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From the Deckplates to the Desk: How Serving Our Country Impacted Our Careers

Posted by John Brown and Kaden Jacobs, APR
November 9, 2023

As two proud Veterans of the United States Navy, our shared experiences have had a profound impact on our careers, not only in the military but also in the civilian world. Without a doubt our time in the Navy shaped our lives, providing us with an advantage in the professional world due to the lessons learned during our service.

Attention to Detail:

In the Navy, attention to detail is a non-negotiable virtue. Whether we were inspecting the readiness of our ship’s equipment or ensuring the safety of our shipmates, precision was paramount. This unwavering commitment to detail has seamlessly transitioned into our professional careers. We understand the importance of accuracy and precision in our work and our military experience has ingrained in us the ability to scrutinize every word, every detail and every aspect of our projects, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

Adaptability:

In a rapid, ever-changing military environment, adaptability is key to success. We learned to quickly adjust to new situations and make informed decisions under pressure, an invaluable skill in our careers, as the world of PR and content creation constantly evolves. We learned to embrace change, stay current with industry trends and seamlessly adapt our strategies and content to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Resilience:

The Navy taught us how challenges are opportunities for growth. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a can-do attitude are fundamental aspects of military service. Whether facing harsh weather at sea or enduring long deployments, our resilience was tested regularly. This resilience has served us well in our professional lives, helping us weather tough deadlines, demanding clients and high-pressure situations with determination and composure.

Teamwork:

Navy life is built on the foundation of teamwork. Every operation requires sailors to work seamlessly together, regardless of rank or background. At sea, crewmembers are literally responsible for each others’ lives. Our military experience has cemented the importance of teamwork in our careers. Collaboration is essential between our media relations and content teams as we work with clients, colleagues and the media. Our Navy background has instilled a deep appreciation for teamwork and the understanding that together, we can achieve greater success.

Ethics:

The Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment are deeply rooted in ethics. These values were more than words on paper but principles we lived by every day. Our military service instilled a strong ethical compass in us, guiding our decisions and actions. We maintain a strong commitment to ethics today, ensuring that our work is not only effective but also aligned with the highest moral and professional standards.

Our transition from the deckplates of the U.S. Navy to the desks at Poston Communications has been a remarkable journey. The lessons learned during our military service have had a profound impact on our careers and these values are not only fundamental to our success but also a testament to the enduring impact of our service to our country.

John Brown is vice president of content and served four years as a naval officer. He is based in Atlanta, GA.

Kaden Jacobs, APR is a vice president on our media relations team and served as an enlisted cryptologic technician in the Navy. He is based in Augusta, GA.