DOD Skillbridge helps active-duty service members prepare for civilian life.

—Tucson, AZ— 

The University of Arizona's recognition as a 2023 Best for Vets Institution by the Military Times is influenced by various factors, including innovative programs like SkillBridge, says Terry Higgins, the SkillBridge administrator at the university. "SkillBridge is a win-win for both the Department of Defense (DOD) and the University of Arizona," he said. "The university contributes a service to the military community while gaining skilled employees at no additional payroll cost."

The DOD SkillBridge program

The DOD SkillBridge program helps facilitate a smooth transition for service members into civilian roles through work internships with civilian institutions and companies during their final 180 days of active duty. Participants spend three to six months working in a field of interest while still receiving military benefits. The civilian experience also helps the service member begin to bridge the cultural gap between military service and life after that, says Nate Hogan, research associate for National Security Programs at Research Development Services (RDS).  Host institutions benefit from service members’ contributions without financial expense and have the opportunity to assess potential employees before making long-term hiring decisions. 

SkillBridge at the University of Arizona

To date, nearly 150 service members have participated across 28 departments at the university. Despite growing participation, those familiar with the program believe it remains underutilized. "SkillBridge is already a tremendous asset for the university, but there's much more potential for its integration across our colleges and departments," says Cody Nicholls, associate director of National Security Programs for RDS.

SkillBridgers and their campus hosts share experiences

At a luncheon hosted by RDS in May, the SkillBridge hub at U of A, participants and their campus hosts gathered to share experiences. Yvette Mathesen, simulation coordinator in the College of Nursing who has hosted three SkillBridgers, shared her motivation: "Seeing my son struggle to find employment after his military service drove me to participate. I see it as an opportunity to provide the support I wish had been available to him."

Jekan Thanga, associate professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, said, "Our students admire the SkillBridgers. It's beneficial for them to see the diverse abilities, reliability, discipline, and perspectives that come with military experience." Jay Martin, a former Air Force officer now employed with Tech Launch Arizona, affirmed, “You’re not going to get a person with all head knowledge they’ve never put into practice. The military is all about practice.” 

Genesis Villalobos, a former U.S. Army combat medic, said her transition to working with RDS was smoother than anticipated. “I discovered that being required to adjust constantly and find solutions to unexpected challenges in the military prepared me for the working world,” she said, also mentioning the value of time management skills she learned on active duty. Kim Patten, associate vice president for Research Development, appreciates the unique insights Villalobos brings to her team. “Our unit supports medical and biomedical research collaborations with the military through basic research funding programs, and it has been enlightening to have a first-hand perspective.” 

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SkillBridgers at the luncheon said networking opportunities were particularly valuable to them and laughed about discovering their role in educating civilians on the nature of military service. “When they learn I was in the Air Force,” said Jay Martin, “they think all I did was fly planes. I have to explain that, as an officer, I managed a dozen programs and had about three jobs in addition to that.”

Yvette Mathesen, who will be hosting her fourth intern in the fall, said SkillBridgers inspire her team to improve their simulations for nursing students. “Most simulations with patients who are veterans are predictable: usually incorporating  PTSD and alcohol and drug use. SkillBridge reminds our team that vets come with all kinds of different stories and experiences.”  

What comes after SkillBridge

While most SkillBridge appointments are to support roles, some participants are uniquely challenged to innovate. Kirsten Rath was placed with the university’s police department (UAPD) and tasked with helping overhaul its emergency response strategy. “I didn’t realize I’d be part of a program revamp. It was intimidating, but I worked with a retiree eager to pass on his knowledge, and his training made all the difference.” She was subsequently hired by the Office of Public Safety as a project manager and threat analyst. Part of her work has been organizing community-focused events, such as a safety fair last fall and a sexual assault awareness 5K walk/run in the spring. 

Jay Martin, who interned with Tech Launch Arizona, said SkillBridge required him to expand his professional engagement capacities since his placement put him in direct contact with stakeholders. “It was a stark shift from my military environment. The exposure was eye-opening and instrumental in my career transition,” he said. “It was like a deprogramming, figuring out how I can take the skills I've collected in the last two decades and make them work in the marketplace.”

Joe Sacci spent most of his military career as a U.S. Army Military intelligence operations coordinator overseas and instructor at Fort Huachuca. After a SkillBridge internship with the university's Applied Research Corporation, he was hired to teach for the university’s Defense Civilian Training Corps and advise on security-related matters. “It has been a great fit so far,” he says.

How to host a SkillBridger

The lunchtime discussion included how supervisors can support service members’ unique circumstances. Former participants emphasized the value of taking time to adequately introduce and integrate service members into their new work teams. They said supervisors should remember that veterans bring value, skills, and experiences that have been uniquely shaped by military culture. The best supervisors, they agreed, give interns ample yet unpressured opportunities to share their stories and perspectives, adjust their expectations accordingly, and dedicate time to the individual’s specific needs. 

The SkillBridgers agreed that transitioning service members do best with structured work plans, clear goals, and well-defined paths to instruction and assistance should they need it. Mathesen said she has learned to be patient and clear with her expectations and, most importantly, “provide the kind of leadership and support that respects their past while helping pave their way forward.”

If you are interested in hosting a SkillBridge intern or just learning more about the program, visit the U of A SkillBridge webpage contact Terrence Higgins, SkillBridge and workforce development administrator, RDS, skillbridge@arizona.edu.