Military service can foster invaluable skills that translate to the corporate world in numerous ways. At BDO, we honor those who have served and recognize the experience and talents our veterans bring to their work every day. One of the ways we do this is through our Military & Veterans Alliance, which brings together military members, veterans and professionals who have family members currently serving. This inclusion group offers our people resources such as mentorship, education and advocacy.
In recognition of Veterans Day, several BDO professionals volunteered to give us a glimpse into their service history and offer guidance to those transitioning to careers in the private sector. Click below to read their stories.
Briefly introduce yourself and share your military background, including your branch of service, rank and years of service.
I’m a delivery manager for Microsoft-related projects in BDO Digital’s Enterprise Business Applications segment. Service to our country runs in my family. My grandfathers were both U.S. Army veterans, participating in World War II and the Korean War. My father was a career U.S. Air Force non-commissioned officer (NCO), serving in Alaska, Japan and the Azores. I resisted service for a bit but ultimately served first in the Air Force as a technician and NCO, and then as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. What started as a four-year experimental enlistment lasted 23 years, eight months, four days and four hours!
How has your military experience helped you find success in a corporate environment?
In both environments, a clear purpose is crucial to success. Everyone can bring something to the table. Keep your eyes and ears open — wisdom can come from anywhere. It takes a team to get things done, though you don’t always get to lead or pick your team. Semper Gumby!
What advice would you give to other veterans looking to thrive in their corporate careers?
First, learn your craft and take it seriously. Just as you earned your skill badges in the military, take care to earn and maintain your civilian certifications. Leverage those skills you learned while in service, but be ready to adjust, adapt and level up. "Command and control" is markedly different on the civilian side of the fence. You may not always be in charge, but it’s important you do your best to help ensure the team’s success. Take the time to listen and understand what your leadership and your team really need from you. Unless the situation demands it, try to be more consultive than prescriptive – you’ll likely get better results. Read and heed the words of author Stephen Covey: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Never assume those around you understand where you are coming from and where you intend to go.
"Esprit de corps" is a French term that means "spirit of the group," referring to the shared feeling of pride, camaraderie and loyalty among members of a group. It represents a shared enthusiasm and sense of purpose that inspires members to work together toward a common goal. I encourage you to dig in, devote yourself to the mission, and build and expand "esprit de corps" with your BDO teammates.
Briefly introduce yourself and share your military background, including your branch of service, rank and years of service.
I have been with BDO a little over six years. I have an amazing circle of family and friends, and I’m a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, where I served as a Private First Class for two years of active duty and 11 years in ready reserves.
How has your military experience helped you find success in a corporate environment?
My time in the military taught me discipline, adaptability and how to lead through uncertainty, all of which have been incredibly valuable in the corporate world. I’ve found the ability to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly and work as a team translates directly to success in the corporate world.
What advice would you give to other veterans looking to thrive in their corporate careers?
Don’t underestimate the strengths you bring. Your leadership, work ethic and resilience are powerful assets. Stay curious, seek mentorship and be confident that your experience matters, because it absolutely does.
Briefly introduce yourself and share your military background, including your branch of service, rank and years of service.
I served as a First Lieutenant (1LT) in the U.S. Army from 2010 to 2014. My military background includes serving as a logistics officer with a Quartermaster Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), where I managed logistics in the G-4 section for both the Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) and the Warfighter Exercise (WAREX) at Fort Hunter Liggett. Both of these exercises are designed to prepare units for deployment with scenario-based operations. In addition to my logistics responsibilities, I also served as a contracting officer representative and as aide-de-camp at the 91st Training Division.
My husband also has a military background – he is currently serving active duty at Fort Bragg for U.S. Army Reserve Command as a master sergeant with 25 years thus far under his belt.
How has your military experience helped you find success in a corporate environment?
In the military, I was constantly presented with goals and strict deadlines, requiring clear and concise communication with team members — often knowing the group I worked with one month might be entirely different the next. This taught me the importance of organization and establishing standards that could be easily passed on to others, ensuring continuity and mission success. In the corporate environment, these skills have proven invaluable. My ability to prepare thoroughly, adapt quickly to new ideas and changing plans, and lead diverse teams has given me a distinct advantage and helped me thrive in my career.
What advice would you give to other veterans looking to thrive in their corporate careers?
My advice is to recognize and leverage the strengths you developed in the military. The discipline, adaptability and organizational skills you honed — whether managing shifting teams, meeting tight deadlines or learning new roles — are highly valued in any business environment. Don’t hesitate to take initiative and seek out opportunities for professional development, just as you did in the service. Be open to learning new systems and approaches but trust your ability to lead and solve problems under pressure.
Additionally, remember the importance of teamwork and clear communication. The camaraderie and sense of mission you experienced in the military can be recreated in the workplace by building strong relationships and supporting your colleagues. Finally, stay resilient and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Your unique perspective and experience are assets — use them to make a positive impact wherever you go.