Mission Accomplished: A Blueprint for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life San Diego Veterans Magazine sat down with Dr. Jeff Harley Senior Director of Military Engagement, Western Governors University to share his story and blueprint for veterans transitioning. SDVM: What influenced your decision to join the United States Navy? Dr. Harley: I was very blessed to serve the United States for 37 years. I enlisted in the Navy right out of high school because it felt like a chance to give back and be part of something bigger than myself, to learn a skill trade and to serve my great nation. SDVM: What were your responsibilities and duties during your time in the service? Dr. Harley: I began my career as an E1 and worked my way up to Rear Admiral Upper Half. I was blessed along the way to command six different organizations, including serving as Director of the White House Situation Room and President of the U.S. Naval War College. In the military, responsibilities revolve around collaborative team building and leading others. I had the privilege of doing challenging, demanding work alongside extraordinary individuals who shared an unwavering sense of camaraderie and dedication to the mission. “Honor, courage, commitment” is what we called it in the U.S. Navy. That sense of purpose and teamwork was the most rewarding part of my role. SDVM: Describe the transition from being a highly dedicated military leader to having a career outside the military and challenges you faced. Dr. Harley: That transition is difficult. Military members are part of a world built on strong camaraderie and shared values, and that sense of connection is something you deeply miss after leaving. You miss interacting with so many young people whose lives you feel you can positively impact, which is really what everybody wants to do.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was applying for jobs. Translating military skills into terms that resonate with employers can be incredibly tough. Many of us are also naturally humble, which makes it harder to confidently speak about ourselves—which is an essential skill in the interview process. Translating a commendation medal into the civilian equivalent is incredibly hard. SDVM: Were there any mentors or resources that helped guide you through your transition from service to civilian life? Dr. Harley: I had an extraordinary number of mentors and some of them were people who were in the military, and some weren’t. Mentors are critically important during the transition phase because they work to help you understand how to highlight your value and how to translate your skills meaningfully to employers. It’s a value proposition, after all. In addition to mentors, there are a lot of helpful resources for veterans that provide valuable support with resumés, mock interviews and connecting with potential employers. Transitioning from a military structure to the ambiguity and uncertainty of a civilian job search makes having a strong support system essential to a successful transition. SDVM: What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education? I was eager to find a role where I could continue giving back. I like the idea of education as a way to work with young people and help be a part of creating the future. SDVM: Why did you choose Western Governors University? Dr. Harley: There are a lot of elements that make WGU special. The degree programs are designed to accommodate students’ different life circumstances, including those of the military community. 85% of military students pursue their education online. WGU’s real differentiator, though, is its competency-based education model, which allows students to progress toward their degrees at their own pace based on how quickly they meet the competencies.
60 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2024