Social Responsibility

Are you a Veteran? Tips for Transitioning Into a Civilian Career

At Intuit, the proud maker of TurboTax and QuickBooks, we’re committed to creating job opportunities and providing financial empowerment for military families and veterans through programs woven throughout the fabric of our company. Navy veteran, Matt Lisowski, is the Executive Sponsor of our Intuit Military Network– one of our 11 Employee Resource Groups — and General Manager

Written by Intuit Blog team
Published Nov 25, 2019 - [Updated Mar 13, 2024]
3 min read

Navy veteran, Matt Lisowski, is the Executive Sponsor of our Intuit Military Network– one of our 11 Employee Resource Groups — and General Manager of our Consumer Group in Canada. The network’s goal is to provide veterans with opportunities to develop their skill set to grow, develop and thrive at Intuit through education, recruiting, mentorship and outreach. Matt also has a passion for advocating for veterans in the private sector and beyond. We’ve pulled together our favorite tips from veterans he has interviewed who have successfully transitioned into the private sector.

What advice do you have for transitioning out of the military and into a civilian career?

“Networking is the most important thing that you can do. LinkedIn is a great resource to connect with people. If you’re interested in a company and know someone who works there, ask to set up a coffee or lunch. Keep in mind that someone you know may know someone that knows someone at a company you are interested in.

Sometimes your skills and experience as a veteran may not be an exact match with the submission process – you must translate your military experience and skills into what can provide value to the company. Think about how you can make them money, save them time, reduce costs, or reduce risks. Go easy on the military acronyms and look to your collateral duties as opposed to focusing on your main job or military occupation code at your command. Your collateral duties may be more applicable to the private sector than you might think.”

Thad C.

Navy veteran and Intuit Technical Program Manager

“Start planning as you decide that you are ready to transition out of the military. I think the biggest mistake that most people make is they fail to plan. You also have to build and leverage your network. Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow veterans. They really are ready to help you. I found that everyone was happy to at least have a conversation. You never know because that one conversation can lead you to your new career.”

Steve B.

Marine Corps veteran and Intuit Software Engineer

“While your technical skills may not be a 1:1 match, you can focus on demonstrating and articulating your soft skills and how they will benefit the prospective company and role. The military teaches you how to lead, learn fast and collaborate as part of your DNA – these are skills that any hiring manager would love to have on the team!”

Ashley M.

Navy veteran and Intuit Finance Leader

“Take the transition very seriously. It’s not just about the mechanics of finding a job, it’s about transitioning from a culture and norms and identifying what you are leaving – to a new culture and assessing how you fit into that. I didn’t get it right the first time. I get to say, “Wall Street was crumbling and I got pulled back in.” The reality is that I was showing the cracks while at Merrill Lynch and had I not gone back to the Navy, I would have probably worked my way out of that job. I encourage people to use the tools that the military provides you to the fullest and reach out to others who have made the transition and listen. It takes intention to get it right.”

Sean H.

Navy veteran and Intuit Customer Success Leader

As part of our One Intuit Military program, we are building on a foundation that includes hiring top talent, supporting our employees who are veterans and part of families, and more. We are growing stronger relationships with military spouses and veterans to ease the transition into civilian life.

At Intuit, we believe that when we come together, we prosper. That’s why we invest in equity — to give everyone an equal opportunity.

To learn more visit our website at www.intuit.com/military.