Three of our employees share their unique experiences in both the military and corporate worlds: CJ as an active service member, Rhonda as a veteran, and Shelby as a military parent.
One common theme: They feel their experience is supported and valued at Principal.
CJ
Process improvement consultant
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Military journey
I joined the International Guard when I was 18, starting basic training three weeks after I graduated high school. I started out as a jet mechanic and now have transitioned to an officer position leading a team. At first, I was primarily focused on the educational and life experience benefits, but I quickly became passionate about serving my country.
A family tradition
My two older brothers are in the Air Force as well. And when it comes to my brothers, I'm fairly impressionable. I love and look up to them a lot. So, I joined for that reason as well. We deployed together in 2021 to Saudi Arabia, which was a very unique experience.
From the military to Principal
I joined Principal through the rotational program, which allowed me to explore different opportunities across the company, as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I graduated college. I realized the culture is amazing, and the products we sell really do help people. I felt supported to provide value quickly and progress in my military career at the same time. Ultimately, I landed in Corporate Accounting and have been focused on continuous improvement efforts for the past six years.
Fulfilling dual responsibilities
Principal has always allowed me to focus on my mission at hand. While working here, I’ve been deployed overseas once, activated twice—including during the COVID-19 pandemic—and have participated in multiple trainings that required time away. Throughout it all, I’ve felt nothing but support and gratitude from my Principal family. I’ve received heartfelt letters and generous gifts from my team. When I was deployed to Saudi Arabia, my peers were amazed by the care package sent by my Principal team; it was truly humbling and a powerful reminder of the support behind me.
Advocating for others
I think the biggest difficulty is the translation gap between how the military describes your responsibilities versus how corporate America would. I recommend finding a professional organization or a mentor who previously made that transition to help bridge that gap.
I had my brothers and a mentor who coached me through the transition. Now, I advocate for and coach younger airmen to identify the responsibility they hold; there's a lot of weight and power to it that they probably don't recognize.
Closing the skills translation gap: When you search for a job at Principal, you can enter your MOS code to find roles that match your military skills.
Rhonda
Advisor care specialist
Army veteran
Military journey
I entered the military right out of high school. I gained confidence and discipline through serving as a squad leader throughout basic training and as the designated class leader throughout extensive eight-month schooling. That experience earned me an opportunity to serve at the Pentagon for the Army Chief of Staff for Intelligence (and top-secret security clearance) at age 19.
From the military to Principal
My time in the military provided me with skillsets to successfully navigate university (a disciplined approach to studying and time management) as well as the confidence and organizational skills needed for every step in my career, including my time at Principal since 2001.
Finding community
In my early days at Principal, I joined the board of our Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG), helping bring military community events and fundraisers to our satellite offices. There, I found camaraderie and community. Even though our experiences were different, it was fun to connect and see the passion that we all had for supporting veterans.
A note for potential military employees
I think Principal is among the top tier of employers with their support of veterans. They actively seek out veterans and military people for employment. They view military experience as a huge asset. They know that veterans bring a lot to the table with their experience, and there's a good chance there’s a position that will fit you perfectly.
Shelby
Licensed senior client investment and expense associate
Military mom and granddaughter
A family tradition
Both my grandfathers are veterans. One served in Japan and the other is a Korean War combat veteran. Listening to them talk about their experiences instilled a sense of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices they made. Sharing military stories has also helped bridge connections across generations, as my two stepdaughters currently serve in the Marines.
Finding community at Principal
Being a mom of military service members means experiencing a wide range of emotions at any given period, including pride, worry, and anxiety, which can all affect your career. I’ve been able to network with other employees through VERG who were going through similar situations with their own children, along with military veterans who offered support and guidance along the way.
Leaning into flexibility
One thing we've learned being a military family is that things can change quickly. It can be hard to schedule holidays and other family gatherings; sometimes we might only have a week’s advance notice. Fortunately, my leaders are incredible about giving me the flexibility to take time off when opportunities for family time come.
Learn more about our benefits, like flexibility and time away.
Military to corporate values
The work environment at Principal is based on integrity, respect, community, and trust—very similar to that of the military. I am proud to work for a company with these strong values. Everything has a trickle effect. If I instill these same values in my home and in my family, my hope is that my children will continue to instill these values in their lives, whether in the military or civilian world.
A full circle moment
After my grandpa passed, my grandmother wanted his clothes to go to another veteran. Through a VERG event, I had the opportunity to fulfill her wish at a local veteran’s shelter. That was a humbling, full circle moment.
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