You Landed Your First Civilian Job. Now what?

2015-07-01T10:22:01-04:00

Thought I'd share an article I wrote last year:

Congratulations! You’ve finished your service and are now entering the civilian workforce — either by getting training through college or a technical program or by going directly to the market with the skills you used in the military.

This is an exciting period, but it can also lead to confusion and can be awkward at times. There are landmines you can come across that can be damaging to both your career and reputation. Here are some key things to be aware of to help you avoid these pitfalls:

1. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Issues That Arise
As veterans, we’re used to serious consequences if something goes wrong, and because of that, we tend to look at issues that don’t involve life or death as trivial. Now that you’re in the civilian world, you need to know that there are lots of priorities for people and companies, and both have issues they consider critical for them to complete their missions.

It’s key that you don’t dismiss these issues or the priorities of others or act like you don’t care. Once that impression is created, it can create a feeling that you’re not a part of the team and are not engaged with the company’s needs.

2. Don’t Mistake Appearances
A key mistake people often make is assuming they know something about the person they meet on an elevator or just walking down the hall based on their appearance. Unlike the military, there are no uniforms with rank to tell you where someone resides within the organization. A vice president could be coming in to pick something up from his office in jeans and a sweatshirt just as easily as they could in a nicely tailored suit. Further, unlike in the military, where someone who looks visibly younger tends to be junior, this is not always the case in the civilian world.

There really is no way of knowing until you’ve been with an organization for some time who is who and at what level. Lay low for a bit, observe and get to know those in your new environment. Most of all, treat everyone courteously.

3. Don’t Rely on Military Terms
Just as with your resume, you have to civilianize your speech and stop using so many acronyms. Referring to a marketing effort as falling into your AO will cause some puzzlement. Quite often, companies have action plans or project management tools that will in essence be five-paragraph operation orders — they just don’t verbalize it that way. When you find yourself having to provide an update, you can rely on that strategy, but make sure not to verbalize it that way.

Also, using words like “sir” and “ma’am” will set you apart in a good way, and while many folks will tell you that you don’t have to use those terms, inside they will appreciate your politeness.

4. Loosen Up a Bit
Military customs and courtesies don’t often translate well in the civilian world. It was mentioned to a friend of mine who was recently hired into a large company that he came across as very serious most of the time in the eyes of a number of people there, including the Human Resources department. The company had a much more laid-back social culture, and his seriousness — which is generally how we approach all tasks in the military — conflicted.

Again, observe your surroundings and get to know a few folks. Learn to be open with coworkers and find advocates for yourself that can be relied upon to “educate” you.

5. “Praise in Public and Punish in Private” is Still Important
In the military, you learned that the best leaders heap praise on their teams in public and choose to go behind closed doors to make corrections. Stay with that, even though sometimes you may see the opposite.

I once took the blame from our company’s chairman because a colleague under me did something wrong. A vice president came up and asked why I didn’t blame her because he knew she screwed up. I told him what I had learned from my experience and that it has never left me. It shouldn’t leave, you either. Your team will certainly respect you for it, and you will set a great standard for others.

6. Don’t Overshare PTS or TBI
A great majority of vets have done things and seen things we hope many don’t experience. For some of us, that has resulted in some invisible wounds of war. While I would never, ever encourage you to deny these issues, I would say that you don’t need to broadcast these issues to everyone. As we all know, there are varying degrees, and most of us are not debilitated. This is private information that you should share on a need-to-know basis — but do so at a time and in a situation you can control, and look at it as a time to educate others.

You will occasionally get asked questions, which honestly is great — it means that someone wants to be informed and is looking to you to teach them. This is an important opportunity for you to represent the entire veteran community.

7. Be Prepared for Off-the-Wall Questions
At a time when less than 1% of our nation has served (including families who’ve made sacrifices as well) and less than 0.5% have been in combat, there’s a large disconnect between veterans and the rest of the country. Be prepared for questions that, for the most part, are not meant to be rude, but are examples of others looking to understand some of the things you went through. If a question comes off as completely ignorant, try to take it in stride.

In addition, you may, from time to time, be asked, “Did you kill anyone”? The best response I’ve found is telling the person, “That is a very personal thing which has a deep impact on me that I don’t wish to discuss.” You might also want to add, “There are a lot of bad things that happen in war, and those of us who fought have to deal with that. I’m just very happy that those I care about haven’t had to live those experiences.” Either way, the person will quickly get the idea of how truly personal this is and hopefully move the conversation on to other subjects.

Finally, one thing to remember is that you are now an ambassador to the world on behalf of all veterans. We need your help in educating the greater community and breaking down the barriers and misconceptions that exist. If you ever have a question or need to vent, reach out to me or fellow veterans who understand where you’re coming from.

And congratulations again on your new position!

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jul 1 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-07-01T10:23:56-04:00

Do the best you can and adapt and overcome any obstacles at all. Be a Team player!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 1 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-07-01T10:30:05-04:00

1. Pray you keep your job.
2. If you aren't religious, join one then refer to item 1

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 1 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-07-01T10:32:32-04:00

Don't forget your work ethic and self worth especially what the military has instilled in you. The Army Values really helped me a lot.
CMH HomeLewis and ClarkCorps of Discovery
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A banner with Corps of Discovery, United States Army written on it. The logo of the this Lewis and Clark Commemorative web site.
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The Seven Army Values

Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers.
Be loyal to the nation and its heritage.

The Decision at the Marias. The men thought the route ran to the northwest up the Marias River, while both Lewis and Clark thought the main river channel ran to the southwest. The men agreed to go along with the decision of the captains to proceed to the southwest, which was indeed the Missouri River.

Duty
Fulfill your obligations.
Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care.
Find opportunities to improve oneself for the good of the group.

Fulfilling the Letter and Intent of Jefferson's Order. The Corps of Discovery never wavered from its mission. Additionally, Lewis, Clark, and several of the men kept journals. Sergeant Ordway was the only one to make daily entries.

Respect
Rely upon the golden rule.
How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and as a professional organization.

Diplomats with the Indians. The Corps of Discovery honored with dignity and respect all the tribes it met, offering gifts as a symbol of friendship and peace.

Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.
Selfless service leads to organizational teamwork and encompasses discipline, self-control and faith in the system.

Adversity Along the Way. Hard physical labor characterized every day, but the Corps of Discovery conquered every navigational hazard and overcame a variety of physical ills - boils, blisters, bunions, sunstroke, dysentery, fatigue, injuries, colds, fevers, snakebites, ticks, gnats, toothaches, headaches, sore throats, bad mosquitoes, and prickly pear cactus.

Honor
Live up to all the Army values

Importance of Character. Lewis and Clark were very thorough in selecting only the best men for the mission - those who would work together for the good of the group and pull their own weight.

Integrity
Do what is right, legally and morally.
Be willing to do what is right even when no one is looking.
It is our "moral compass" an inner voice.

Degree of Freedom. Many times the men were on their own as the captains performed their duties. On the return trip, Lewis and Clark divided the Corps of Discovery into five separate detachments (under the commands of Lewis, Clark, Ordway, Gass, and Pryor) to accomplish independent missions. Only two men were discharged from the expedition - Reed for desertion and Newman for mutinous conduct.

Personal Courage
Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.

Into the Unknown. The men of the Corps of Discovery left not knowing what lay ahead or if they would ever return. Throughout the journals one phrase stands out - "we proceeded on." This clearly characterizes the spirit of the expedition.
http://www.history.army.mil/lc/the%20mission/the_seven_army_values.htm

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jul 1 at 2015 10:52 AM

2015-07-01T10:52:38-04:00

Help your team and coworkers win, take pride in each other's victories.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 1 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-07-01T12:40:48-04:00

Good story. Thanks for sharing SSG Izzy Abbass.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 1 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-07-01T12:43:11-04:00

You forgot to add "Look out for yourself, no one else will" and "civilians don't normally have the integrity most service members do and will stab you in the back to make themselves look better."

Response by SPC Charles Slininger made Oct 7 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-10-07T15:50:10-04:00

One thing that needs to be kept in mind is checking your ego at the door. While you may have been a "top in your class" in college or the "go to guy" in your unit, when you go to a new civilian job that you are in essence starting over in a different way. If you walk into your job expecting it to be a cakewalk because you feel you know everything, you will find out the hard way that you can't rely on your "brilliance" and will be brought down a few pegs.

Keep your values in mind and use your personal experience as best as you can.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 19 at 2015 6:50 PM

2015-11-19T18:50:55-05:00

Some people will also take your direct and no-nonsense attitude as you being "rude and intimidating." Yes I'm speaking from personal experience and using the exact words my supervisor said when he was talking to me about the "incident."
I ended up leaving that job because of that same supervisor. He was the kind of person who would not listen to your side of the story. If there was a complaint about you, you were wrong and weren't allowed to say anything except for "okay, it won't happen again..."

Response by CAPT Tom Bersson made Nov 19 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-11-19T19:01:36-05:00

here are three nuggets. 1. Get to know as many people in the company as you can. It will help you at some point. 2. Dress nice, but appropriate for the job. don't be a slob or sloppy. 3. Work hard. Every company appreciates a hard worker. Oh and be careful with what you say in email. it never goes away.

Response by LCpl Steven Fiore made Nov 20 at 2015 4:13 AM

2015-11-20T04:13:56-05:00

Good post. I transitioned well and excelled far in my post military career. Reading the comments on this page, brings up a few concerns. I see some blaming and some straight up attitude problems. Dare I say entitlement issues?

The "soft" skillsets that are achieved in the military, far outweigh what I have found taught in the civilian sector. I do think that some skillsets are emphasived more in the military, can be lesser, or even negative in the cilivian world.

My best advice is adaptation. In the Marine Corps we were always taught to adapt and overcome. I don't understand why, veterans have a tendency to do the exact opposite when they get out. It turns into "i know better, it has to be my way, or your a (insert random insult)." This would never fly in the Corps, nor should it in any job.

If you are being counseled or reprimanded, why blow it off? Again, if you did this to your OIC / SNCOIC / 1stSgt, what would happen? The rules change and adapting is paramount.

Now, once you blend in and start playing by the rules, I like to play a little game. Something I learned in Corporal's Course. I mean, there are many great things I learned in PMO training, BAMSIS, JJDIDTIEBUCKLE, etc. But, there is one thing I remember mostly. How to define your leadership style. I was taught to find NCOs I admired and take parts of their style I desired. Autocratic leaders, that lead from the front and by example. Democratic leaders that could adapt their teaching styles to many personalities, etc. This was a great idea. So, apply it to the civilian world.

I like to play a game. I look at my team and try and figure out stack rankings (who is 1st, 2nd, 3rd, so on). Now, the biggest trouble is, how do you rank team members? Is it strictly technical skill? Hard working? Personality? For me, it is simple. Performance. I judge performance on what my direct manager + what his managers would deem productive. Is working long hours going to beat someone who does twice the work in half the time? Most likely not. Accuracy and Efficiency is key. I find who is the strongest on my team and find a way to out produce or have better quality work.

Also, you need allies at work. If you silo yourself off, you won't have the resources or tools to perform better. I use lunch as a weapon. Take key players out to lunch (cough up the 10$ and buy them lunch) and get to know them / let them get to know you. Build a working relationship. When you need a favor, you will have allies to help you out. If you chalk up everyone as a retard and avoid them, you will lose in the long run or maybe not even the long run, might be a very quick stay.

Another great thing i've picked up. Set the right customer expectation. This goes with you team and management as well. If you set that bar really high right away, you will hurt later as you will be expected to always do 1 better. Don't over promise and under deliver, do the opposite. Example: I have a project that I am confident I can get done in 1 week. Forecast it for 2 weeks (or 2.5). This will give you time for when the scope inevitably gets larger, things go wrong, other teams or dependencies don't deliver, or any other crazy situation happens. Now, say all goes well and you deliver in a week. You look like a rockstar now. If you estimate just 1 week and all goes well, good job you did what was expected, but if you take 1.5 weeks, your head will roll. If you estimate 2.5 and it takes you 1.5, you are a stellar employee (not rockstar).

I guess my point is, use your military skillsets, what you learned, what you know. Just adapt first and use these skillsets as tools. Don't try and change the business into the military. Take your tools, adapt to your surroundings and utilize your tools, strategies, leadership ability, and techinical prowess. Think about boot camp, remember the people trying to change the way the military works or they didn't want to do things the way they were being taught (cause they knew better)? What happens to them? Essentially it is flipped now. Learn the rules, learn the customs, adapt to it. Then run faster, harder, earn that respect, and beat everyone to promotions. If you put half the effort into going along with the system, instead of fighting the system (which is much easier btw), you will excell faster and farther than your counterparts. Does this mean not correcting some random liberal about how gun control will save the world? Yes, it does. Leave it alone or deal with it after work (off premises). Bite your tongue, you have a job to do, leave the drama at the door.