percent of our nation serves this country as an all-volunteer force. When you leave the military, you are representing a tiny fraction of the country that answered a higher calling and was held to a standard of values that called you to unique experiences around the globe. Many of which, civilians will never understand or be exposed to. This is not to downplay or undermine those who have not served, but objectively state that Veterans have vastly different experiences than those in non-military life. Hell, 50% of Americans allegedly don’t even move out of their hometown. Every 3 years on average, most service members are PCSing to another location unless a specialty or MOS is base specific in nature.
The distinct experiences of Veterans have become a sought-after asset for companies, not only because of their cultural adaptability but also due to their potential to address major issues within the Veteran community. Transition programs such as SFLTAP (Soldier for Life, Transition Assistance Program) within the Army were created in the early 2000s to assist Iraq War Veterans in their life transitions after service. Unfortunately, issues like homelessness among Veterans were once prevalent, but companies now recognize the importance of providing support and opportunities to those who have served. SkillBridge, a DoD program, facilitates Veterans in gaining meaningful internships and training for post-military career fields, contributing to their successful transition into civilian life.
Employers actively seek to employ Veterans, understanding that partnering with the DoD and SkillBridge is not just an act of gratitude but a way to enhance diversity within their ranks. Modern companies recognize diversity as a catalyst for innovative growth and unique collaboration, propelling them to new heights of success. It’s essential, however, to remember that while diversity is vital, performance-based work should never be overshadowed; rather, the two should complement each other harmoniously.
Embracing Veteran diversity in the workplace goes beyond mere tokenism. It involves recognizing and appreciating the vast range of experiences, perspectives, and skills that Veterans bring to the table. By fostering a work environment that values inclusivity and collaboration, companies can harness the full potential of their diverse workforce and drive greater success in an ever-evolving world. Veterans have selflessly served their country, and now, as they transition into the civilian workforce, their contributions continue to enrich the fabric of our society.
Conclusion
In closing, let this be a conversation starter within coding boot camps, a reminder for Veterans entering the field, or for current Software Developers seeking diverse talent. Your military background equips you with invaluable skills and values. Embrace your journey, take pride in your unique perspectives, and seek companies that align with your principles for a purposeful career. Reach out for help or guidance — I’m here to support my fellow Veterans. Pay it forward, and together, let’s make a positive impact in the tech industry. Take care!
