Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be both exciting and challenging. For many veterans, leaving behind the military environment means navigating new career opportunities, corporate cultures, and unfamiliar expectations. Even with years of leadership experience and a strong work ethic, translating military accomplishments into a language that resonates with civilian employers can be difficult. So having the right support and resources during this time is essential.
That’s why Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s Executive Education program has launched the VET Academy, an innovative, 10-day program built by veterans to prepare senior military leaders for high-impact civilian careers.
Empowering leaders
More than just building the hard skills, the VET Academy focuses on transforming military leaders and unlocking their full potential to drive results, lead innovation, and shape the future of any organization.
Designed to bridge the gap between military leadership and the corporate world, the VET Academy provides you with the tools, insights, and connections needed to succeed as executives in leading organizations. The program builds essential executive competencies, from finance and sales to communication and executive presence. Veterans and retiring veterans will learn to harness their strengths, craft compelling personal narratives, and navigate career transitions with confidence.
The curriculum focuses on three main pillars:
- Education and programming around specific content areas such as executive presence, basic finance for non-finance professionals, negotiation, and more.
- Career and life design coaching for exploring career paths, mock job interviews, resume development, and developing and communicating your personal brand.
- Networking with industry leaders, hiring professionals in organizations that seek veterans, expert faculty, and other veterans including cohort peers, veterans in the industry, and, eventually, program alumni.
You will also learn how to navigate the differences between military and civilian leadership styles and master the art of influencing within a non-hierarchical organizational structure.
Beyond the classroom, and as one of the three main pillars, you will connect with industry leaders and fellow veterans who are currently or have successfully navigated the same path. The program concludes with an immersive capstone experience, where you will work directly with executive leaders, hiring managers, and industry professionals in live role-playing scenarios. Through real-time feedback, they will help you refine your interview techniques, strengthen your ability to navigate high-stakes conversations, and leave with a clear strategy for the next step in your career.
The leadership team of the VET Academy also includes veterans of the United States Navy, Air Force, and Army. All of whom have successfully transitioned to top-tier leadership roles in civilian organizations.
Supported by organizations like First Command Financial Services, Imagine Believe Realize, LLC, McKinley Scientific, Prepelica LLC, and Xerox, the VET Academy is more than just a program. It’s a launchpad for your success. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate and badge to mark your achievement and signal your readiness to lead in any civilian career.
A message from the program directors
Participants will learn from program co-director Brandon Smart, 1st Sgt. (retired), United States Marine Corps and Erik Helzer, Associate Professor of Management and Organization, faculty director for the leadership curriculum in Carey’s Executive Education program.
Smart recently transitioned from the military and brings firsthand insight on navigating a successful career change and building a fulfilling post-service life.
“Having recently transitioned out of the Marine Corps, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the shift into a civilian executive role, even with years of leadership experience,” said Smart. “Being part of the team shaping the VET Academy has been meaningful work. I’ve contributed where I can, especially through interviews and conversations with other veterans, to help ensure the program is built around the real needs of those making this transition. It’s an opportunity to build a community and curriculum that meets veterans where they are and helps them take confident next steps.”
Helzer, who spent some time as a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School brings experience working with service members through teaching, research, and consulting on DoD projects.
“Retiring service members offer so much to the organizations they join, the U.S. economy, and society. I believe that when retired service members join any organization, they bring a rich combination of capabilities, including high-stakes leadership experience, technical know-how, grit and dedication, practical wisdom, and strategic problem-solving,” Said Helzer. “Getting these individuals into executive track positions in the civilian sector is an absolute must. I want to leverage the resources at Johns Hopkins to do right by our veterans and do right by society, by ensuring these individuals have the power to launch into key leadership roles throughout the country.”
The application for the VET Academy is officially open. You can join the inaugural cohort now.
“Now that we’re accepting applications, I’m excited to see this vision come to life. I’m looking forward to welcoming the first cohort, seeing the impact the program will have on their transition journeys, and watching them go on to lead with purpose in their next chapter,” said Smart.
“I hope that soon-to-retire service members who are interested in the VET Academy will take a look at what we offer and reach out to us for any additional information. We can’t wait to welcome the first cohort to Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in early 2026!” said Helzer.
Executive Education at Carey Business School
Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s Executive Education programs deliver advanced education from faculty and industry experts that combines research-based knowledge with real-world experiences. Explore new opportunities and skills to create positive change and advancements in yourself, your career, and your company through custom programming and a curriculum based on research, practical tools, and experiential learning opportunities.