Unemployment continues to plague many veterans once they leave the military. Despite their years of dedicated service and a wide variety of work and life skills, veterans are struggling to secure full-time jobs to support themselves and their families.
According to Joseph Kernan, chairman of NS2 Serves and retired vice admiral, U.S. Navy, “Hiring a veteran not only provides your company with a devoted employee who has the potential to become a highly productive member of the team, but you’re also giving a deserving veteran a fresh start in post-military life and a chance at a fulfilling career.”
Why not wastewater?
Veterans can thrive in a wide variety of work settings, including the wastewater industry, where many of the skills they’ve learned over the years may translate well to a service business. They may know how to operate large trucks or equipment, communicate well with technicians and your customers, and are often trained in technology areas that could bring added value to your operation.
“This is why SAP National Security Services established the nonprofit NS2 Serves: to train and employ veterans in high-tech careers,” Kernan says. “Through this program for predominantly enlisted men and women, we prepare graduates with the skills that hiring managers and organizations look for in a highly qualified, technically trained and dedicated employee.”
Asked why employers should hire a veteran, he suggests seven compelling qualities that demonstrate why a veteran should be your next pick.
1. Veterans strive to be leaders
In the military, leadership is continually fostered until it becomes an ingrained attribute. Veterans respect and understand the roles of leaders and willingly accept and seek leadership opportunities. Most importantly, there is a clear understanding of a preeminent responsibility to those entrusted with leadership roles — lead by example and in a way that they would like to be led.
2. Veterans know how to work as a team
Working successfully in a team is considered an essential skill in most workplaces; it’s also the foundation on which safe and successful military operations are conducted. Veterans have developed an uncompromising responsibility to their peers, subordinates and superiors alike. They understand that there is “no I in team” and that success is invariably related to the depth of teamwork.
3. Veterans are trained to quickly learn new skills and concepts
While in the service, members of the military are continually trained in a multitude of cross-functional skills. The demand for both administrative and occupational skills is high, and the ability to adapt to technological enhancements is essential. No matter what their job assignment, veterans must master the operations and react quickly to flaws and failures.
4. Veterans are mission/goal oriented
In the military, the mission is paramount. Veterans have been trained to adapt to complex tasks that are inherent in office and field settings. Their sense of duty, responsibility and accountability for job performance and mission success is an enduring priority. The culture and training in our military continues to breed success and respect around the world.
5. Veterans have the ability to perform in high-stress situations
In today’s fast-paced work environment, having the ability to persevere under difficult or stressful circumstances is crucial. Veterans are trained and expected to perform under stress and still accomplish tasks in a timely and effective manner. They must do so with the resources at hand.
6. Veterans are able to adapt accordingly
While in the military, veterans undergo rigorous training programs to become experts in a wide range of skills and concepts that are applicable in a civilian work environment. Being able to adapt to changing situations is imperative to mission success and, when transferred to the workplace, it ensures a highly successful employee. While military duties stress teamwork and group productivity, they also build individuals who are able to perform independently when the situation demands it.
7. Veterans have strong communication skills
Veterans have learned to work effectively side by side with individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, economic status, geographic origins, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Regardless of varying intellectual and physical abilities, each individual is respected for his or her critical role in the organization. Military personnel are taught to have a questioning and thoughtful mentality, and they are not afraid to offer perspectives and recommendations to supervisors in a respectful manner.
Great work ethic
Kernan asserts, “From the day they begin their training, military personnel are instilled with a strong sense of character and work ethic. They are able to fill leadership voids or follow direction until the goal has been achieved.”
He believes every company should look to veterans when the time comes to grow or fill vacated positions, and he calls on business owners to help support those who preserve our values and security. For more information on getting involved with NS2 Serves, go to www.ns2serves.org.
