In celebration of Veterans Day, meet Amy McNealy, a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist and former member of the United States Navy. Since joining CareerBuilder eight years ago, Amy has forged a corporate leadership path while maintaining strong ties to her service days. Keep reading to learn more about Amy's career advice, including how to transition into civilian life and what advice she was once given that she still carries with her.
How have you grown professionally during your time at CareerBuilder?
CareerBuilder has helped to develop me as a leader and a subject matter expert in candidate sourcing. When I started at the company, I was an individual contributor with minimal experience in talent acquisition. Through my time here, I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in the talent acquisition arena and find my path as a leader.
What advice do you have for someone transitioning from their military career to a civilian career?
I would pass on the advice to be flexible and open-minded, and encourage them to take the skills, work ethic and commitment to excellence learned during their military career and apply them to fit into a civilian organization. There will be differences, and the transition may be difficult at first; however, the experiences gained during a military career lay a solid foundation for success in the civilian world.
What is the best career advice you've ever received?
I went to the Oprah show years ago when she was still taping in Chicago. She stayed afterward to talk with the audience. A young lady from the audience asked Oprah what advice she had for people seeking a career path. She responded and said: "It is simple. Figure out what you love to do and find someone to pay you to do it."
I love helping people achieve greatness. Talent acquisition is my passion because I love providing people with insight into potential career paths or opportunities they may not have considered.
Who inspires you and why?
The underdog. I am inspired by those that overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. I have always found inspiration from those that have grit and tenacity. I am inspired by the person that never quits, even when the odds are stacked against them. It reminds me that anything is possible, and no goal is too lofty.
If you could visit anywhere in the world you've never been, where would you go?
Hands down, I would go to Alaska. I can't wait to someday experience Alaska's rugged beauty firsthand and salmon fish on the Kenai River.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place has to be in the Columbia River Gorge here in Washington State. I am an avid outdoors person, and there is never a shortage of things to do in the Columbia River Gorge.
At CareerBuilder we value our veteran community while supporting you to make your transition to civilian life. Head over to careerbuilder.com to search by your MOS code, find job matches based on your skills and see how your military skills have set you up for your next job.
