Jumpstarting veterans’ civilian careers

July 10, 2024

Joining the civilian workforce can be a challenging task for veterans. Deloitte works with the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program (CFP) to help ease this transition. The 12-week program provides service members with networking opportunities, professional training, and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce. At the completion of their fellowship, Hiring Our Heroes fellows have the opportunity to be considered for full-time positions at Deloitte.

Edson Rodriguez and Haley Harrison are two veterans who joined Deloitte through the Hiring Our Heroes program. Learn more about their stories and hear their insights on starting a civilian career.

On a new path

After college, Edson decided to join the United States Army and spent several years overseas, where he served as Fire Support Officer and Platoon Leader. In the Army, Edson oversaw teams ranging from 5 to 32 personnel. Through this experience, he developed a thorough understanding of the importance of relying on others, having candid conversations, and taking the time to understand what drives people on a case-by-case basis. When he felt it was time to move on from military service, he didn’t have a concrete plan. Through Hiring Our Heroes and then joining Deloitte, Edson was given the opportunity to experience a new career journey. Currently, he works as a consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP, in the Government & Public Services practice.

Edson’s insights for veterans transitioning to civilian careers include:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of how your military experience translates into the skills and qualifications of your desired role.
• Remain resilient and frame every obstacle throughout the process as a learning opportunity.
• Be sure to network with other veterans. Fellow veterans understand the stress you may experience when transitioning from military service to a civilian career and can provide you with support.
• Mentors are especially key thanks to the civilian workforce insight they provide. This level of on-the-ground insight can serve you well as you navigate unfamiliar territory.

Navigating the journey

One of Haley’s last positions in her military career was an executive officer focused on logistics management. During her service, she got her MBA online and believed in her skill set, so when it came time to enter the workforce, Haley hoped to hit the ground running. She had many soft skills that were applicable, but she felt there were some gaps in her technical skills and in her core consulting skills. The support system and resources she was provided through Hiring Our Heroes helped ease the transition and catch her up to speed. Haley’s cohort was offered regimented trainings on data science, data engineering, and different cloud platforms. She now works as a manager, Deloitte Consulting LLP, in AI & Data.

Haley’s insights on how veterans can grow and develop their civilian careers include:

• Have confidence in the leadership skills and resilience you’ve gained in the military; these are strengths that can help set you apart in the civilian workforce.
• Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm can go a long way in helping to bridge gaps in technical skills/industry knowledge, etc., that you may have early in your transition. If you apply these characteristics consistently, you’ll start to build your comfort level and position yourself to thrive.
• Build your network. The relationships you build with colleagues, leaders, and team members can truly shape your career, enable your success, and provide you with new and exciting opportunities.

Discover your impact at Deloitte

If you’re an active duty service member who is transitioning to a civilian career, learn more about Deloitte’s collaboration with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes Fellowship Initiative.

Deloitte is proud to employ more than 3,000 people from the veterans, military spouses, and allies community, and we invite you to discover your impact alongside them.

Discover the pride of working at Deloitte, where you can be part of a community of people united by their drive to make an impact. A place where you’re celebrated for who you are, your curiosity is fueled by challenges, and you are given the tools you need to grow and thrive. Learn more about life at Deloitte and meet our Deloitte Insiders.