Veterans - they're good for business
Driven by an unconscious bias, often fuelled by popular culture and a sector that ought to know better, Veteran underemployment is an on-going issue and one that deserves attention and action across the corporate world. The disparity between Veteran and civilian progression to leadership roles is stark and reflective of a systemic undervaluation of military experience. Data from the JobOppO community shows, despite Veterans possessing a wealth of in-demand skills, they are half as likely to ascend to senior leadership roles compared to their civilian counterparts. Such statistics cast light on a troubling trend where military experience is overlooked, thwarting the career potential of those who have served their country. To bridge this gap, it is imperative that businesses reassess how they recognise and integrate Veterans' distinct capabilities into their workforce strategies.
Digging deeper into the numbers, there is a curious revelation: Veterans who do find their way into civilian leadership positions often do so more rapidly than civilians, once they overcome initial employment hurdles. Specifically, Veterans typically require 17 years of experience, including their time in the military, to reach a director role. By contrast, reports published on LinkedIn state new graduates typically take approximately 10 to reach this level. This suggests it’s vital we continue highlighting the potential benefits to companies of effectively leveraging Veteran talent.
The fundamental issue at hand is the inadequate valuation placed upon military experience within the realms of the corporate environment as Veterans often find themselves entering employment that underutilises their skills and potential. This systemic issue not only limits the career trajectory for Veterans but also deprives organisations of a spectrum of leadership insights that could foster innovation and resilience. No Veteran in the UK want to be thanked for their service, however to acknowledge their experience and commitment, and to capitalise on their unparalleled skill sets and to give themselves a competitive advantage, JobOppO encourages employers to work to adopt a modified approach to their military hiring pathways. A recent Guide to Employing Veterans was created by our partners at WithYouWithMe it lays out deliberate steps to improve hiring protocols, enhance awareness of the value Veterans bring, while suggesting dedicated support mechanisms to pave the way for Veterans to thrive in civilian careers.