Bridging the Gap: A Veteran's Journey from Military Service to Battelle

SkillBridge, an initiative by the Department of Defense, offers service members a unique opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience as they transition out of the military. Battelle is a proud participant in the program, helping bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment.

Today, we are excited to introduce Ryan Nye, a retired US Air Force Veteran with 20 years of experience, who joined Battelle as a SkillBridge intern and has since transitioned to a full-time role within our organization. In this interview, we'll hear from Ryan about his experiences in the program and the insights he gained while making this significant career transition. Join us as we explore Ryan's journey and the impact of SkillBridge on his post-military life.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background before joining the SkillBridge program at Battelle?

I am Ryan Nye, a retired United States Air Force veteran. Throughout my service I took charge of managing and executing aircrew life support operations across a variety of aircraft. My mission was straightforward but crucial: to ensure that if an aircrew member faced their worst day in the skies, the training and equipment we provided would bring them safely home. I am also a proud husband and father of two wonderful children.

Ryan, his wife and two children at his last oath of enlistment ceremony

What motivated you to join the SkillBridge program, and why did you choose Battelle?

After more than 20 years of service, I believed that participating in a SkillBridge program would provide a smooth transition, allowing me to remain a government employee while gaining experience with a private company. Battelle caught my attention through military colleagues who spoke highly of the organization. After conducting my own research, I was impressed by the diverse range of industries Battelle is involved in, which prompted me to begin the application process.

Can you describe a typical day during your internship? What were your main responsibilities?

When I first started at Battelle, my daily responsibilities included troubleshooting issues within our production and supply chain and identifying process improvements to prevent future occurrences. Once I established myself in the role, I took on additional projects such as designing warehouse organization initiatives, standing up a window film application section, and overseeing the organization and cycle counting of critical inventory parts.

Ryan standing in front of a helicopter during his deployment in the Republic of Korea

What new skills did you acquire during your internship at Battelle? What skills did you learn in the military that you were able to apply in your role?

In the military, decision-making is heavily influenced by a hierarchical structure where leadership holds the primary authority. One of my first adjustments at Battelle was recognizing the collaborative environment, where technicians actively contributed to decisions about future projects. The shift required me to adapt to my approach, ensuring that I valued and incorporated the input of all team members, especially the technicians who would be carrying out the tasks daily. My military experience equipped me with skills that seamlessly transferred, such as being organized, multitasking, and remaining flexible.

Can you discuss the mentorship and support you received during your time at Battelle and how they impacted your experience?

At Battelle, I was welcomed by a team of enthusiastic employees who clearly enjoyed their work. From the start, I was included in management meetings and felt that my voice was valued, even with my limited initial knowledge of Battelle operations. The team kept me engaged and leveraged my process improvement expertise to explore ways of enhancing operations.

I was paired with a “Battelle Buddy”, similar to having a “Wingman” in the Air Force, which provided me with support and guidance. Additionally, I connected with the Valor Employee Resource Group, which represents veterans at Battelle, and took part in a panel interview with directors and key leaders to inform them about the SkillBridge program. I also had the opportunity to participate in a charity event with Valor. Overall, the onboarding experience has been exceptional, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Battelle so far.

Ryan posing with his team at the Battelle ERG Bowling Charity Fundraiser

What were some of the highlights or most memorable experiences from your time in the SkillBridge program?

As a SkillBridge intern, I joined a cohort of summer college interns from various departments across the company. Aside from the 20-year age gap, this turned out to be a positive experience, as the Talent Acquisition team organized numerous panels and discussions that provided valuable insights into Battelle and its employees. These events left me with great memories and played a significant role in solidifying my decision to pursue a career at Battelle after completing my internship. One of the most rewarding aspects of my time here has been the trust and encouragement from management to share and develop my ideas, which has been a standout highlight for me.

What’s Next? You started a full-time role at Battelle. Tell us what you’re most looking forward to.

Now as a full-time Battelle employee, I am committed to deepening my understanding of operations and continuously seeking opportunities for both personal and professional growth. I am excited to work toward achieving seamless operations, contributing to the team’s success, and I am very grateful to be a part of Team Battelle.