In this episode Air Force veteran Jesse Dieter talks about his path from seven years in combat weather and as a gray beret to building a career in project management. He shares how SkillBridge opened the door to civilian work and how veterans can use what they already know to succeed in this field.

What you’ll hear about:

SkillBridge as a launchpad

• Jesse’s internship and how it led to his first role

• Why SkillBridge is one of the best tools for transition

Beyond the job title

• Roles like scheduler, analyst, coordinator, cost or risk manager

• Why you shouldn’t focus only on the title “Project Manager”

Military tasks as projects

• Planning missions, coordinating resources, meeting deadlines

• How those daily tasks count as project management

Learning how to think

• Jesse’s experience with Vets2PM exam prep

• Why problem solving matters more than memorizing

Adaptability

• Veterans know how to adjust under pressure

• Employers value that skill above almost anything

Book smarts + street smarts

• Certifications validate skills

• Real-world application makes the difference

Preparing while still in uniform

• Research certifications, shadow professionals, take on PM tasks

• Start putting military experience into PM language early

Veterans as leaders

• Clearing roadblocks, supporting teams, keeping the mission first

• Why leadership gives veterans an edge in the workplace

Takeaway
Project management is a way of thinking and leading. Veterans already do it. The key is to translate those skills, earn certifications, and keep building on them in the civilian world.

Connect with Jesse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-d-0bb770192/