Navy Corpsman to ICON Associate Project Manager: Elizabeth's Journey

From Navy Corpsman to ICON Associate Project Manager: Elizabeth's Journey

A Life of Service

Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to ICON, having served for an impressive 22 years in the United States Navy as a Navy Corpsman. In this critical role, she provided comprehensive medical care in demanding environments, often with limited access to physicians. Her responsibilities encompassed a wide range of duties, from diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries to managing medical emergencies. Elizabeth also played a key leadership role, overseeing medical staff and ensuring the health and readiness of Navy and Marine Corps personnel across diverse operational settings. 

Elizabeth's motivation to join the military stemmed from a deep desire to serve her country and contribute to a cause larger than herself. The opportunity to make a positive impact and collaborate with like-minded individuals who shared her commitment to service resonated strongly.

A Smooth Transition

Leaving the military after such a distinguished career can be a significant life change. However, Elizabeth entered the transition process with a clear vision for her future. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in Clinical Research, either as a Project Manager or a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), she actively prepared herself for the civilian workforce. Elizabeth credits a supportive mentor and participation in various military transition programs with providing valuable insights into the world of Clinical Research. These programs equipped her with project management skills and helped her build a strong network of contacts. 

While adapting to civilian norms and workplace expectations presented some challenges, Elizabeth's military experience proved to be a valuable asset. The discipline, work ethic, and teamwork skills honed during her service seamlessly translated into the civilian workplace.

A Supportive Environment

Elizabeth highlights the critical role ICON's VLTP program played in facilitating her transition. The program's comprehensive support system helped her navigate the transition process and integrate smoothly into the ICON team.

Advice for Fellow Veterans

Elizabeth encourages transitioning veterans to seek out mentors within their chosen career fields. She believes mentors can provide invaluable guidance and support during the job search process. While her own job search experience was positive, Elizabeth acknowledges common misconceptions that veterans can't translate their military skillsets into civilian jobs. “The reality is, the skills and experiences gained in the military are highly valuable and directly applicable to a wide range of civilian careers.” she shares. 

Elizabeth's message is clear: veterans possess a unique combination of skills and experiences that are highly valuable in the civilian workforce. By actively seeking mentorship, effectively communicating their transferable skills, and leveraging available resources, veterans can embark on successful and fulfilling civilian careers, just as she has found at ICON.

Looking Forward

Elizabeth's story is a testament to the valuable skills and experiences veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Her dedication, leadership qualities, and adaptability make her a valuable asset to the ICON team. We look forward to her continued success and contributions at ICON. We hope Elizabeth's story inspires other veterans considering a career transition. ICON is committed to supporting veterans like Elizabeth and offers a variety of programs and resources to help them thrive in the civilian workforce.

Visit our Veteran Community page today to learn more about how ICON supports Veterans transitioning into industry.