Military veterans often bring a high level of leadership and a number of transferable skills that can help any company succeed.
As a veteran, it’s important that the company helps you succeed, too. When an employer recognizes the value you bring to their company, they will work to find a home for you on their team.
Companies like Amtrak realize that you bring a lot to the table, as President and CEO (a Vietnam Veteran himself!) Joseph H. Boardman describes, “The leadership, reliability, and high-tech skills veterans bring to the job are a great resource.”
Amtrak, President & CEO, Joseph H. Boardman
“The leadership, reliability, and high-tech skills veterans bring to the job are a great resource.”
4 Things Veterans Need In A Company To Succeed
To find a position that exercises your talent while supporting your growth, there are a few things veterans should look for in a company before applying:1. Culture
Whether you’ve served four years in the military or 40, if you’re looking to move on to a civilian position, it will take some adjusting. During your service you likely encountered an atmosphere and camaraderie that was easily identified by your team’s loyalty to one another and its shared values. Similarly, you’ll want to find a company that has a well-defined culture. Part of your success in the military came from your ability to align with the values and mission of your organization. Moreover, the culture supported your well-being through its benefits and rewarding work. This should be no different from your civilian job. Find an employer whose purpose excites you and whose values mirror your own, and you will feel more invested in the work and gratified by going there each day.
Amtrak, Veteran Team Members
“The atmosphere of working for Amtrak is warm, welcoming, and there is a great deal of attention to safety, which is a plus. This can be the last career you will ever need.” - Kyle Johnson, Amtrak, Carman
2. Development
Nobody joins the military and knows exactly how to fulfill every part of their job from Day One. In fact, you’ve been well-trained your entire military career. Why stop specializing now?
Amtrak Passenger Eng. Trainees
While your new job probably won’t send you to boot camp, the best companies offer ongoing training and development opportunities. No matter where you start, it’s crucial to recognize in an employer that there is a chance for you to grow within your position and assume more responsibility over time.
“It is challenging, gives a sense of accomplishment, and you work with great people. Amtrak has a very clear mission--to move passengers safely and comfortably to their destination. At the end of the day you really feel like you have done something good.” - Thaddeus Kolwicz Sr, Amtrak, Passenger Engineer TraineeIf you’ve spent your military career striving to put forth your best effort - if for no other reason than anything less is not accepted - then continuing to push the needle forward is ingrained into your professional self. Since your drive is a great asset to a business and will help you get ahead, you’ll be best suited for a company that embraces the professional you are now and the one you can become.
“It’s a wonderful place to work and a great place for advancement in so many different areas. Being a part of the railroad, what could be better?” - Kyle Johnson, Amtrak, Carman
3. Position
Beyond having a need for your talent, a company that has a position you’re passionate about deserves your attention. You’ve already dedicated a large part of your life in a position that serves and protects others (and we thank you for that!). Isn’t it time you have a job that also serves you? Find a position that you genuinely care about.“Its giving me the chance to work in a field that I was so passionate about in a railroad type environment.” - Kyle Johnson, Amtrak, Carman
4. Teamwork
It goes without saying that teamwork is intrinsic to the military, and often times, your connections with your teammates are nearly palpable. While you were willing sacrifice your own security for the good of the team, you knew your teammates would do the same. Much of this comes down to your mutual respect for one another and for your positions.
Amtrak Passenger Engineer Trainee, Thad Kolwicz, Sr.
It’s important that you find a team outside of the military that shares this level of support and respect. With a company that offers this kind of commitment, you can rest assured knowing that you will get out as much as you put in. When you succeed, your team will too. If you employ your dynamic skills and willingness to adapt, plenty of companies will be prepared to offer you a position. It’s up to you to find the employer who will work with you to match your dedication and push you toward success!“Running a locomotive down the tracks at high speed is fun, but so is stopping at a station or coupling the locomotive to the train. Working on this crew of professionals gives me a great sense of achievement and teamwork.” - Thaddeus Kolwicz Sr, Amtrak, Passenger Engineer Trainee
Want to work for a company that’s recognized for hiring veterans?
Amtrak is hiring! Recently named to the 2015 Top 100 Military Friendly Employers List, Amtrak recognizes the dedication and talent veterans provide to its industry, and would love to work with those who can help deliver intercity transportation with superior safety, customer service and financial excellence. America’s Railroad® was also recognized for workplace excellence by earning a spot in Forbes magazine’s first-ever America’s Best Employers 2015. Making the list of 500 employers across 25 industries, where the workers like their jobs enough to tell others, Amtrak aims to continue this trend in coming years with employees like you. To learn more about open positions or apply, visit here.
Amtrak Mechanical Foreman, Matt Mitchell, overseas.
Photo Source: Amtrak
