Spreading the News

Every year, about 200,000 people return to civilian life after completing their military service, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Some choose to pursue a degree using the education benefits they earned. Others move right into the workforce. 

No matter which path veterans choose, success often follows. That’s because the traits veterans learn in the military directly impact their abilities as students and employees. 

This I know firsthand. I’m a third-generation service member, a captain in the U.S. Army, and a Program Development Manager at the Muhlenberg College Division of Graduate and Continuing Education. While transitioning to civilian life isn’t always easy, veterans who make the shift successfully will find they can make many valuable contributions to their schools and workplace.

Six Strengths that make veterans exceptional learners and Employees

Data shows that veterans are some of the best people you’ll ever want to have by your side at school or work. In 2022, veterans had a lower unemployment rate (2.8%) than nonveterans (3.6%). Just six of the many traits that make veterans exceptional learners and employees are: 

1. Leadership skills 
Veterans are trained to be leaders from their first day in the military. It’s fundamental across all branches of service, regardless of a veteran’s duty or position. In addition, military members are responsible for one another. They take care of pay, benefits, training, mentoring and development to help their fellow military members achieve the next rank. 

2. Selfless service
One of my favorite quotes is: “A veteran writes a blank check to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life.” This sense of selflessness is a part of every veteran’s identity. We all signed up for duty because we believe in putting organizations and people above ourselves. That commitment carries over to every aspect of our lives.

3. Task-oriented
It may sound obvious that veterans understand the importance of completing tasks sequentially. But what some people don’t realize is that veterans are also experts at understanding implied tasks. They will assess the situation and figure out everything they need to do to complete the job beyond what’s spelled out on paper.

4. Collaboration
Veterans work with a sense of duty to others and to the team. As a result, they always look to collaborate. Whether pursuing an advanced degree or helping solve a business problem, veterans understand the intrinsic value of teamwork. 

5. Communication 
Many civilians don’t realize that everyone who has ever served in the military has done some form of public speaking. Whether teaching a group of soldiers or giving a formal presentation, veterans know how to communicate effectively and motivate others.

6. Time management 
In the military, we work on suspense dates and end dates. In the civilian workforce, you may call those timelines, objectives or success goals. But, regardless of the term, veterans know how to standardize processes and organize their time to achieve more.

Three Unknown Facts About Veterans

While many employers and institutes of higher learning understand the value veterans bring to any environment, a few things still need to be clarified. Three things you might be surprised to know about veterans:

1. All branches of the military are not the same
Each branch of the military has its language and mission. For example, just because I serve in the U.S. Army doesn’t mean I know what’s happening in the Marines or Air Force. But I’m happy to connect veterans to others who served in their specific branch. 

2. A veteran’s service is their identity 
I struggled when I first transitioned into my role at Muhlenberg College. It was a culture shock, but I learned that my service is my identity. It’s a foundational part of who I am and what I do. That’s why I encourage transitioning veterans to give themselves a little grace.

3. The veteran community is very diverse 
In many ways, veterans are their own affinity group. They have a specific language and outlook on life that is sometimes hard to explain to others. However, the veteran community is also very diverse. Some members of other communities—LGBTQ+, Latinx, BIPOC, Asian American and Pacific Islander—are veterans. And our families, spouses and children serve, too. They may not enlist, but they carry the load for us while we’re on duty.

What veterans should look for in a school or employer

Thankfully, all military branches offer veterans transitional programs, teaching them basics like how to build their resumes and create a LinkedIn profile. But sometimes, veterans need more support once they enter civilian life. A significant first step in getting that support is to reach out to mentors who can guide you on your transition.

Veterans who move directly from the military to the workforce should consider joining Military Friendly® Employers. This designation measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for people in the military community. You can see the complete list of Military Friendly Employers here.

Veterans seeking higher education should look for schools that understand the veteran community and have proven processes to support them. 

Muhlenberg College has worked hard to become veteran-ready across all phases of the institution. As a result, our administrators, faculty and leadership have an innate enthusiasm for prospective students who come to us with a military background. We genuinely want to know about your experience and help you cross the bridge from the military to higher education.

Muhlenberg is a Military Friendly® Silver School in 2023-24 for our ability to recruit and retain military veterans as students. We’re proud to say we’ve earned that designation ten times. We’ve also participated in the Yellow Ribbon Program since it began in 2009.

As a service member, I understand that going for a degree can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. First, remember that you earned your educational benefits because you’re a veteran, so you should put them to good use. Second, know that you can find support along the way. 

If a degree is in your civilian future, contact one of our advisors or me today, whether or not Muhlenberg College is in your plans. I’d love to hear from you and help you on your journey.

Are you interested in learning more about the Muhlenberg College Division of Graduate and Continuing Education?

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