Jul 25, 2024
National Hire A Veteran Day: Finding Purpose After Service
As an award-winning veteran employer, National Hire a Veteran Day is every day at POWER.
At POWER, we treat veterans not as charity cases, but as highly-valued members of our organization. Through our Power Veterans Initiative (PVI), veterans and military spouses have the opportunity to harness their unique skills for both personal and professional advancement, building careers that are purpose-driven. However, the investment we make in our veteran programming is returned two-fold — veterans and military spouses at POWER are enhancing our business and fostering a better culture for all.
We chatted with POWER’s Regional Military Affairs Managers to dive deeper on what exactly makes POWER a best-in-class workplace for the military community.
As a veteran who was once transitioning and looking for a career post-service, what stood out about POWER? Why did you feel this was the place for you?
David Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeant: The relationships. When we served, a big reason why we stayed in was because of the brothers and sisters we served with. We formed unbreakable bonds that were forged by facing challenges together. At POWER, we are able to continue forming those similar relationships while continuing to challenge our selves alongside them.
Christopher Popa, U.S. Navy Veteran Lieutenant Commander: As early as the interview process, POWER felt like a real community. It was filled with people that cared, were incredibly competent in what they do, and weren’t willing to settle. I was worried that I would end up at a cookie-cutter, sterile workplace and Power is nothing like that.”
POWER is committed to creating a great experience for our employees — from the application process, to onboarding, and beyond. How are we ensuring that this process is even more welcoming for the military community?
Nick Rocha, U.S. Army (Sergeant): Our military community is surrounded by like minded individuals who support candidates from the moment they are hired throughout their entire career path.
We have PVI Local Leaders and Round Tables (fellow veteran tenured employees) in every office to support and integrate our new veteran and military spouse employees into the business. There isn’t any office you can go to and NOT see the impact PVI is making throughout the company.
Popa: Every veteran and military spouse is getting a phone call before their second interview, with the majority of them getting a call before their first interview. This allows us to start the relationships early and continue building them through the onboarding process.
Lopez: First, our Talent Acquisition team is trained on how to best interact with individuals who have served. From familiarizing themselves with the Military lingo to translating their work experience/skill to “civilian” terms, they ensure military candidates feel comfortable being themselves. Also, as new veteran employees progress through their careers, they have the opportunity to attend events like our Veteran Expeditions. These weekend retreats provide them a chance to network and build relationship across the nation, as well as developing personally and professionally.
Personally, why do you feel that POWER is a great place to work for the military community?
Philip Richards, U.S. Army First Sergeant: Unlike other companies that may adopt a charity-based approach, POWER actively challenges the veteran community to contribute to business growth through diverse pipelines and opportunities. We believe that veterans are not just beneficiaries but are pivotal assets capable of driving innovation and excellence. At POWER, veterans are empowered to leverage their unique skills and experiences to lead projects, develop strategies, and influence positive change across the organization. This approach not only fosters professional growth for veterans, but also enriches our company with a wealth of leadership, discipline, and diverse perspectives.
Popa: I think that the military community tends to run towards a challenge. At POWER, our work is challenging, which we don’t shy away from. This gives the military community an opportunity to thrive and solve company-wide problems, providing a greater sense of purpose. Additionally, our military community isn’t solving these problems alone. We have veterans in every department that can lend a helping hand if necessary.
What is your advice to transitioning service members and military spouses looking for a workplace that will truly support them?
Rocha: Moving into the civilian sector isn’t as scary as we make it out to be in our heads. When you find a welcoming and supportive community that takes your transition seriously, you will not only find a great career, but a home and family. This community mimics the platoon-like camaraderie we all like from our time in the military.
Lopez: Look for the community not the job.
Richards: Prioritize the culture of the organization, the people you will be working with, and the opportunities for growth over chasing a title. The allure of a title can often lead to roles that are unsatisfying and environments that are less fulfilling. Instead, focus on finding a company with a supportive culture and colleagues who inspire and challenge you. This approach not only enhances your professional satisfaction but also contributes to long-term career success and personal fulfillment.
Popa: Be open and be true to yourself. Getting outside of your comfort zone is the only way you will grow.
If you’re interesting in learning more about POWER’s military community and exploring open career opportunities, click here.
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