Leveraging Veteran Talent to Drive Innovation
National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25th highlights the importance of leveraging veteran talent in the civilian workforce. A McKinsey & Company study found that improving employment outcomes for transitioning Veterans could add nearly $15 billion to the U.S. economy over a ten-year period. This significant economic potential underscores the importance of effectively leveraging Veteran talent. This approach not only benefits Veterans transitioning to civilian careers but also helps employers address labor shortages in critical industries. Here’s how organizations can implement skills-based hiring to leverage Veteran talent effectively:
Leveraging Veterans for Cybersecurity Roles
Veterans, particularly those with intelligence or communications backgrounds, can be invaluable assets in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. Their experience with classified information handling, threat assessment, and mission-critical systems makes them well-suited for roles in network security, incident response, and risk management.
In addition, clean energy technologies generate large amounts of data related to energy usage and user behavior, necessitating strong data security measures. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in areas like clean energy and electric vehicles, Veterans’ technical skills are highly relevant.
Tapping into Global Perspectives
Many Veterans have served in diverse international environments, giving them unique cultural insights and language skills. This global perspective can be particularly valuable for companies looking to expand into new markets or improve their international business relations. The U.S. has approximately 18 million Veterans, with around 200,000 military personnel transitioning to civilian life annually, providing a diverse pool of talent.
Fostering Innovation through Adaptability
Military service often requires quick thinking and adaptability in high-pressure situations. The U.S. military considers adaptability a core skill and incorporates it into training programs like the Adaptive Warfare Army Learning Program. This skill set can translate into a workforce that’s more agile and innovative, particularly in fast-paced industries or startups where rapid problem-solving is crucial.
Enhancing Team Dynamics
Veterans are trained to work effectively in diverse teams towards common goals. Their experience in team-building and collaboration can significantly improve workplace dynamics and productivity, especially in project-based environments. Over 40% of Veterans work in management, professional, and related occupations, bringing valuable leadership experience to civilian roles.
Capitalizing on Logistics and Supply Chain Expertise
Many Veterans have extensive experience in logistics and supply chain management. In an era where efficient supply chains are critical to business success, Veterans can bring valuable insights and skills to optimize operations and reduce costs. The top 15 occupations that employ Veterans today are expected to see strong labor demand in coming years, including freight, stock and material movers, and truck drivers.
Enhancing Crisis Management Capabilities
Veterans’ experience in high-stress, critical situations makes them excellent candidates for roles involving crisis management or business continuity planning. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and make quick, informed decisions can be invaluable during organizational crises. Veterans score higher on service orientation compared to the average civilian occupation, demonstrating their commitment to helping others.
Specific approaches to Veteran hiring include:
- Targeted recruitment: Develop strategies to attract veterans, such as participating in military job fairs or partnering with veteran organizations.
- Training for HR and hiring managers: Educate staff on translating military experience to civilian job requirements and recognizing the value of veteran skills.
By focusing on these unique aspects of Veteran employment, companies can tap into a rich talent pool that offers diverse skills and perspectives beyond what is typically highlighted in Veteran hiring initiatives. This approach not only benefits the Veterans but also provides businesses with a competitive edge in various critical areas of modern business operations.
The Center matches Veterans with career counselors to identify the attributes, skills, and experiences they bring to an organization. To learn more, click here.