Spotlight on Team TESG: Voices of Our Veterans

You pass them in the halls, seen their faces on Zoom calls, and exchange e-mails. You know their job title and department, and might even know their extension by heart. But do you truly know who you’re working with? Get to know two of our employees who we honor and thank for their service to our country, Danny Myers and Joseph Ferber.

What branch of the military did you serve in?

Danny Myers, Senior Managing Director: From 1998 to 2010, I proudly served for the United States Navy and am currently a Service-Disabled Veteran.

Joseph Ferber, Director – Accounting Manager: I served in the United States Marine Corp from 2000 to 2006, where I had two tours in Iraq (January 2003 to September 2003 and August 2004 to April 2005).

What are some skills that you’ve gained through your service that you can apply to your job at TESG?

Danny: If you ask anyone who serves, they’ll tell you the ability to adapt and overcome any situation put in front of you is one of the main skills you gain throughout your service. And they’re 100% correct. However, I think communication is key. Interacting with all different levels of command is a talent in itself. Whether you’re training or being trained, being able to interact with anyone and everyone, getting your point across, and accomplishing that said task all depends on proper communication. This is something that really helps me thrive with my job today.

Joseph: All the necessary skills you need to complete any task. Exceptional communication skills, strong attention-to-detail, and being constantly organized. A sense of will and determination to get any mission completed properly.

What are some challenges veterans might experience when transitioning to the workforce?

Danny: Initially, I would have to say the change of camaraderie. It’s just a whole different type of game to get used to. The chain of command structure is obviously very different in the civilian world, so that is also an adjustment. But to be honest, it might be finding that“sense of purpose”. After serving, I know I had some trouble trying to find my bearings and get used to the everyday tasks of the normal workforce. In a way, it feels like the importance of what you’re doing is far less than what you were accustomed to, but that’s a common feeling amongst veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Joseph: The differences in the working environment can at times be difficult for a former service member to navigate. Relating to peers when entering the workforce is a common obstacle, even if they’re in the same age group as there is a culture gap between civilian and military life. We’re meant to follow a very strict structure and routine that few companies or industries mirror, so switching up our daily activities and regimen can be difficult. Not to mention, the negative effects from deployment that hamper veterans on a daily basis can be difficult to deal with in a work setting.

Why should more employers be open to hiring veterans?

Danny: Hmm, where should I start? We’re hardworking, mission-focused, and can work well in both independent and team-oriented situations. We’re highly trainable and take instruction easily. Not to mention, we’re always open for feedback and, because of that, are pretty thick-skinned.

Joseph: The military turns young men and women to adults really quick, even more so when deployed into a combat zone. Veterans bring a level of maturity and responsibility to the table that is not common in their respective peers. Military members have a high level of adaptability and can overcome many obstacles. The Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis” which means always faithful, but throughout my time in the military, we often went by “Semper Gumby” (always flexible).

What advice would you give veterans who are entering the workforce for the first time?

Danny: Just because your uniform is changing, doesn’t mean you have to. So, utilize everything your service taught you, adjust it, and apply to the civilian world.

Joseph: Understanding that the environment is going to be very different from the military is key to success. The job you have done in the military may not necessarily align with the job you are applying for, but the skills used in the military to perform your job can be implemented into your new work environment. For example – during my time in the military, my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was in communications. Although I am not employed in the communications field, I learned to be very direct and precise in my communication to my team. It’s about adapting.