How I’ve Used My Military Experience in the Corporate World
How I’ve Used My Military Experience in the Corporate World
At Panasonic, we are dedicated to supporting members of the military community and their families. There’s no doubt that entering the corporate world can be a complex transition for many veterans and active-duty members.
Through the work of our Veterans Business Impact Group (BIG), we work to foster an environment that helps our employees navigate their transition into the civilian world and educate others on the unique skillset military members bring to our Panasonic North America team.
Below, a few of our own veteran employees share about their transition into the civilian workforce and how they’ve been able to leverage some of the skills they learned throughout their service within their careers at Panasonic.
Timothy Carter, Assistant Maintenance Manager, Panasonic Energy of North America, former U.S. Army Staff Sargent
After spending 20 years in the Army, there is a lot that I learned that has helped me during my time with Panasonic. Most importantly were the leadership skills I developed, which are very important to the military. Although some may say that this trait can be taught, having a natural ability to lead and influence others far outweighs a learned management style.
As a leader in the military, your primary responsibility is to take care of your soldiers. When you are authentic and honest, you’ll earn the trust of those around you and be able to accomplish even more as a team than you would be able to as individuals.
When I joined the Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA) team, I was unfamiliar with the logistics of the role but was able to use the values instilled in me from my time in service, to learn quickly, adapt to the unknown, and advance in my career as a leader.
Arden Ruckman, Technical Training Specialist, Current U.S. Army National Guard E-4 Specialist
To me, being adaptable is key. The world can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay focused on your goals and be able to adjust to changing circumstances. Whether you’re looking to complete a mission or kick-off a new project, being able to embrace change instead of looking at it as a deterring force will help you to keep performing to the best of your ability.
As a Technical Training Specialist here at Panasonic, I am constantly required to adapt and change in my role. From schedule changes, to switching, to different projects and assisting in different maintenance needs, nothing about my day is consistent. I have to adapt daily so I can perform and continue to bring the best version of myself to work each day.
Grace Felix, Logistics and Planning Manager, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, former U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class
A vital skill we rely on in the armed forces is Teamwork. Teamwork develops and encompasses several other important skills like trust, dependability, accountability, and integrity which work hand in hand in building team camaraderie. Our military careers depend on collaborating with and relying on our team members to stay safe, do our jobs, and complete missions.
Teamwork is a skill that will serve you well in the corporate world. Working on a team gives us a sense of belonging even though we have individual roles to play. Ultimately, we have a shared responsibility and collectively work to achieve the greater business goals and objectives.
As I began my career at Panasonic after serving 5 years in the Navy, I didn’t understand the role I played in a large corporate environment. I relied on my teammates to help guide me and be successful. As I became more comfortable and confident, I became a support system for them and new team members. We have a vested interest in the success of the team and this success comes through Teamwork.
Allen Banks, Senior Director, Global Environmental Health, Safety & Security, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, former U.S. Navy Master Chief
I’ve recently retired from the Navy after 32 years of dedicated service to my country. In my current role at Panasonic, my team and I focus on employee training and education; the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses; safety and security awareness; and system integration for asset protection.
I encourage other veterans and service members who are considering civilian roles to use your military training and work ethic to enhance the environment you work in. Here at Panasonic, we are dedicated to bettering the community, which is something we also strive to do in the military. It’s always important to lead from the front and positively influence others whenever and wherever you can!
Your veteran brothers and sisters will always be available to lean on for support throughout your military and non-military career paths. As you know, no one is left behind!
Tom Eskola, Vice President, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, former U.S. Army Colonel
I am a retired Army Colonel with 22 years of service spanning several assignments in Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Kuwait. Having served in many locations across the globe, I have become attune to the unique perspectives other people can bring to the table. The same holds true to the team that I lead here at Panasonic, which includes folks from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
It’s important to remember that some people will always disagree with you or your way of doing things. Just because someone has a different method of getting something done doesn’t mean they are wrong. Contrary to military training, there is no “right way” and “wrong way” to get things done in the corporate environment because we’re all really working toward the same goal at the end of the day.
Learn more about our Veterans at Panasonic community and current career opportunities here.
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