Transitioning On Your Own

This page is dedicated to transition stories from veterans who left the service and entered the civilian workforce on their own. You will also see stories that involve corporate recruitment programs for veterans. A variety of stories are available that should demonstrate some similarities and also key differences for you to consider.

A Case Study Against Getting an MBA

Last week my startup laid off 270 people due to a misguided strategic decision made by the CEO. 2019 was a year of growth for the tech world. Investors threw money at anything with two legs, a pulse, and a quixotical idea. Our CEO met all these criteria. 2020 ushered in a few failed IPOs and overnight, investors cut the growth money and started whispering words rarely heard in the Silicon Valley—"margins, profit, and sustainability.” Oh my.

Funny thing is, I’ve loved every moment of this roller-coaster ride into tech and data... At the end of each phone chat, I asked myself “how happy does this person seem and how much do I relate to this person?” The answer to these questions steered me away from pursuing an MBA and pushed me into the ever changing world of tech.

In my search, I came across Shift... They arranged interviews with numerous companies and helped me decide on a company for a three-month internship with the Business Intelligence team. I could not have transitioned without them.

Three reorganizations, a promotion, a giant layoff, and a year later, I am now on the data team doing everything data—engineering, science (machine learning!), analytics, etc... And this incredible experience riding the tech roller-coaster in San Francisco? I would not change a thing.

I did 5 years in the Navy...

...made it to E-6. Got out and worked at an investment firm in the Bay Area. Now work at Accenture as a management consultant. I did a part-time MS in Finance on the weekends. Still enough GI Bill for MBA if I hate consulting.

I’m a retired 13Z5V...

...now a VP Product Sales at BofA covering LATAM. I have been with the bank for almost 5 years and came through the Veterans Associate Program (VAP). Most of my Army years were in the 75th RR, 82nd or 173rd. I made my transition happen because I had a good CDR and sold my plan accordingly.

When I was a 1SG I told all of my guys that they needed to get their bachelors degree and work hard. I didn’t drink too much of the kool-aid to see my guys after years of service get screwed over during transition like I saw others get. The O’s always got it the worst since the peer pressure was strong by career O’s who didn’t know any better.

I’m happy to assist in anyway I can.