Transition to Civilian Life

The military has its own unique culture, rules, and ways of operating. Transitioning to civilian life can be a culture shock and this did happen to me. It took some time to adapt to different norms, expectations, and work environments. We possess a wide range of valuable skills gained through our military service, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. However, some of these skills are not necessarily easily translated into civilian qualifications and communicating these to employers proved challenging as other candidates would often have formal qualifications that would demonstrate their relevance to potential employers over my military skills.

In my case, upon leaving the military I was looking for an employer that could provide opportunities for growth, allow me to seek new experiences and ways to achieve career advancement using a blend of my previous military skillset and additional vocational qualifications that could be provided in the workplace, would always be high on my agenda. Additionally, I did want to maintain stability within my workplace and look at how I could further challenge myself through a civilian employment structure.  

Working at Syneos Health

As a Director Business Operations, I am the primary contact on all matters related to Deployment Solutions Sales Teams and provide leadership, management, strategy development and financial and operational oversight to these teams in the UK. I also play a supporting role with our business development team for current and potential new business in the UK. While this role involves many challenges, it also presents opportunities for growth, new experiences, and career advancement.

Working in Syneos Health has allowed me to build and develop a trusted partnership within the Veterans Employee Resource Group, which I have co-lead for the last 2 years, along with support from fellow like-minded veterans and members of the community, enabling us to collectively provide a veteran friendly environment, that not only fosters support for veterans and their families, while creating a unique veterans culture, but also providing a platform and meeting point for those already in the company, and attracting other veterans into the company, to meet and share their experiences, as well as provide real support and mentorship during their early transition into civilian employment within Syneos Health.

 

 

 

Advice

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be a significant challenge, but there are many resources and opportunities available to veterans.

Translate Military Skills to Civilian Terms - Many of the skills acquired in the military are highly valuable in civilian careers, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. It's essential to translate these skills into language that civilian employers understand. Syneos Health, like many other companies, values these skills and often seeks to recruit veterans who possess them.

Utilise Veteran Support Organisations - There are numerous organisations dedicated to helping veterans transition to civilian careers. These organisations offer resources, networking opportunities, job training, and mentorship programs specifically tailored to veterans.

Research Companies with Veteran Initiatives - Many companies, including Syneos Health, actively seek to recruit veterans and offer specific programs and initiatives to support their transition to civilian careers. These initiatives may include mentorship programs, veteran hiring initiatives, and support networks.

Leverage Military Education Benefits - Veterans often have access to education benefits, which can be used to pursue further education or training to enhance their skills and qualifications for civilian careers. Taking advantage of these benefits can open new opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, where Syneos Health operates.

Network with Other Veterans - Networking with other veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian careers can provide valuable insights, advice, and potential job leads. Many veterans are eager to help fellow servicemembers navigate the transition process.

Highlight Transferable Skills in Job Applications and Interviews - When applying for civilian jobs, veterans should emphasise their relevant experiences and skills on their CVs and during interviews. Tailoring CVs to highlight transferable skills and accomplishments can help veterans stand out to potential employers.