Joining the military is a life-changing experience. It gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and explore the world in ways you never thought possible. For many veterans, the skills they learned in the military can be applied to a civilian career, especially in entrepreneurship. This is the story of a former Aviation Electronics Technician in the US Navy and how his military experience helped him become an entrepreneur.
Basic Training
Basic training is an intense and grueling experience. It tests your physical and mental abilities, as well as your willpower. But it is also a time of growth and camaraderie. You learn discipline, teamwork, and how to work under pressure. These are all valuable skills that can be applied to running your own business.
Advanced Skills Training
After basic training, the author was sent to advanced skills training to learn the specific skills required for his job as an Aviation Electronics Technician. This training involved both classroom and hands-on experience, teaching the author how to diagnose and repair electronic systems on aircraft. He learned how to use advanced tools and techniques to troubleshoot complex problems and how to work with a team to complete missions. These skills would later prove to be valuable in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
After serving in the US Navy, the author decided to take the skills he learned and start his own business. He found that the skills he learned in the military were directly applicable to running his own business. For example, he was able to apply his problem-solving skills to resolve issues in his business, and his teamwork and discipline helped him manage his employees effectively. The author's military experience also gave him a strong work ethic and the ability to work under pressure, which are essential traits for an entrepreneur.
Top 5 Skills Used in Entrepreneurship
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Problem-solving: As an Aviation Electronics Technician, the author learned how to diagnose and repair complex problems on aircraft. This skill was directly applicable to running his own business, where he often had to solve problems related to finances, marketing, and operations.
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Teamwork: The author learned the value of working with a team in the military, and he was able to apply this to running his own business. He found that he could delegate tasks to his employees and work together to achieve common goals.
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Discipline: Basic training taught the author discipline and how to stick to a routine. This was invaluable in running his own business, where he needed to manage his time effectively and stay on top of tasks.
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Time management: The author learned how to prioritize tasks and manage his time effectively in the military. This was essential in running his own business, where he had to balance multiple responsibilities and keep track of deadlines.
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Work ethic: The author's military experience gave him a strong work ethic and the ability to work under pressure. This was essential in running his own business, where he often had to work long hours and make tough decisions.
Success with Veterans First Watch
The author's entrepreneurial journey has been successful so far, and he attributes much of his success to the skills he learned in the military. He recently joined Veterans First Watch, a platform for veteran-owned businesses, and he has found it to be a great resource for networking and promoting his business. He is proud to be a part of the veteran community and is grateful for the opportunities that his military experience has given him.
In conclusion, the author's journey from Aviation Electronics Technician in the US Navy to entrepreneur is a testament to the skills and experiences that military veterans bring to the civilian workforce. The skills learned in the military, such as problem-solving, teamwork, discipline, time management, and work ethic, are valuable assets for any entrepreneur. If you are a veteran looking to start your own business, remember to leverage your military experience and take advantage of resources like Veterans First Watch. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to success, you can turn your military experience into a successful entrepreneurial career.
