As midsize companies and corporations strive for greater diversity and inclusion, veterans' unique positions help lead these efforts. Veterans can be from all walks of life, socio-economic backgrounds, cultural contexts, and ethnic backgrounds. When concentrated together, their experiences and skills can significantly enhance business outcomes, our society, and local communities. Transitioning from military to civilian life presents unique challenges and opportunities for workplaces willing to integrate this exceptional talent pool.
Human Resources leaders are pivotal in harnessing veterans' potential through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and other diversity initiatives. Here, we outline three key strategies for HR professionals to help veterans shine in the corporate world.
Establishing Comprehensive Veteran Hiring Programs
HR professionals can spearhead the development of veteran-specific hiring initiatives beyond mere recruitment. This includes creating job postings that translate military experience into corporate skills, offering tailored resume workshops, and training hiring managers to recognize the value of military experience in potential candidates. For practical guidance and resources, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers a toolkit on integrating veterans into the workforce, which can be found on their website.
The UBS Enlisted Veterans Apprenticeship Program stands as a leading model for corporate America's investment in our veterans. As we look to create more opportunities for veterans to shine in civil society, such initiatives are invaluable. They demonstrate how structured support and tailored opportunities can transform veterans' diverse skills into invaluable assets for the financial industry and beyond.
Microsoft's Military Affairs created the "Microsoft Software & Systems Academy" (MSSA), which provides transitioning service members and veterans with critical skills in technology, preparing them for roles in fields such as cybersecurity, cloud development, and database management. This program bridges the gap between military service and civilian careers in technology, offering a direct path into the tech industry.
Oracle NetSuite’s SuiteVets program offers a comprehensive three-to-four-month onboarding initiative designed to transition veterans into technology careers, leveraging their military values and expanding their civilian skillsets for success in the corporate world.
Developing Robust Veteran ERGs
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) tailored to veterans are more than just social clubs; they are strategic assets within an organization. A well-curated Veteran ERG provides an invaluable support network for veterans, offering a scaffold for their transition to the corporate world. These groups are the crucibles where mentorship, professional growth, and community ties are forged, enabling veterans to transition their leadership and problem-solving skills from the battlefield to the boardroom.
To realize their full potential, Veteran ERGs require strategic clarity, adequate resources, and committed leadership. HR professionals must craft these ERGs intentionally, aligning their missions with the company’s broader objectives. The Veterans at Work Certificate Program by SHRM is an exceptional resource, equipping HR professionals with the knowledge to cultivate these groups into diverse and inclusive powerhouses.
The Veterans Mayo Employee Resource Group (MERG) is a prime example, mirroring Mayo Clinic’s own dedication to service and innovation. MERG is more than just a support group—it is an operational exemplar that brings Mayo's renowned missions of care, research, and education into the veteran’s domain, enriching the institution’s fabric with the unique perspectives of military life.
Caterpillar's Armed Forces Support Network (AFSN) personifies a strategic approach to veteran support. Through mentorship that translates military skills for corporate success and by fostering opportunities for career progression, AFSN stands as a testament to how ERGs can be instrumental in both personal and organizational growth. The collaboration with military organizations amplifies this impact, extending the community and resource network available to veterans and their families.
Dog Tags, an Associate Resource Group (ARG) within its parent company, Mars, Inc. is a beacon for inclusivity and empowerment. This group is a testament to the power of community and shared experience, offering a warm welcome and a smooth transition for veterans and military families. It not only facilitates onboarding but also enriches the workplace with the veteran's inherent values of resilience and dedication. Dog Tags is a clear indication of the organization’s commitment to embracing and nurturing the diverse competencies veterans bring to the workforce.
Facilitating Career Advancement Opportunities
Veterans often enter the civilian workforce with a wealth of leadership experience and a strong sense of discipline and commitment. HR departments should facilitate their advancement by recognizing and promoting these skills within their career development programs. This includes providing leadership training that is cognizant of their unique experiences and perspectives and designing mentorship programs that pair veterans with senior leaders. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides resources and insights on advancing veteran careers within civilian roles.
Bridging the Gap:
Skills Assessment: Identify veterans' transferable skills while pinpointing areas for development. Offer targeted training programs, certifications, or educational opportunities to bridge any skill gaps.
Translating Military Experience: Help veterans translate their military expertise into civilian contexts. Highlight how military leadership translates to effective project management, how mission focus translates to goal achievement, and how logistical expertise translates to operational efficiency.
For example, Boeing demonstrates its commitment to veterans by utilizing Oplign, a system that aids in aligning veterans' skills with opportunities within the organization. Oplign's sophisticated algorithms help translate military experience into applicable skills in the corporate setting, ensuring that veterans are matched with roles that fully utilize their unique talents and experiences. By integrating such innovative technology, Boeing underscores its dedication to hiring veterans and placing them in positions where they can thrive and contribute significantly to the company's success.
Integrating veterans into the civilian workforce is not just about offering jobs but recognizing and nurturing their distinctive abilities to lead, innovate, and significantly enhance our corporate landscapes.
The VCC stands ready to assist organizations looking to launch or revamp their Veteran ERGs or to explore further diversity and inclusion initiatives with a veteran-leaning. Through strategic partnership and targeted support, we can help your organization develop a thriving community where veterans can truly shine.
Join us in forging a brighter future for our veterans. Partner with the VCC today to build a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic workforce that champions the values and skills of our nation's heroes. Click below to start your journey with the VCC, and together, let's transform the corporate landscape with the spirit of service and leadership.
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