Finding employment can be stressful for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Understanding corporate culture is crucial to transitioning from military service to civilian jobs. Most veterans learn skills during service, like leadership, project management and technical experience.
Many veterans are more equipped than nonmilitary civilians to enter the workforce but may require additional support adjusting to corporate culture, including communication, networking and leadership styles.
Corporate culture refers to the beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors a company strives to align with. It isn’t explicitly outlined but instead implied. Over time, the culture transforms according to the traits of the people hired and the business’s vision.
Corporate culture is essential to a company’s success because it motivates employees to work harmoniously toward a shared goal. It is evident in the following factors:
Corporate culture has some similarities across all industries, like teamwork and employee engagement, but usually differs depending on the company and the clients it works with. Here are the top examples of corporate culture:
Understanding workplace culture can help veterans better navigate the unfamiliar territory and less rigid structure of corporate environments. It can also prevent them from feeling disengaged and isolated from their coworkers.
The military offers veterans a clear mission and vision. It has guideposts for every duty and gives veterans a sense of purpose and direction. Not all corporate cultures provide a clear structure like the military. One study found that in corporate environments, veterans were often viewed as blunter and more direct than what was considered the norm.
Businesses can benefit from veterans’ high skill sets and unmatched discipline. They can also create a welcoming environment for these individuals by outlining workplace norms and offering corporate culture training.
The United States Army Career Skills Program (CSP) offers Employment Skills Training (EST) and On-The-Job Training (OJT) to transitioning service members, but businesses should also offer training programs for veterans to adjust to their unique corporate culture. Here are the benefits of providing corporate culture for veterans:
Military skills are beneficial in any work environment, but building skills for the corporate world can help veterans create connections in the workplace and become irreplaceable assets to companies. Communication and leadership styles are two major skill sets that can help veterans achieve corporate success.
Military communication is typically more command-and-control. Veterans will need to build skills in corporate communication, which requires a balance between conversation and professionalism. They must also develop nonverbal communication skills like understanding body language, active listening and showing empathy.
Veterans should learn these tips for effective communication while in corporate training:
In a military career, leaders have a hierarchical, authoritative style, which doesn’t translate well into many corporate environments. Veterans seeking leadership positions may need to adjust their leadership style to suit the professional environment. These three steps can help them adapt their leadership style accordingly:
Transitioning from the military to a corporate environment can be stressful. Studies show that veterans find it challenging to feel a sense of purpose or meaning after serving. Unsurprisingly, there are some challenges with finding corporate jobs for veterans, such as:
It’s especially common for veterans to face anxiety about job loss and financial pressure, especially if they’ve never worked outside the military. They sacrifice years of their lives to protect civilians, so when it’s time for them to transition, they deserve support and resources to be able to live peacefully and happily.
The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) program led by Headquarters Installation Management Command (HQ IMCOM) G-1 is one support program that can make a significant difference. It helps personnel who served for 180 days or more on Title 10 Active Duty. Crowned Grace International provides support, resources and solutions for companies looking to aid veteran transition.
At Crowned Grace International, our veterans’ work programs allow us to serve those who serve us by empowering them with the skills and tips to conquer the corporate world. We provide resources, training and integration solutions support for public and private sector organizations.
What makes us qualified to help veterans succeed in the corporate world? Our CEO and founder, Dr. Stephanie Parson, served as a decorated officer in the U.S. Air Force before entering the corporate sector and starting her own business — Crowned Grace International. We are ISO-certified, SDVOSB-certified, WOSB-certified and recognized as an INC. 5000 fastest-growing company with one of Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs for 2024.
Helping veterans transition successfully is a matter that’s very close to our hearts. Contact us for guidance and resources to equip veterans with the right corporate skills and knowledge to live the life they deserve.
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