Navigating New Waters: A Navy Veteran’s to the Civilian Workforce

SkillBridge, an initiative by the Department of Defense, is designed to offer transitioning service members a pathway to gain essential civilian work experience. At Battelle, we are proud to support this program, which serves as a crucial bridge for veterans moving into civilian careers.

In this blog, we’ll hear from James Wilson, a Navy veteran and recent SkillBridge intern at Battelle. We’ll explore James's journey through the program, highlighting how the expertise he earned in the military were able to translate to the civilian workforce.

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

My name is James Wilson. Before joining the SkillBridge program, I served 12 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy and currently serve in the Navy Reserves as a Master at Arms. Over the course of my career, I’ve held a variety of roles that really helped shape my leadership, security, and operational management skills. I spent a significant amount of time safeguarding national critical assets. While stationed overseas in Diego Garcia, I led our training department, where I was responsible for developing and executing mission-essential training for over 80 Sailors. Later, at Tinker Air Force Base, I managed all Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives for the command, ensuring full compliance with safety and inventory procedures. I also served in a law enforcement role at NAS Pensacola, where I developed key skills in base security, incident response, and community relations. Outside of my military career, I’m a proud father of three very active teenage boys who keep me on my toes and make sure life is never dull.

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

Leaving the military after 12 years was not an easy decision, but ultimately, I wanted to focus more on my family. I saw my children and parents getting older and realized I wanted to be more present in their lives. That’s when I decided it was time for a career change. SkillBridge stood out to me as a truly valuable opportunity for transitioning service members. It allowed me to gain meaningful work experience without the added stress of financial instability. What really attracted me to Battelle was the opportunity to join a respected organization with strong values and a wide range of career paths. I approached this transition with an open mind—I was confident in my work ethic and eager to learn something completely new.

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

My internship experience at Battelle has been nothing short of amazing. I was placed in the Contracts Department, specifically with the Contract Closeout team. Not only did I have a designated mentor, but I felt supported by the entire team. Everyone was approachable, patient, and willing to invest their time in helping me learn—despite my having no prior experience in this field. The team provided clear instructions, well-organized templates, and structured guidance that reminded me of the military, which made the transition smoother. I consistently received encouraging feedback and felt like a valued member of the team from day one. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with during this phase of my career.

What advice would you give to other military personnel considering the SkillBridge program?

My advice would be: go for it. There’s everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose by taking part in this program. It not only helps you explore a new career field, but it also allows you to relocate to an area of your choosing—something that was really helpful for my family as we were moving to Ohio. The SkillBridge program gave me the chance to step outside my military background and gain experience in a completely different environment, all while still receiving my military benefits. That kind of stability made a big difference during the transition. One important piece of advice I’d give is to start early. I started the process a bit later than I should have, and as a result, I couldn’t take full advantage of the maximum time allowed. So, if you’re interested, don’t wait—start planning as soon as possible.

What’s Next? As your internship wraps up, what are you most looking forward to?

I’m excited to share that I recently accepted a job offer to join Battelle’s Government Security team. I couldn’t be more thrilled to continue working with such a great organization. From the beginning, everyone I’ve met has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I’m honored to officially become a part of the team. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow—both professionally and personally—while gaining new experiences and contributing to Battelle’s mission.