Date of Conferral

8-13-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Shari Jorissen

Abstract

One of the largest populations seeking employment in private sector industries is military veterans. The active-duty military careers end for over 200,000 individuals per year, and over two-thirds of veterans resign from private sector industry positions within 2 years of post-service transition due to difficulties with their transition. This can lead to a lack of career advancement, professional development, and employee benefits. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore perceptions of non-veteran civilian managers in private sector industries about how to support employees who are veterans in making a successful transition from the military into civilian employment. Based on interviews with non-veteran civilian managers, results indicated that post-military employees have skills and discipline that are different from non-military employees, their organizations do not differentiate between ex-military and civilian employees in relation to training for supervisors, and many of the tools that work to manage and motivate civilian employees are useful with ex-military employees and vice versa. This study highlighted the fact that non-veteran civilian managers have the opportunity to improve the military-to-civilian transition process for their employees by fostering inclusive workplace environments, improving their perceptions, knowledge, and the available tools that can make the transition more comfortable and successful for their ex-military employees. These business approaches and practices have the potential to better help companies, organizations, and agencies retain excellent employees who have previously served in the military.

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