Emily Rogan

 

VETERANS DISCOVER SKILLS THEY LEARNED IN THE MILITARY TRANSLATE INTO TRIUMPH FOR THEM AND THEIR EMPLOYERS.

 

In 2015 both the unemployment rate (5.8 percent) and the jobless rate (4.6 percent) for U.S. veterans dropped from the preceding year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor’s March 2016 report.

 

For companies who’ve boosted efforts to recruit and hire former servicemen and -women, these statistics make perfect sense. After all, many of the qualities that distinguished veterans as they served their country contribute to their dedication and success in the civilian workforce. Discipline, focus, loyalty, detail-oriented - these are just a few words that aptly describe the characteristics these men and women share.

 

As more veterans transition to the private sector, employers are recognizing the untapped potential of this truly unique group of people.

 

Read on to find out how these four talented and humble veterans found their way to professional success and contentment, and learn what advice they offer to those eager to follow in their footsteps.

 

HARRIS TAKES THE LEAD AT KELLY SERVICES

 

The best advice Stacey Harris ever received during her military career came when a supervisor reprimanded her for reporting to work with dirty boots. “She told a very young soldier, ‘Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Train for the job you want, not the job you have,’” recalls Harris. “Those were very meaningful words and they’ve stayed with me.”

 

Years later, they’ve apparently served her well. With Troy, MI-based Kelly Services for 18 years, Harris manages 75 recruiters and managers known as the Ninja Service Team. “These individuals are responsible for delivering rapid service results in the area of recruiting and managing branch operations where business has increased or a staffing shortage exists,” says Harris. “Part of my job and the job of my team is to provide solutions and bridge the gap to ensure consistent quality service is delivered to our talent pool and our clients.”

 

Harris served in the U.S. Army and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration through the GI Bill. In the army she worked as a human resources specialist for a large aviation unit in Fort Polk, LA. She gravitated to Kelly Services because she grew up in nearby Detroit and was familiar with the company.

 

“I was extremely honored and felt like I landed with a company that shared the values and work ethic that was instilled in me while in the military. The military is a tough act to follow, and Kelly Services did not disappoint,” she says.

 

Harris says the military prepared her well to work at Kelly Services because it taught her to be a leader and to have confidence in her abilities. “It is important to learn your job, and become an expert and assert the professional authority inherent to your role with respect,” she says.

 

She attended a rigorous course called Primary Leadership Development that challenged her and resulted in her rising in rank to sergeant. And - as the only female soldier - she graduated second in her class.

 

Harris embraces the daily challenges of her career with Kelly Services. “I’m constantly presented with new experiences in this role, and a big part of my job is creating solutions for those challenges - I believe this creates value. I love the creativity I’m able to employ, and love to demonstrate the value-added contribution of my team,” she says.

 

Urging new employees to map out their careers and do their research, Harris also stresses the value of giving back. “Volunteer and share your expertise within the organization and mentor others. Sharing your expertise not only creates selfworth, but it also makes you valuable to your organization,” she says.

 

Veterans interested in pursuing a career with Kelly Services should visit the following website: kellyservices.us/US/Careers/Civilian-Jobs-for-Military/.