When military members serve our country, they also have an opportunity to serve themselves through the educational opportunities the military offers.
From chances to train on new technology and gain certifications to funding for higher education through the GI Bill and veteran-supported scholarships, there are many resources that help veterans follow their passions once their duty is done.
Many veterans use these educational resources as a jumping-off point towards a career in tech. According to data from the Government Accountability Office, over 130,000 veterans used the GI Bill to pursue a degree in STEM fields between 2019 and 2021. A good amount of those veterans were likely inspired through working with technology during their service — including Maria Bernal-Mora, who now works as an electrical engineer and project manager at industrial technology company Fathom5.
“As a Navy electrician, I learned how things work, but after I left I wanted to learn more about why they work,” said Bernal-Mora. “This is what prompted me to go to college for my engineering degree.”
Moving from military to civilian life is an adjustment in a wide variety of ways — but by taking advantage of educational opportunities in the military and beyond, veterans can ensure that they have experience that translates to a career in tech. Built In Austin sat down with Bernal-Mora and Jon Runnels, information security manager at non-profit health system Ascension, to learn how their military experience shaped their journey into the tech field.
“Use the education resources the military offers you,” advised Runnels. “After service, utilize the GI Bill or other veteran’s assistance to pursue your passion.”
Veteran-owned Fathom5 is uniquely positioned to understand the value of military experience in the industrial field and in navigating government contracts. While Bernal-Mora has still needed to make adjustments for civilian life, Fathom5 has allowed her to retain the best parts of her service experience.
How and where did you serve your country? What is your current role, and what are you working on right now?
I worked as an electrician in the Navy and served at naval air stations all over the U.S., as well as working as a shipboard electrician on four aircraft carriers, a cruiser and a new littoral combat ship. Onboard, I was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the power distribution plant, lighting and all of the major 440 equipment, and ensuring that all of the essential systems on the vessel had power.
After I was discharged, I attended Texas State University and got a degree in electrical engineering. Now I work as an electrical engineer doing project management and electrical design at Fathom5. I am in charge of the management and design of several projects in our research and development program, including a secure programmable controller, a predictive condition-based maintenance system, a hydraulic replacement system and an electric motorcycle.
What aspects of your military service have helped you build a career in tech, and what are some new skills you’ve developed since you left the service?
I have been interested in electricity my whole life, and used to fix stuff with my dad when I was growing up. As a Navy electrician I learned how things work, but after I left I wanted to learn more about why they work — which is what prompted me to go to college for my engineering degree. Or maybe I’m just a masochist and look for more trouble than I need.
Since joining the civilian world, I’ve learned to be more patient. I think in a lot of ways I still have a military mindset and want things structured and done right away. In the civilian tech sector, there is more of a relaxed and collaborative environment, whereas the Navy has a very structured hierarchy and approval process. We get to be a lot more creative and flexible in our projects in the civilian world — and it’s also nice getting to come home every night.
Working for a veteran-owned company allowed me to retain the values of teamwork and hard work that I loved in the Navy while also introducing me to the collaborative and innovative values of a tech company.”
What advice would you give to fellow veterans who are looking to build a career in the tech sector?
Transitioning to civilian life can be a difficult switch because you’re not just changing jobs, you’re also changing lifestyles. I think it’s really important to be open-minded and ready to accept new experiences and new mindsets. You see a lot more diversity in the way people think outside of the military, which can be a little jarring at first, but eventually you come to realize that having so many more voices in the room can be a strength and allow for new ideas to form.
One thing I did miss a lot about the Navy was the strength and camaraderie of the team. When you are in the service, everyone in the service is a teammate — losing that team after being discharged hurts. I found that working for a veteran-owned company like Fathom5 allowed me to retain the values of teamwork and hard work that I loved in the Navy while also introducing me to the collaborative and innovative values of a tech company.
Runnels’s top piece of advice is to use the education resources available to you as a member of the military and a veteran. Training on new computer technology during his service allowed Runnels to find his way into his current career in IT security.
How and where did you serve your country? What is your current role, and what are you working on right now?
I served in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) from 1989 to 1993. I served during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm along with many other operational deployments during my four years of service. Currently, I am an information security officer with Ascension, where I lead a team that trains over 150,000 associates in cybersecurity fundamentals to support their work in serving our mission.
What aspects of your military service have helped you build a career in tech, and what are some new skills you've developed since you left the service?
I had the opportunity to work in my USMC Company’s office at a time when the military was just beginning to widely use computers. I was trained in a new — at the time — technology using laser scanners and barcodes to manage logistics. I took these skills into the civilian world when I left the service — starting out in a general IT support role, then specializing in application support before finally moving into IT security.
During active duty, complete as much course work and as many certifications as you can and take advantage of the tuition assistance programs.”
What advice would you give to fellow veterans who are looking to build a career in the tech sector?
Use the education resources the military offers you. During active duty, complete as much course work and as many certifications as you can and take advantage of the tuition assistance programs. After service, utilize the GI Bill or other veteran's assistance to pursue your passion.
