Chad W.'s journey from military service to civilian success at Cummins

Embarking on his Cummins Inc. journey in Aug. 2022, Chad W. stepped into the role of project manager for the aftermarket team within the Cummins Meritor team in Florence, Kentucky (U.S.). Leveraging resources such as LinkedIn, his military network, and personal relationships, Chad strategically pursued job opportunities following his military service. A recommendation from a former Meritor HR representative opened doors to various roles within the company, ultimately leading him to his current position.

With 21 years of military service under his belt, encompassing both enlisted member and officer roles, he emphasized that his military tenure enriched him with diverse life experiences, fostering a profound understanding of various cultures. From parachuting into foreign lands, to living in the Netherlands and Alaska, and teaching at prestigious institutions, his military background equipped him with the skills and resilience necessary to thrive in any environment. Chad says, “These experiences provided me the breadth and depth of experience which allows me to successfully handle the day-to-day tasks needed to effectively accomplish my job at Cummins Meritor.”

One standout accomplishment for Chad was successfully presenting projects to Cummins Meritor senior leadership on short notice. As a newer employee, receiving recognition and praise from his direct leadership for a job well done was particularly gratifying. “Presenting to leadership can be stressful, but because I had the opportunity to present to multiple General Officers during my time in the Army, I was prepared for that moment. Speaking to one-star to four-star generals for operations in the Middle East, Super Storm Sandy recovery, and the Army-Navy Football game, contributed to my success in that moment.”

Veterans possess a distinctive advantage in the job market due to their extensive opportunities to engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. He says “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Culture (DEIC) efforts come naturally to most veterans, offering them a unique skill set that they may not even consciously recognize”. This innate ability to navigate and embrace diversity is ingrained in their character, refined through their military service where mission success often hinges on effective collaboration with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

During his transition, Chad noted the availability of resources such as the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) within Cummins. However, he highlighted his supervisor, Danelle C., as the most significant resource during this period. Chad emphasized Danelle's exceptional support and understanding of his adjustment to a new environment. He says, “She genuinely cares for my well-being and my success as an employee and a person.”

Chad finds the camaraderie and support from his colleagues have been the highlight of his workday. The project and product management team in Florence welcomed him warmly, providing invaluable guidance and expertise that facilitated his transition from military to civilian life.

To his fellow veterans considering a transition to civilian careers, Chad offers simple yet profound advice, “understand the military will continue to run without you”. He advises service members to initiate their transition process at least 15 months before their retirement or ETS (Expiration Term of Service) dates. He highlights programs like Skillbridge as valuable resources in the transition process, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing your well-being.

In essence, Chad's military background not only prepared him for the challenges of civilian life but also empowered him to thrive in his role at Cummins. As he continues to grow and contribute to the organization, he takes pride in being part of a company that values diversity, resilience, and dedication.