As a former US Air Force veteran, I have many memories of the rigorous training and hands-on experience that have shaped me into the successful entrepreneur I am today. It all started with basic training where I learned discipline, teamwork, and the importance of hard work. From there, I advanced to my specialty as a 3E4X3 Pest Management specialist.
In my advanced skills training, I learned how to identify and eliminate various pests, including rodents and insects, in a safe and effective manner. I was also trained in hazardous material handling and proper safety procedures, which are crucial skills in my line of work. My job was to maintain the health and safety of military personnel and their families by preventing the spread of pests and disease.
These skills have proven invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. As a small business owner, I am responsible for the health and safety of my employees and customers, just as I was in the military. I also use my knowledge of pest control and safety procedures to offer top-notch services to my clients.
Top 5 skills I received in my job and how I used it in entrepreneurship:
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Attention to detail: In pest management, every detail matters. From inspecting buildings to properly storing hazardous materials, I learned the importance of paying attention to the smallest details in order to ensure the safety of others. This same attention to detail has helped me in my business, ensuring that every aspect of my operation runs smoothly and efficiently.
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Problem-solving: Dealing with pests can be a complex and challenging task. I learned how to think critically and creatively to come up with the best solution to eliminate the problem. This same problem-solving skills have helped me in my business, allowing me to tackle complex challenges and find the best solutions for my customers.
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Teamwork: Working in the military, I learned the importance of working together with my colleagues to achieve a common goal. This same teamwork mentality has helped me in my business, allowing me to build strong relationships with my employees and work together to achieve our goals.
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Time management: In the military, I was trained to manage my time effectively, completing tasks efficiently and within deadline. This time management skills have helped me in my business, allowing me to effectively manage my workload and ensure that my customers receive the best services possible.
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Communication: As a pest management specialist, I learned the importance of clear and effective communication, both with my colleagues and with the individuals I was serving. This same communication skills have helped me in my business, allowing me to clearly communicate with my employees and customers, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
In conclusion, I am proud of my time in the US Air Force and the skills I learned that have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey. I encourage all veterans to consider using the skills they learned in the military to start their own businesses. If you're looking to start your own business, sign up with Veterans First Watch. They provide resources and support to help veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial pursuits. I can personally attest to their success, as I have been able to grow my business and achieve my goals thanks to their support.
