The strength in service
Expanding opportunities for military veterans
The strength in service
Expanding opportunities for military veterans
Veterans and military service members bring unique experience and capabilities to civilian companies. Our veteran employees’ discipline, strategic thinking, and other invaluable skills have strengthened NRG as a whole and many of the teams within.
“We (veterans) have a patience for process because we come from all services and we have a resilience that companies need,” explained Chris R., Communications Manager, Army veteran, and active Army Reservist.
VETS+ is a Business Resource Group (BRG) for NRG employees focused on bettering the lives of military personnel through networking and mentorship. It is open to both veteran and non-veteran employees, as founding VETS+ member Chris noted, “That’s what the plus is for. It’s not limited to veterans.”
The group has grown recently as they welcomed employees from Direct Energy, connecting new teammates across the country in a larger, stronger network. The sense of camaraderie and the culture of inclusion goes beyond VETS+ by creating opportunities for other BRGs to work together and leverage the benefits of more diverse perspectives.
VETS+ host General Petraeus
Employee engagement is central to our culture. Despite pandemic challenges and our mostly remote work environment, VETS+ connected people at their inaugural event: a virtual discussion with General David Petraeus.
Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He spent 37 years in the United States Army and various professional and academic roles.
Chris, who served with General Petraeus in Iraq and Afghanistan, invited him to speak. Over 400 NRG employees participated in the insightful virtual discussion, learning from General Petraeus’ experience, talent, and expertise. Attendees were very impressed by his leadership advice, including Reliant Marketing Director, Lyris L.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face to face with such a prominent international and national leader. Hearing his firsthand accounts inspired me to bring new thinking and learnings to my team. I’m grateful to General Petraeus for his service and willingness to share his leadership journey through adversity and triumph.”
The Patrol to Power program
Our commitment to service members goes beyond our organization and is deeply rooted in our military hiring initiatives. We seek to attract, hire, and help develop veterans to continue bringing the power of energy to people and organizations. We recently partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) to create the Patrol to Power program. Part of the DOD SkillBridge initiative, Patrol to Power helps transitioning military personnel enter the civilian workforce while providing valuable experience and skills in the energy industry.
“The Patrol to Power program is an opportunity for service members to participate in a 12-week internship to gain civilian work experience they can parlay into a full-time role,” said Jessica J., Recruiter, Talent Acquisition. “Our goal is to help transitioning service members convert their military skills and experience into a meaningful career at NRG. Their military talents and characteristics add value to our workforce and organization.”
The transition from service member to civilian could occur after one term or a decades-long military career. No matter when the change, we have found considerable alignment between Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy members’ technical skills and energy operations. Veterans’ individual accountability and past teamwork are also invaluable assets for business leaders.
“For somebody coming from the military, looking for somewhere to call home, we are a place that's adaptable and collaborative. We have veteran employees in roles across the organization that can offer support and guidance too,” Jessica said.
We are grateful for veterans’ service and because of them, NRG is better.
Veteran opportunities
Are you are transitioning military service member, or do you know someone who is? Explore our current opportunities and search for keyword "SkillBridge."
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