While returning vets may turn to careers in law enforcement or criminal justice, as they seem like natural fits for the skills they’ve cultivated during their service, Donald Coolidge said they should consider the start-up world. After more than eight years in the Marine Corps, he launched his tech company, Majestyk Apps, in 2012, to help companies design, develop and scale their platforms.
“Start-ups are generally really lean companies. You need to find creative solutions, and the military really helped with that,” Coolidge, 28, said. “The advantage that veterans have is that their time in the military helps them build some traits that translate well into technology. Creative problem solving, teamwork, leadership and [being able] to really think on their feet, think fast and make a decision.”
New York-based Coolidge stumbled upon a group, VetsinTech, while attending one of their events in New York last year, and said he was drawn to the energy within the crowd. Instead of a typical job fair, the veterans were being taught how to raise capital and become their own bosses within the tech space.
“The hardest part for veterans looking for jobs once they get out of service is not knowing where their skills are applicable,” Coolidge said. “Technology is a great space to be in; it’s growing fast and there are good-paying jobs that are looking for the skill sets veterans provide … and leadership just inherently comes with being a veteran.”
