The transition from military service to a civilian career is a pivotal journey, and forward-thinking organizations are stepping up to ensure our nation’s veterans find purpose, community, and long-term success. From specialized leadership programs and Department of Defense SkillBridge partnerships to dedicated employee resource groups and peer-led mentorship networks, leading workplaces are actively unlocking the unique discipline, resilience, and problem-solving strengths that military talent brings to the table. We asked top companies how they support veterans and military families in their career transitions and why honoring their service is integral to a thriving, mission-driven culture. Here is what they had to say.
What specific programs and partnerships has your company developed to recruit, hire, and support military veterans in their transition to civilian careers?
At Aveanna, we deeply value the service that military veterans have provided for our country and the contributions they continue to make in the civilian workforce. We are committed to recruiting, supporting, and developing veterans by creating a workplace that recognizes their leadership and discipline and by offering meaningful career opportunities where they can continue their mission of serving others. Our efforts include mentorship and professional development opportunities designed to help veterans grow and advance within the organization, as well as intentional pathways that align their skills with impactful roles in healthcare. We also support military families through our participation in the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, reflecting our broader commitment to all those who serve our country. To honor and recognize our veteran team members, we publish an annual Veterans Day Honor Roll that celebrates their service—both in the military and at Aveanna—reinforcing that their contributions are seen, valued, and essential to our mission-driven culture.
How does your organization leverage veterans’ unique skills and experiences, and what mentorship or professional development opportunities do you offer specifically for veteran employees?
Veterans feel at home at Aveanna because our mission-driven work is in many ways an extension of their service in the military. We offer employment to service members who are currently on active duty, in the process of transitioning, or retired because we recognize the unique talents and capabilities of members of our Armed Forces. Their leadership, discipline, teamwork, and deep commitment to serving others makes them ideal team members and leaders. Many Aveanna veterans grow into leadership roles across the organization, where they play an active role in mentoring and supporting new veteran hires as they transition into civilian healthcare careers. Through this peer support, along with broader professional development opportunities and clear pathways for advancement, veterans are empowered to continue building their skills and expanding their impact. For veterans who are committed to growth and purpose, Aveanna provides the environment, resources, and support needed to build meaningful, long-term careers while continuing their mission of service.
Check out Aveanna Healthcare’s careers page here!
What specific programs and partnerships has your company developed to recruit, hire, and support military veterans in their transition to civilian careers?
GE Vernova has developed a suite of targeted programs and partnerships designed to bridge the gap between military service and civilian career paths, specifically focusing on professional development, hands-on experience, and community building:
- Wind Junior Officer Leadership Program: A specialized initiative that maps the leadership experience gained during military service directly into management and leadership roles within GE Vernova’s Wind business.
- Partnered with Military Friendly: Sharing our open opportunities and sourcing candidates and participation in virtual recruiting events.
- Partnered with Hiring Our Heroes: Sharing our open opportunities for direct hire and SkillBridge, and participation in virtual and on-site recruiting events.
- SkillBridge Field Engineer Pathways: Through a partnership with the DoD SkillBridge program, GE Vernova provides active-duty service members the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on field engineering experience while still on active duty, creating a smoother transition into full-time technical roles.
- 50Strong Platform: GE Vernova partners with 50Strong to offer on demand mentoring for veterans and transitioning service members, as well as host virtual recruiting events. This allows service members and veterans to engage directly with recruiters and current employees to build professional networks and gain transparency into company culture and career paths before they transition.
- Dedicated Military Careers Site: A centralized digital resource for veterans and transitioning service members to navigate open roles and understand the specific career opportunities available across GE Vernova’s business units.
These programs support a veteran workforce that now exceeds 2,000 employees, reflecting the company’s commitment to integrating the discipline and technical expertise of military talent into the energy sector.
How does your organization leverage veterans’ unique skills and experiences, and what mentorship or professional development opportunities do you offer specifically for veteran employees?
The company hosts an extensive internal community (the GE Vernova Veterans Network) which currently boasts over 1,200 members. This employee resource group serves as a hub for mentorship, peer support, and professional development, ensuring veterans have a community throughout their careers at GE Vernova. The network works together to provide support through community efforts such as network meetups, Toys for Tots Drives, Care packages to deployed employees and their families, and more.
Check out GE Vernova’s careers page here!
What specific programs and partnerships has your company developed to recruit, hire, and support military veterans in their transition to civilian careers?
Builders FirstSource is committed to creating meaningful career opportunities for military veterans and service members transitioning to civilian employment. Through our partnership with the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, we provide active-duty service members with hands-on exposure to careers in operations, manufacturing, sales, and leadership, helping them translate military experience into civilian career success. We also partner with organizations such as Hiring Our Heroes, the Home Builders Institute, and veteran-focused workforce development organizations to expand awareness of careers in the building materials industry and connect veterans with employment opportunities across the country.
Beyond recruitment, we actively support veterans through our Proud to Serve Employee Resource Group, which fosters networking, professional development, mentorship, and community engagement. Builders FirstSource also supports military and veteran-focused initiatives through partnerships with organizations such as Carry the Load and the Gary Sinise Foundation, reinforcing our commitment to serving those who have served our nation.
How does your organization leverage veterans’ unique skills and experiences, and what mentorship or professional development opportunities do you offer specifically for veteran employees?
At Builders FirstSource, we recognize that veterans bring valuable leadership, adaptability, teamwork, and mission-focused problem-solving skills that contribute to success across our organization. We leverage those strengths in a variety of roles, including operations, manufacturing, logistics, sales, and leadership positions, where veterans can continue to grow and make an impact.
To support long-term career development, veterans have access to Builders FirstSource learning and development resources which provide a wide range of learning opportunities focused on leadership, communication, decision-making, and professional growth. Team members can also participate in leadership development experiences designed to strengthen leadership capabilities at various career stages. In addition, our Proud to Serve Employee Resource Group offers mentorship, networking, and community-building opportunities that help veterans connect with peers, share experiences, and support one another in their professional journeys.
Check out Builders FirstSource’s careers page here!
What specific programs and partnerships has your company developed to recruit, hire, and support military veterans in their transition to civilian careers?
At Esri, we support veterans’ transition to civilian careers by building connections through military-focused recruiting events, strategic partnerships like DoD SkillBridge, veteran job boards, and employee referral networks that help identify and attract talented service members. Esri empowers veterans to succeed in civilian careers by providing mentors, networking opportunities, and a supportive environment where their experiences are recognized, valued, and leveraged for success.
How does your organization leverage veterans’ unique skills and experiences, and what mentorship or professional development opportunities do you offer specifically for veteran employees?
At Esri, our collaborative and supportive culture creates an environment where veterans can apply the leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving strengths gained through their service. By creating opportunities for mentorship, open dialogue, and peer connection, Esri empowers veterans to apply the strengths gained through military service into meaningful contributions and career growth.
Check out Esri’s careers page here!
What specific programs and partnerships has your company developed to recruit, hire, and support military veterans in their transition to civilian careers?
Motive’s veteran support is centered on Valor, our employee resource group for veterans, their families, and supporters. Valor builds an inclusive community and supports service members navigating the transition to civilian life, including by connecting members with information on benefits and mental health resources. The group brings members together through regular meetings, events, and outreach, and engages with local veteran organizations. Valor’s charter also includes supporting talent acquisition and extending Motive’s network to veteran-friendly organizations and personnel. Separately, Motive has supported veterans and military families through its partnership with the Navy SEAL Foundation.
How does your organization leverage veterans’ unique skills and experiences, and what mentorship or professional development opportunities do you offer specifically for veteran employees?
We value the skills, discipline, resilience, and perspectives veterans bring to Motive. Valor gives veteran employees and their families a community where they can connect with people who understand military experience, share transition perspectives, and contribute their backgrounds at work. Motive also offers broader development opportunities, including quarterly mentorship meetups, fireside chats, speaker panels, and leadership development.
Check out Motive’s careers page here!