THE WAY FORWARD
51 Vets CEO Lindsey Schiro on the Mission to Transform Elite Military Veterans
into Powerful Private Sector Leaders
Despite the decorations, the acknowledgments, the steady “thank you for your service” messages, and the respect, many of our nation’s most accomplished Veterans deal with different degrees of difficulty adjusting to civilian life and finding new career opportunities in corporate America.
Founded in 2022, the military non-profit 51 Vets was established with a clear and direct initiative to ease the transition through networking, career placement, mentorship, and additional resources all specifically tailored to leverage the skillsets, leadership qualities, and mission-driven mindsets of these incredible individuals.
“There’s a code that we at 51 Vets believe in,” said Lindsey Schiro, 51 Vets CEO. “And that is to give more than you take. Everyone involved within the organization including our members, the Veteran community, our sponsors, and our team keep this front and center as we work together towards a better tomorrow.”
FROM INSPIRATION TO ACTION PLAN
Most GOVX members are familiar with retired U.S. Navy SEAL, podcast host, and JockoFuel founder Jocko Willink. The fact is, he’s also an accomplished bestselling author, underscored by his book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win. That very book served as a source of immediate inspiration for future 51 Vets Founder and President Jordan Selleck. The investment banker-turned-entrepreneur became motivated to utilize his professional network to begin connecting with SEALs in search of post-military career assistance with financial leaders. Thus, paving the way for interviews, and eventually job offers.
“There are many non-profits dedicated to assisting Veterans in a variety of ways,” added Schiro. “But what Jordan Selleck sought to do was find our niche in the finance and banking space. In the three short years that have followed, we’ve grown to over 500 members nationwide that are all actively involved with the mission or have benefited from our services.”
A DIFFERENT KIND OF EMPLOYEE
The influx of Veterans interested in gainful employment within the corporate sector represents a welcome shift for today’s hiring managers. 51 Vets has built a formidable member base around those with Special Unit experience such as the Navy SEALs, Green Berets, U.S Army Ranger Regiment, Marine Special Operations (RAIDERS), and Naval, Air Force, and Army Aviation Units.
On paper and in uniform, their accomplishments speak for themselves. In the workforce, they bring a specific level of expertise and skills that make them unique to the positions they fill. From adaptability and problem-solving to an unparalleled work ethic, there is no quit to be found.
“They excel in complex environments,” explained Schiro. “They are also very dedicated to the cause and their careers. Because they’ve devoted so much of their lives to the military and our country, they take their jobs very seriously.”
PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY
For Veterans, the benefits of becoming a 51 Vets member are two-fold. One, there’s a renewed sense of purpose that comes with finding your place in a post-military career world. Whether you’ve served decades or fulfilled a shorter stint, the organization is here to help you take the next step.
There’s also the strength of community, which simply cannot be understated. “Membership includes access to a private Slack channel,” added Schiro. “Any member can use it as a resource, especially if they’re having mental struggles, looking into business schools, or need advice after getting their first job offer.”
Additionally, 51 Vets holds city summits offering all-expense paid trips for members to travel to meet face-to-face with private equity firms and investment banks, gain confidence and exposure, obtain assistance in resume building, and receive further guidance in transitioning.
CHALLENGES FACED. CHALLENGES ANSWERED.
Change is hard. That’s just a fact. As adaptable as these heroes are, life’s changes are not always a seamless pivot, especially when a career transition is factored in. 51 Vets is here to help.
“The transition to a new life is enormous,” said Schiro. “These Veterans are losing the identity that they’ve spent years molding. They’re also losing their team. Many Special Operations warriors equate that to losing their community, and what we aim to do is show them that there are ways in which they can feel supported, seen, and connected.”
There’s also the strength of community, which simply cannot be understated.
“Membership includes access to a private Slack channel,” elaborated Schiro. “Any member can use it as a resource, especially if they’re having mental struggles, looking into business schools, or need advice after getting their first job offer.”
Additionally, 51 Vets holds city summits offering all-expense paid trips for members to travel to meet face-to-face with private equity firms and investment banks, gain confidence and exposure, obtain assistance in resume building, and receive further guidance in transitioning.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Although they may be a young organization, the impact of 51 Vets is already immeasurable.
“We’ve had cases where members came to us directly for help,” said Schiro. “They’ve depleted their savings, they feel like they’re letting their family down, and they’re at the crossroads. What we do is rally around them utilizing our vast network to get them in the door with an interview and on their way to receiving a rewarding position at the salary they deserve.”
Some of the major corporations 51 Vets has aligned with include:
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
First and foremost, if you’re a Veteran looking to segue into the corporate world, applying for membership can done by requesting an application through an existing 51 Vets member and providing the organization with your most recent personal information.
For all others, donations can be made in support 51 Vets and their mission.