Transitioning from military service to civilian life is not a one-time event — it's a journey. The Veteran Career Journey is a roadmap for continuous growth, adjustment, and reinvention in a world where the rules are drastically different from the battlefield. In a powerful episode of VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop, host Kings sits down once again with Army veteran, HR executive, and author Bill Kieffer to explore how veterans can succeed long after the job offer is signed.
From Soldier to Civilian: A Transition Mindset
Bill KiefferBill Kieffer knows firsthand that the hardest part of transition isn’t just getting a job — it’s staying successful in that job while feeling purposeful and connected. His journey includes 12 years of service as a U.S. Army officer followed by a 20+ year career in global HR and talent management. Today, as the founder of Veteran Career Journey, Bill coaches veterans on how to succeed after the uniform comes off.
The Veteran Career Journey is about more than employment. It’s about aligning who you are with what you do. That means understanding not only the technical tasks of a civilian role, but the cultural expectations, communication styles, and performance standards that come with it.
The Three Phases: Landing, Integrating, and Thriving
Bill’s new book introduces a clear three-phase model for the Veteran Career Journey:
Landing – The first 90 days are critical. This phase is about observing, identifying key people, processes, and products, and getting oriented in a new civilian workspace.
Integrating – This is where veterans begin to learn the “how” and “why” behind the systems, roles, and structures. Deep understanding begins here.
Thriving – The long-term success phase is about leveraging everything you’ve learned to create career momentum, satisfaction, and value for both you and your employer.
This phased approach allows veterans to pace themselves and build a sustainable foundation instead of overwhelming themselves with the urge to prove value on day one.
People, Process, Product: The 3P Mental Model
A major highlight of Bill’s framework is the 3P Model — People, Process, Product (or Service). It helps veterans organize the overwhelming input of a new job and filter it into manageable buckets:
People: Internal (self, team, peers) and external (clients, suppliers, competitors).
Process: Strategic, job-specific, and talent-related processes like performance management or onboarding.
Product: Understanding what your company sells and what you personally bring to the table as a “product” offering services of value.
This model gives veterans a structure for their situational awareness, helping them “see the battlefield” of their new civilian environment.
Aligning Career and Life: Know Your Why
A central tenet of the Veteran Career Journey is clarity of purpose. Bill encourages veterans to begin with their "Why" — their reason for doing what they do. He urges service members to reflect on what legacy they want to leave, what kind of life they want to lead, and how their job fits into that vision.
He also introduces the idea of creating a personal Board of Directors — a circle of trusted advisors including mentors, friends, and leaders who can challenge and support your decisions throughout your journey.
Being deliberate, taking strategic risks, and committing to lifelong learning are essential for success. This mindset shift is part of the cultural transition many veterans need to make.
Continuous Reinvention and Long-Term Success
Transition is not a one-time hurdle. It’s a cycle that happens again and again as veterans move through different jobs, roles, and even industries. Bill reminds us that thriving in the Veteran Career Journey means adapting continuously while staying true to your purpose.
Sometimes, your initial job won't be the perfect fit — and that’s okay. The key is to assess, reflect, and make intentional next steps. Whether you pivot within the same organization or move on to a new one, your tools — especially your mindset and framework — stay with you.
Final Thoughts: Taking Ownership of Your Veteran Career Journey
Bill Kieffer’s work through his nonprofit, Veteran Career Journey, and his books are redefining how veterans think about success in the civilian world. He empowers veterans not just to survive the transition, but to master it with clarity, confidence, and resilience.
“You are responsible for your career. Nobody else is.” — Bill Kieffer
Whether you're preparing to exit service or already knee-deep in your civilian role, this episode of The Scoop is a must-watch. It provides practical strategies, inspirational guidance, and a repeatable framework to guide every step of your Veteran Career Journey.
🛟 Learn more and access training at: www.veterancareerjourney.org
📘 Find Bill's books on Amazon (search “Bill Kieffer”)
🔗 Connect with him on LinkedIn: William E. Bill Kieffer
