At Stryker, we hold a deep respect and admiration for those who have served in the military, recognizing the extraordinary values, leadership qualities, and teamwork that veterans bring to the table. We are committed to being a career destination that honors and supports our veterans, leveraging their unique skill sets. We understand that transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce can be challenging, so we asked our veteran workforce to share their advice and offer guidance on making this transition as seamless as possible. Whether you're beginning to contemplate your civilian career path or are ready to take the first step, the mission ahead is promising and we're here to help you find your next opportunity.
Here are 6 career tips for veterans from veterans
1. Find a company whose values match yours
“I chose to transition out of the Navy and work at Stryker because of the values this company stands for – much like the values I stood for in the military. I have always believed that integrity and high performance are keys to success and Stryker expects these values from all their employees.” – Angelica, Manager, Employee Development/Talent Management | U.S. Navy
2. Think about what you enjoy doing
“As you transition from the military to the civilian workforce, think about the skills you learned in the military and what you really enjoyed doing. Make sure you know what you won’t like to do as much as what you will like to do now, and in future potential roles.” – Jim, President | U.S. Army
3. Find a mentor
“My advice to transitioning veterans is to connect with mentors in your preferred industry. Choose a diverse group of leaders, both veterans and career professionals, to help you prepare for your new career. Listen, be open minded, and stay humble.” – Chris, Senior Director, Quality Management Systems | U.S. Army
4. Use your military background
“Transitioning from the US Marine Corps to Stryker has been a rewarding experience. The adaptability, problem-solving skills and commitment to excellence I developed during my service are key to my success here. At Stryker, I continue to serve my community, supporting healthcare providers and contributing to improved patient care. It’s a privilege to make a real difference in people’s lives.” - Bryan, Field Service Supervisor | U.S.M.C.
5. Focus on people
“My favorite thing about working at Stryker? It’s not just about the job- it’s about the culture and the people. At Stryker, you’re not just coworkers; you’re friends who compete together, collaborate together, and even hang out outside of work. It’s a super competitive yet incredibly supportive environment that goes beyond professional relationships.” - Cody, Strategic Sales Manager | U.S. Army
6. Consider the whole package
“Many transitioning service members state their reason for leaving the military as wanting to spend more time with their families. Those service members will go on to accept offers based on salary even though the role will require 90% travel and/or work over holidays and weekends. Those veterans most likely will end up job searching again in less than 12 months and risk uprooting their families again. Higher salary does not necessarily mean you will net more money or give you the quality of life desired. It is important to fully understand the culture of the company, requirements of the role, and the total benefits package such as 401K contribution, maternity and paternity leave, medical plan, vacation time, etc. to make sure you are able to achieve your life and career goals.” – Jacqueline, Senior Manager, Human Resources | U.S. Army
Interested in another mission that matters?
Visit our military and veterans page to view jobs that could be a fit for you!
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