Civilian employers may be unaware that people in the military gain valuable skills that benefit any business or job. “The value they bring to any organization is inherently important,” according to James Rodriguez, assistant secretary for Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS), U.S. Department of Labor. “Given the right opportunity,” he says, “they will be leaders as they continue to develop skills within the company.”

WorkingNation sat down with Rodriguez at the NASWA Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C.

Rodriguez says military members often evolve into entrepreneurial leaders. “Veterans and military spouses are natural entrepreneurs,” he says, “they’re looking for ways to really establish their mark in whatever career field or industry that they choose to pursue.”

Learn more about Veterans’ Employment & Training Service at the U.S. Department of Labor.