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Veteran Transition Stories

In-depth stories from veterans who navigated the transition to civilian life. Their experiences, challenges, and advice can help guide your own journey.

Showing 8 of 8 stories

Career ChangeArmy · Staff Sergeant (E-6) · 10 years

Angela Washington

35F (Intelligence Analyst) · Atlanta, GA

Senior Data Analyst at a Fortune 500 healthcare company

After a decade in Army intelligence, Angela knew her analytical skills were transferable -- she just was not sure where to start. She spent her last year of service taking online courses through Coursera in data science and SQL, using tuition assistance to offset the costs. When she separated at Fort Stewart, she felt prepared but nervous.

EntrepreneurshipMarines · Sergeant (E-5) · 8 years

Marcus Rivera

0311 (Rifleman) · San Antonio, TX

Founder and CEO of a veteran-owned logistics company

Marcus always knew he wanted to run his own business. During his eight years as a Marine infantryman, he developed leadership skills and an unshakable work ethic, but he had no formal business education. When he separated, he used his GI Bill to enroll in a business administration program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

EducationNavy · Petty Officer First Class (E-6) · 12 years

Dr. Sarah Chen

HM (Hospital Corpsman) · Seattle, WA

Emergency Medicine Physician

Sarah spent twelve years as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, including two combat deployments with Marine infantry units. She saved lives under fire, managed trauma patients in austere environments, and trained junior corpsmen. But she always dreamed of becoming a doctor, and when she hit her twelve-year mark, she decided it was time.

Federal EmploymentAir Force · Technical Sergeant (E-6) · 14 years

James Okonkwo

3D0X2 (Cyber Systems Operations) · Washington, DC

GS-13 Cybersecurity Specialist at the Department of Homeland Security

James spent fourteen years managing cybersecurity operations for Air Force networks, earning a TS/SCI clearance and a stack of certifications including CISSP, Security+, and CEH. When he decided to separate, he knew he wanted to stay in the cybersecurity field, and federal employment offered the best combination of mission, pay, and benefits.

Career ChangeCoast Guard · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · 16 years

Tanya Blackwood

ME (Maritime Enforcement Specialist) · Houston, TX

Director of Security Operations at a major port authority

After sixteen years in the Coast Guard, including five years as a Chief Petty Officer overseeing maritime law enforcement operations, Tanya was not sure where she fit in the civilian world. She had spent her career boarding vessels, conducting security inspections, and leading teams in high-stress maritime environments. She worried that her skills were too specialized.

EntrepreneurshipArmy · Specialist (E-4) · 4 years

David Park

12B (Combat Engineer) · Nashville, TN

Licensed General Contractor and founder of a veteran-owned construction company

David did one enlistment as a combat engineer, spending most of his time building and demolishing obstacles, constructing field fortifications, and operating heavy equipment. When he got out at twenty-two, he had hands-on construction experience but no civilian credentials. He moved to Nashville with twelve thousand dollars in savings and a plan.

EducationAir Force · Master Sergeant (E-7) · 20 years

Dr. Michelle Torres

4N0X1 (Aerospace Medical Technician) · Denver, CO

Clinical Professor of Nursing at a state university

Michelle retired from the Air Force after twenty years as an aerospace medical technician. She had risen to the rank of Master Sergeant, managed flight medicine clinics, and trained hundreds of medical technicians. But she had always wanted to earn her doctorate and teach the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Federal EmploymentNavy · Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) · 6 years

Robert (Rob) Whitfield

CTN (Cryptologic Technician Networks) · Fort Meade, MD

GS-12 Information Security Analyst at the National Security Agency

Rob spent six years as a Navy CTN, working in signals intelligence and network exploitation at Fort Meade. His work was classified, his skills were in high demand, and he knew that transitioning to a civilian role at NSA or another intelligence agency was the logical move. What he did not expect was how complicated the federal hiring process would be.

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