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    June 2, 2025

    Navigating a Mission-Driven Career Beyond the Military

    For many veterans, transitioning from military service to civilian life is more than a career pivot—it’s a profound identity shift. The uniform may come off, but the drive to serve never fades. At Markon, we understand this deeply. That’s why we honor Military Appreciation Month by reaffirming our commitment to veteran professionals and sharing stories that spotlight the unconventional yet powerful paths our teammates have taken after service.

    From the Marines to Markon: My Story

    When I transitioned out of the Marine Corps, I thought I had a pretty good sense of what was next. I figured I’d go the traditional route—maybe land at a large defense contractor or pursue a government role. What I didn’t expect was to eventually find a company that not only welcomed my military experience but made it central to the work we do every day.

    That's what I found at Markon. 

    When I first transitioned, I hadn’t heard of Markon. But a call from a former colleague sparked a conversation, and that conversation changed everything. What stood out immediately was how seriously Markon took its mission—to support federal clients in ways that are both strategic and deeply human. It didn’t take long before I realized that the same leadership, discipline, mission-focus, and team-first mindset I developed in the Marines were exactly what Markon valued most.

    Fast-forward to today, and I’m part of a team that supports national security programs, solves high-impact challenges, and helps drive outcomes that matter for both our clients and our country.

    Recognizing the Value of Veteran Talent

    Veterans bring more than just technical skills—they bring mission focus, leadership under pressure, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves. That mindset resonates throughout Markon.

    As a V3-certified employer—a recognition awarded by the Virginia Values Veterans Program—we’re proud to demonstrate our structured commitment to recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining veteran talent. We see service experience not as a checkbox, but as a strength that enriches our work and culture.

    Learn more about our V3 certification and commitment to veterans in our V3 Press Release.

    You might also like: Championing Veteran Talent in Federal Contracting as a V3 Certified Employer

    More Than a Job: Joining a Mission-First Team

    Markon is consistently recognized as a top workplace, including in USA Today’s Top Workplaces USA and the Washington Post’s Top Workplaces. We foster an award-winning culture centered around trust, excellence, and inclusion.

    We don’t refer to ourselves as a “family”—you don’t choose your family, but you choose your team. And, we believe every teammate deserves respect, autonomy, and an environment where their unique contributions are seen and celebrated.

    Veterans at Markon are empowered to lead, grow, and shape their futures. Whether you’re pivoting to a civilian career or looking to continue your mission in a new way, we offer a landing spot—and a launchpad.

    Want to Keep Making a Difference? Let’s Talk.

    If you're a veteran seeking to apply your service-driven mindset in a civilian setting, Markon may be the right fit for you. We are deeply dedicated to what matters—advancing government missions, empowering our people, and honoring those who have served.

    Explore opportunities at markonsolutions.com/careers

    Colin Smith

    Colin Smith is a veteran and a strategy and operations leader with expertise in talent acquisition and recruiting for the federal sector. He has a proven track record of enhancing mission-critical performance and aligning strategies with agency goals and regulatory needs.

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