Are you having a tough time selling your leadership experience to civilian organizations?

2015-11-10T16:14:31-05:00

This question is primarily directed at current/former NCOs and commissioned officers, but anyone else willing to chime in is welcome to do so. A little about my background: I served six years in the Marine Corps and left as a sergeant – with the last position I held being a S-4 Platoon Sergeant. I am now a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force Reserve, and while I haven’t learned all the ins and outs of my specific technical field yet my unit depends on me heavily to mentor troops in a variety of other subject matter. I have been selected to attend UPT (flight training) – but we all know these things go. It’s not real until I have orders in hand and I’m on my way to OTS. That said I’m planning a contingency route in the event my flight physical is denied, etc. I have been doing a lot of ‘soul-searching’ and I’m trying to figure out what else I might want to do with my life should I not be able to attend flight school and/or commission as an officer.

Since graduating college I have worked for several outstanding organizations, but I am beginning to notice a trend. Every time I apply for a promotion or ask for more responsibility – I’m politely told no. It has even been insinuated to me that being an NCO isn’t the same as (as in inferior, not to the same standard of) being a civilian supervisor or manager. My service as an NCO has been met with some skepticism when I explain to business leaders that I do in fact have managerial experience. During an interview I was asked ‘what experience I could bring to the table’. I explained at 23 years old the US Government entrusted me 14-16 Marines and 14 million dollars of hardware. (I helped manage its storage.) And yes, I was cautious about tone. I don’t brag. When people ask, I simply tell them. In any case, the interviewer just blatantly cut me off and said “doesn’t mean anything out here”.

I thought I blew it, but oddly enough, they offered me the job. In any case I don’t know where this perception stems from. We all know that military leadership has changed and continues to do so. The days of just ‘yelling’ at people to ‘get things done’ are over. Service members are better educated than ever before – they ask questions and often times, they’re good questions. As NCOs and officers, we’re not just managing drones or robots – why can’t the corporate world see this?

Have any of you experienced this before? If so, what strategies did you use to address it? Can anyone perhaps point to a list of companies that are known for hiring veterans and value their unique experience? I don’t mean to sound as if I am complaining, but I am honestly baffled by this phenomenon. I’m ambitious and I want to make a difference where I work. I’m not okay being a ‘cog’ especially considering the salaries I’m offered. I’m paid very well and I want to contribute more than what’s asked of me, but doing higher-level work. Not simply more of the same. Speaking frankly, if I stay in the private sector, I just don’t want to be stuck in a ‘specialist’ role my entire career. Any guidance is much appreciated.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 10 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-11-10T16:32:17-05:00

Look into veteran owned/run businesses. There are quite a few in a wide range of industries.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 10 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-11-10T16:33:00-05:00

It can be challenging to sell leadership skills to civilian organizations 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member. One critical skill is to be able to lead and follow higher authority. In the military sometimes we are led by those with more experience and sometimes we are called to advise those with less experience than ourselves. Those are very useful skills and attitudes to bring into the civilian job market.

Response by SGT Aaron Dumbrow made Nov 10 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-11-10T17:08:59-05:00

It has been tough. In fairness I have been out for a while, but it is tough to translate fire team leader or patrol supervisor to systems engineering manager. I am adjusting how I address the conversation but also I don't take no for an answer. When someone says no I find another way. I get slapped down sometimes but usually win eventually if I am respectful but persistent.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 5:53 PM

2015-11-10T17:53:08-05:00

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome with civilian companies is the civilian mindset that military personnel rule/lead by virtue of their rank. Leave the military jargon at the door and go into an interview with confidence.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 10 at 2015 6:21 PM

2015-11-10T18:21:21-05:00

I did not fortunately when I left the military, my first employer new with the military was all about and actually just turn the keys over to me and let me run things

Response by SGT Darrell Toquinto made Nov 17 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-11-17T13:44:55-05:00

This also happened to me. Sometimes it is not what you know, but who you know.

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made Apr 23 at 2016 3:22 AM

2016-04-23T03:22:08-04:00

Yes. Got jobs based on work ethic alone. Not leadership. Gained leadership, but the ___ generation now expect you to not actually lead them. They expect you to coddle, cajole, or plain ass'd beg for them to do something. Around here where I work, 99% hate the direct, order'd approach. Bark it to much & the run straight to HR whining like bitches. Why now, I choose shift where I'm alone, & direct via emails. Rarely face to face anymore since so many need their "Safe" zones now a days.