“I’ve been fully embraced and accepted for my skill set and the knowledge and experience I bring to the table.”
As Mike Stankovich transitioned to a civilian career after serving in the U.S. Army for 20-plus years, he wanted to do so with a reputable organization. He believed UPMC checked all the boxes.
Through the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, he connected with Doug Ickes. Doug is the military and programs manager on UPMC’s Pathways for Veterans team. Mike and Doug had spoken before, and Doug thought the SkillBridge program offered Mike an ideal opportunity to intern at UPMC.
SkillBridge allows service members to complete an internship with a civilian company during their final months of active duty. UPMC is the largest SkillBridge provider in Pennsylvania. We have been recognized as a top 10 Military Friendly Employer nationwide.
Mike landed a three-month internship at UPMC. He gained valuable hands-on experience tailored to his strengths and career goals.
“It was very relaxed and educational," he says. "I was learning about aspects of UPMC and the medical industry at large that I was unfamiliar with, but still able to apply my skill set."
He built relationships with his supervisors and other department leaders. He continued to learn as much as he could about the health care industry.
When a project manager role became available, Mike was recommended as the preferred candidate due to his skill set and the role’s expectations.
“It was a perfect fit and perfect match,” Mike says. He adds that participating in SkillBridge helped ease the transition to civilian life.
“I’ve been fully embraced and accepted for my skill set and the knowledge and experience I bring to the table, and welcomed as part of the family at UPMC,” he says.
Mike says his full-time employment as a project manager has taken a huge load off his shoulders. Now, he can focus on the next chapter of his career.
He described the support he received from the Pathways for Veterans team as “phenomenal.” He especially credits Doug and Erik Orient, director of Military and Veterans Affairs at UPMC Health Plan.
“Without their assistance and support, I’m not sure how seamless a transition it would’ve been from fellowship to job offer,” Mike says.
Mike says he would recommend the SkillBridge program to anyone transitioning from service to a civilian career. He advises those in the program to lean on the Pathways for Veterans team for guidance.
“They have your best interest at heart and will move mountains to get you where you need to be," he says. "They’ll try to get you into a good fit within the organization."
Mike says his SkillBridge experience left him feeling valued by his supervisor and wanted in the organization. His perspective on civilian employment also changed, making him feel less anxious about the transition.
“I’m much more relaxed now, knowing that I have accepted a job offer with a company that values what I bring to the table and wants me at the table with them,” Mike says.
At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means providing valuable opportunities for service members to grow and develop as they transition to civilian careers.
