Karl DeLooff

How did serving in the military help prepare you for a job in the clean energy industry?

The military provides an intense training environment for leadership under stress and high demands. Combat quickly sorts out the people who can survive and even thrive in chaotic environments and function as both an individual and a team member.  In the US Coast Guard, the discretion given, and judgement required of person with only a year of experience mandates maturity, adaptability, and the ability to learn and master new skills quickly. Renewable energy is largely a distributed energy source with limited supervision of personnel – the military provides an optimal training program for maturity and renewable energy career success.

What advice do you have for veterans exploring a job in the clean power industry?

Starting from a non-technical MOS that is not directly related to renewable energy, I recommend that the Veteran self-study at least one skill or technical aspect of the potential career path.  That demonstrates commitment to the craft that a potential employer will value and will position you above other potential employees.

For an on-site technician, look at the ACP Entry Level Technician skills and the ACP Micro Credentials.  Those documents are a great source of the skills that you can learn and demonstrate through independent study.  You will also have a good idea of the training and skills your new career path will require.  The Skill Bridge program is a great resource for those transitioning out of the military.

For other non-technical careers (also technician careers), make connections with Veterans within your area or potential employer.  The Veteran community is highly supportive and certain companies are Veteran friendly.  Acciona Energy is recognized by the American Legion and the Department of Labor for its employment of Veterans. Other companies are similar.

Be aware that although you had rank in the military, you will start over and your rank will not carry over.  You will, however, be able to quickly distinguish yourself and move up quickly.  Your new employer needs to see your competence and maturity in action with your team.

What advice do you have for companies looking to hire veterans?

Potential employers should look beyond the resume and see a person with functional leadership skills, a highly developed sense of teamwork, and incredible adaptability.  Although there may not be the exact technical experience on the same equipment on the resume, the Veteran can be quickly taught and will soon become a cornerstone team member.  Adding a Veteran to a team tends to make the entire team better due to the Veteran’s high expectations of themselves and other team members.

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