As a veteran who served in the US Air Force as a 4J0X2 Physical Medicine specialist, I had the privilege of receiving training and experience that would lay the foundation for my future entrepreneurial endeavors. My time in the military was full of challenges, but also great moments of learning, growth and camaraderie.
Basic training was undoubtedly the hardest part of my journey in the military. From early morning physical training to various drills and drills, I learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience. But it was all worth it in the end, as I was then selected for advanced skills training in Physical Medicine.
During my advanced skills training, I honed my skills in rehabilitation, massage therapy, and manual therapy. I was assigned to a unit where I was responsible for helping patients recover from injuries and improve their overall physical well-being. This job taught me patience, attention to detail, and the importance of tailoring my approach to meet each patient's individual needs.
As I progressed in my military career, I realized that my experience as a Physical Medicine specialist was not limited to helping patients in a hospital setting. I could apply my skills to help people in a broader, more personal capacity - by starting my own business. And so, I made the transition from military service to entrepreneurship.
Here are the top five skills I received in my job as a Physical Medicine specialist that have helped me succeed as an entrepreneur:
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Attention to Detail: In my military role, I was responsible for monitoring patients' progress, performing diagnostic tests, and developing individualized treatment plans. This attention to detail has been invaluable in starting my own business, where I have to be meticulous in my operations and planning.
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Adaptability: Working in a military setting, I learned to adapt to new situations quickly, whether it was working with a new team, dealing with new patients, or managing changes in procedures. This skill has served me well in my business, where I have to be able to pivot my approach quickly to meet changing market conditions or customer needs.
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Problem-Solving: As a Physical Medicine specialist, I was faced with complex cases where I had to think creatively and use my technical knowledge to find solutions. This problem-solving ability has been critical in my business, where I have to find ways to overcome obstacles and make tough decisions.
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Communication Skills: In the military, I learned how to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally. This skill has been invaluable in my business, where I have to be able to communicate with customers, suppliers, and employees.
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Time Management: In the military, I had to be efficient and manage my time effectively, especially when working with patients or completing paperwork. This time management skill has been critical in my business, where I have to balance multiple tasks and make the most of every moment.
I am proud to be part of Veterans First Watch, a community of veteran entrepreneurs who are committed to supporting each other and helping each other succeed. Through this network, I have been able to connect with other veterans who share my experiences and challenges, and I have found valuable resources and support to help me grow my business.
Today, I am proud to say that my business is thriving, and I am making a positive impact in my community. I am grateful for the skills and experiences I gained in the military, and I will continue to use them as I navigate the exciting world of entrepreneurship.
I encourage all veterans who are considering starting their own business to consider using their military skills as a foundation. Whether you served as a medic, a mechanic, or in any other role, there are valuable skills and experiences that can be transferred to the world of entrepreneurship.
One of the keys to success in entrepreneurship is to stay focused on your goals and to work hard to achieve them. As a veteran, you have already demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. These qualities will serve you well as you start and grow your business.
Another important aspect of success as an entrepreneur is to seek out support and guidance from others. This is where organizations like Veterans First Watch can be incredibly helpful. By connecting with other veteran entrepreneurs, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience, and get the support and encouragement you need to succeed.
In conclusion, I believe that veterans have a unique advantage in the world of entrepreneurship, due to the skills and experiences they gained in the military. Whether you are just starting out or you have been in business for a while, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you and to make the most of your military skills.
By signing up with Veterans First Watch, you can connect with a community of veteran entrepreneurs who understand the challenges and opportunities of starting and growing a business. With the right support and resources, you can turn your military skills into a successful business, and make a positive impact in your community.
