No Result
View All Result
Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
No Result
View All Result
 Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
Military Families
No Result
View All Result

Leaving the wire for corporate America

Samantha Peterson
by Samantha Peterson
December 13, 2019
Leaving the wire for corporate America

Chris Wayne, current CTO of Yahoo Small Business and former sergeant in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division.

ShareTweetEmailWhatsApp

More than 200,000 U.S. service members re-enter the civilian sector each year, facing unknowns when it comes to education, healthcare, employment and more. The journey is often met with a healthy amount of fear and uncertainty, but veterans who have been there and done that are sharing their own experiences with navigating the transition. Finding the next mission is exactly what Chris Wayne, a former sergeant in the Army’s 82nd Airborne and current CTO of Yahoo Small Business, believes is key to success for any soldier’s next chapter.

Chris Wayne served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

“Prepare yourself mentally to be a private in the world again. A private who is mature, adept, but with a tremendous acceleration trajectory waiting to rank up above your peer group,” Wayne said, drawing from his own experience transitioning from sergeant to student.

Wayne recalls driving straight from Fayetteville, North Carolina to San Jose, California where he simultaneously worked an entry level data job while attending courses.

“Standing amongst my new peer group of freshmen — questioning how to function as an adult for the first time, I had to remind myself that this was temporary,” he explained.

Adopting a temporary mentality is exactly the strategy that laid the foundation of his current role with Yahoo Small Business. Straight from college, Wayne began contracting with Yahoo in an entry-level customer support role, where he waited for an opportunity to lead again.

“I told myself — if I ever stop learning, if I ever stop growing, I’ll leave. Neither have happened and I was consistently promoted to where I am today,” he said.

While a successful new profession is the goal, actionable steps that put one foot in front of the other are critical to establishing solid ground to stand on. Wayne details the following essential tasks in growing from soldier to CTO:

Get professional — now.

Begin by managing your own personal brand. Establish a professional e-mail address, prepare a robust LinkedIn profile as well as buttoning up your other social media. Get headshots and the right interview clothes so when the time comes, you’re ready — not when ETS classes begin, but right now.

Establish your network.

Start with who you know. Reach out to your own base, making use of what already exists. Become a part of the world you want to join though Meetup groups in your area. Identify veteran groups and organizations to become a part of. With an expansive network in place, you just need to start tapping in.

Separate platforms for veterans.

Major organizations set aside specific positions specifically to hire military applicants. Dedicating the time to apply for quality versus quantity can alleviate a sense of being overwhelmed. Take care to seek out specialty platforms, and contact the coordinator or recruiter associated with the process to notify them of your application.

In addition to a robust preparation outline, consider the burning question: what about the resume? Always a worthy task to tackle, this is where it becomes vital to understand the role you are seeking, according to Wayne.

“Tell employers about your responsibilities versus the tasks you completed or skills you’ve mastered. Instead of listing — I provided support, quantify the logistical undertaking and the value of assets and personnel involved,” Wayne said.

On the other hand, if applying for a clearly defined niche, “list tactical skills to clearly prove your qualifications.” Knowing the role means controlling the narrative.

Many of the core principles Wayne learned during his time in the Army helped him succeed in a business leadership role.

  • Know when to lead, and know when to follow.

  • You can delegate authority, but not responsibility.

  • Never hide a failure, but use it as a growth opportunity.

  • Form connections with the people around you.

  • Respect and trust are earned.

He adds that veterans also deliver unique attributes to civilian companies, so finding the right fit is critical for future success.

“There are employers who need people with discipline, loyalty, and integrity — all characteristics of a veteran. Those employers will train you if necessary — they will invest in your future. There is a world outside of the military that needs veterans and there are opportunities for us to thrive,” he added.

 

Read comments
Tags: 82nd Airborne DivisionChris Waynemilitary veteransUS ArmyYahoo Small Business
Share48Tweet30SendSend
Samantha Peterson

Samantha Peterson

Samantha Peterson is a travel journalist, storytelling photographer and Army wife. She's using military moves to inspire local, bucket-worthy travel for families across the country through day-tripping. Her family is currently moving across the USA, and you can bet she'll be writing all about it.

Related Posts

What to expect from a job search after leaving the Army
Military Veterans

What to expect from a job search after leaving the Army

6 days ago
Military Families Magazine
Military Education

From musician to soldier and back again

6 days ago
Soldiers talk about benefits of completing college on active duty
Military Career

Soldiers talk about benefits of completing college on active duty

7 days ago
Student veterans find community at Villanova University
Military Education

Student veterans find community at Villanova University

2 weeks ago
Veterans to help plant 10 million trees 
Military Veterans

Veterans to help plant 10 million trees 

2 weeks ago
Marine Corps changes policy to give new moms 1-year break from fitness, weight rules
Military Career

Marine Corps changes policy to give new moms 1-year break from fitness, weight rules

2 weeks ago

Discussion about this post

Ads

Military News, delivered to your inbox

Get a free copy of MILITARY FAMILIES delivered to your inbox each month

Let's connect!

ABOUT US

  • OUR STORY
  • OUR TEAM
  • MEET OUR WRITERS

MAGAZINE

  • GET PRINT
  • GET DIGITAL

GET RESOURCES

  • EDUCATION GUIDE

ADVERTISE

  • GET OUR MEDIA KIT
  • CFC PARTNERS
  • PRICING
  • PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

SUBMISSIONS

  • PITCH US
  • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
  • BOOK CLUB
Never miss out on the latest stories.
© 2021 Military Families by AmeriForce. Privacy Policy | Terms | Site by Swiss Commerce

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Military Life
    • Deployment
    • Relocation
    • Military Spouses
    • Military Kids
  • Education
  • Career
    • Transition
    • Entrepreneur
    • Veterans
  • Health
  • Money
  • Travel
  • Get Resources
    • Education Guide
  • Giveaways

© 2020 Military Families by AmeriForce. Site by SCBW.