Cynthia’s Path to Confidence and Career Growth After Military Service

What was the most challenging part of transitioning from military service to civilian life, and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging part of transitioning out of the military into an unfamiliar world is realizing how little you truly know beyond what you’ve observed. I was born on the same military installation where I eventually retired, so my entire life was surrounded by uniforms and military culture. The corporate world felt intimidating, especially the way people talked about what was considered appropriate behavior. I was terrified I’d be perceived as too rigid and straight forward, especially as a woman. I assumed working for a company wouldn’t suit me and expected to start my own business instead, but things unfolded differently.

I took advantage of every opportunity that was provided to me as I was transitioning out. Attending any networking events, resume workshops, interview prep sessions, and business startup classes I could get my hands on. While engaging with those resources, I saw that GovCIO in Tampa had hosted several of the events. That support made me feel safe and confident enough to apply for jobs directly with GovCIO.

What resources, programs, or tools were most helpful during your transition to a civilian career?

When transitioning out of the military, service members are required to participate in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The base I retired from had a strong program with several phases that walked us through the many career options available. One class taught us how to set up our LinkedIn profiles for visibility, which was incredibly helpful. Another standout resource was a USAA-sponsored program that allowed us to shadow professionals in the field we were interested in. I began with a networking event where we were paired with people in those roles, followed by a few days of on-the-job shadowing. The experience was invaluable!

I also participated in a women’s resume writing and interview prep course that was sponsored by GovCIO. This was especially meaningful for me, as I was uncertain about entering the workforce after having such a different experience as a woman in the military. This was the point where I had to open up and ask myself the tough questions. Hire Heroes USA was also part of the event, and I was paired with a counselor who guided me through my uncertainty, helped refine my résumé, and coached me along the way. That support ultimately led to my first civilian role as a government contractor, supporting the very same organization I had served in uniform. It felt both safe and familiar, making the transition much smoother.

Eventually, I realized I needed to do something different, so I reached out to Hire Heroes again. They set me up with a mentor in the field I wanted to pursue and helped me revise my resume for those roles. I ended up in the fortunate position of choosing between two job offers- one from another company and one from GovCIO. That kind of decision is the kind of stress people hope for. I chose GovCIO and have been with the company since 2021. Without the support of these resources, I wouldn’t have been set up for success.

Were there any unexpected skills from your military service that have proven valuable in your civilian career?

When transitioning out of the military, service members are required to participate in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The base I retired from had a strong program with several phases that walked us through the many career options available. One class taught us how to set up our LinkedIn profiles for visibility, which was incredibly helpful. Another standout resource was a USAA-sponsored program that allowed us to shadow professionals in the field we were interested in. I began with a networking event where we were paired with people in those roles, followed by a few days of on-the-job shadowing. The experience was invaluable!

I also participated in a women’s resume writing and interview prep course that was sponsored by GovCIO. This was especially meaningful for me, as I was uncertain about entering the workforce after having such a different experience as a woman in the military. This was the point where I had to open up and ask myself the tough questions. Hire Heroes USA was also part of the event, and I was paired with a counselor who guided me through my uncertainty, helped refine my résumé, and coached me along the way. That support ultimately led to my first civilian role as a government contractor, supporting the very same organization I had served in uniform. It felt both safe and familiar, making the transition much smoother.

Eventually, I realized I needed to do something different, so I reached out to Hire Heroes again. They set me up with a mentor in the field I wanted to pursue and helped me revise my resume for those roles. I ended up in the fortunate position of choosing between two job offers- one from another company and one from GovCIO. That kind of decision is the kind of stress people hope for. I chose GovCIO and have been with the company since 2021. Without the support of these resources, I wouldn’t have been set up for success.

What advice would you give to service members about networking as they prepare to transition to civilian employment?

One thing I’ve noticed is that many service members hold tightly to their current roles as they prepare to transition out of the military. Instead of focusing on the future, they feel tied to their job or guilty about taking time to participate in transition programs. But the truth is, your office will manage without you and will continue to do so after you leave. It’s important to prioritize yourself and your future.

Fully participate in TAP and take advantage of every resource available to you. The VA, Hire Heroes USA, Hiring Our Heroes, VFW, your local Chamber of Commerce, and community organizations all offer valuable support for transitioning service members and Veterans. People genuinely want to help you succeed, and it’s up to you to let them.

What drew you to GovCIO after your military service, and how does the company’s culture align with your values?

I chose GovCIO over another company I had been pursuing for quite some time because I saw how deeply committed they are to supporting Veterans. I struggled with the decision since the other company was one I had long hoped to join. I spent a lot of time talking to both organizations, trying to gain clarity and gather details to help me decide. I’m pretty sure I drove the recruiters and hiring managers a little crazy.

After a lot of prayer and conversations with my husband, I ultimately chose GovCIO, and I am so glad I did. Through the contracts I’ve supported, I’ve had the opportunity to serve the VA and fellow Veterans, which has been incredibly meaningful. That’s just the bonus, though.

What truly stands out is that I’ve been able to be my authentic self here. There is no song and dance that I envisioned the corporate world having. GovCIO has consistently invested in its people, offering resources like internal mobility, GovCIO University, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Veterans Outreach, and participation in SkillBridge.

I initially joined as a SharePoint Developer, but I’ll be honest, I started to feel a bit bored. Thanks to the company’s culture of learning and growth, and the support of leadership, I was able to transition to a new contract where I now serve as a Project Manager. I’m thriving in this role and get to work on some exciting projects. That kind of flexibility and encouragement is rare. It’s a big part of why GovCIO aligns so well with my values.

What message would you share with other Veterans about why GovCIO is a great place to work and grow after military service?

GovCIO strongly supports Veterans and those preparing to transition into civilian life. Many roles within the company directly support Veterans Affairs, which means you have the chance to use your skills to continue serving others who share your background. You get to contribute to improving the benefits and health services available to us, which is incredibly rewarding.

As the company has grown, I’ve seen that growth benefit employees in meaningful ways. Working remotely can make it hard to feel connected, but GovCIO puts real effort into building a sense of community. Even though many of us live in different states across the country, I believe that effort is paying off.