After serving in the armed forces, Megan Foxx was faced with the daunting task of transitioning back into civilian life. This can be a challenging process for many veterans, as they often struggle to find meaningful employment that aligns with their skillset and experience. However, she was able to find success thanks to the DoD Skillbridge program, which provides service members with opportunities to gain valuable job training and work experience with civilian employers.
What inspired you to participate in the DoD Skillbridge Program with Salute Mission Critical, and how did you hear about it?
I knew I wanted to participate as soon as they created the DOD Skillbridge Program. Finding a company at first was a challenge. Steve Martin found me on LinkedIn and connected me with Robyn. I learned a little about Salute during our interview and decided to join the team.
What was your experience like during the program, and what were some of the challenges you faced?
At first, I worked with Robyn in the Talent Acquisition (TA) department when I joined the program. A short time later, I then transferred to the Workforce Development department and started working with Dominic. My biggest challenge was working from home after going in to work for the last 20 years. Finding the balance of home life and work was a little getting used to. Going from a job where every day was new and you never knew what would happen to getting comfortable with routine was also a challenge. I welcomed the challenge!
What was your role at Salute Mission Critical, and how did you contribute to the company’s success?
While working for Salute, I was the Employee Engagement Associate. I saw the role grow from onboarding to internal communications, extending even further to a few additional roles. We were trying to create a voice for all Salute members with the creation of the Pulse Surveys, and updates to the Resource Center helped the company with a small part of its success. Knowing what your employees are thinking and wanting is crucial, and being able to help facilitate that helped me and the company grow and understand the wants and needs of every member.
How did your military background prepare you for the transition to civilian life and a new career in the private sector?
I believe the military helped me a lot in finding myself. Being able to say this is what I want to do when I retire was a big deal. Most of the time, I wasn’t sure. Still, having the leadership experience, the ability to complete college, and to learn resiliency helped me when it came time to transfer to the civilian sector. What I did with Salute was similar in a sense to what I did in the military but not the main job. I went from Security Forces to an admin role. There was a lot of learning, and I’m grateful that Dominic was patient with me and provided me with skills to help me understand the corporate setting.
What advice would you give to other veterans who are considering participating in the DoD Skillbridge Program?
I 100% recommend the program. You could learn a whole new skill or strengthen your skills in a different setting. Your network grows, and you continue building those relationships during your internship. It’s an excellent way to step away from the military and still have a purpose.
How has your experience with Salute Mission Critical impacted your career goals and aspirations?
When I started, my ambitions were to succeed in any position I was placed in. Salute made the transition from military to civilian life very smooth for me. Had I not done the SkillBridge program, I would not have grown as much as I have in such a short period. The confidence I gained from this experience will never be forgotten.
The program is designed to connect service members with civilian employers who can offer training and work experience that aligns with the service member’s military occupation, experience, and training. The DoD Skillbridge program is available to all eligible service members, regardless of branch or rank, and is a valuable resource for those looking to transition from military to civilian careers successfully.
If you would like to learn more about the DoD Skillbridge Program and career opportunities, explore the options here.
