Turning Military Skills into Meaningful Careers
At Work for Warriors Mississippi, we’re proud to spotlight the people who make a difference in the lives of our veterans and service members. One of those difference makers is Michael McGee, our Career Technical Specialist, who brings decades of experience, firsthand insight, and a deep passion for guiding others on their career journey.
Helping Veterans Build Careers That Last
As a Career Technical Specialist, Michael’s role centers on helping service members and veterans translate their military experience into meaningful civilian careers. That could mean converting a military license into a commercial driver’s license, helping a former medic become an EMT or LPN, or guiding a military police officer toward civilian law enforcement. But it’s not just about paperwork and licenses. Michael also counsels military-connected individuals on the training and education options available to them, especially programs that align with in-demand industries. He advocates for employers to see the value in hiring veterans, helps families navigate benefit systems, and finds funding solutions when training becomes financially out of reach.
The need is real. Many veterans face challenges when considering a technical career, especially when it comes to the cost of training. Michael steps in to help them understand how to use their earned benefits or tap into programs that cover workforce needs in areas like construction, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC,) welding, cybersecurity, and more. Yet, some barriers remain difficult to overcome, such as the inability to leave a current job to attend school. Michael continues to search for creative solutions to these challenges, always with the goal of supporting long-term success.
A Story That Stuck
Of all the success stories Michael has witnessed, one in particular still resonates with him. During a CDL event in Pearl, Mississippi. One Soldier had just finished an overnight shift at FedEx and drove all the way from Southaven, MS to attend. She arrived early, fully prepared, and was the first to complete the process and receive her CDL. Later that day, she climbed into a Total Transportation truck where experienced drivers gave her an introduction to the job. Weeks later, Michael called her and she answered from the cab of her new truck. She had been hired, completed her training, and was officially on the road. That moment brought everything full circle and reminded Michael why this work matters.
From the Army to Workforce Development
Michael’s career path to Work for Warriors Mississippi came naturally. After serving 24 years in the United States Army, he transitioned into higher education, working as a veteran recruiter and education benefits specialist at the University of Southern Mississippi. There, he also completed his Master of Science in Human Capital Development, a degree focused on workforce strategy. His background makes him uniquely equipped to guide others through career transitions. As he puts it, he can answer the questions veterans don’t even know they need to ask.
When asked how he would describe his work to someone unfamiliar with Career Technical Services, Michael keeps it simple. He meets with veterans, service members, and family members to understand their goals, ask the right questions, and help them align their interests and skills with careers that are growing instead of declining. He offers practical advice, listens closely, and helps them uncover opportunities they may not have known existed.
Advice for Transitioning Service Members
Michael encourages service members to use their transition time wisely. It’s the perfect window to explore new paths through training and education. He advises them to know their benefits and use them. Learning from those who’ve already made the transition can offer valuable insight, and he service urges service members to seek guidance from experienced professionals. Most importantly, reach out to someone who can guide you. Michael has personally used nearly every type of veteran benefit and is always ready to help.
His biggest piece of advice is not to make big career decisions alone. There is nothing worse than investing years into a degree or certification only to find out it leads to a job that you don’t enjoy or that doesn’t pay well. That’s why he urges service members to speak with a Career Technical Specialist or someone already doing the job they are considering. Visit the place you want to work and ask the supervisor for a tour. The worst thing they can say is no.
Making a Difference One Career at a Time
For Michael, this work is more than a job. It’s a calling. He takes pride in helping others create new paths for themselves and their families. Assisting someone in building a new career brings him genuine joy. He knows the impact it can have and wants to share his knowledge with anyone who is ready to take the next step.
Whether you are transitioning out of the military, looking to upskill, or simply trying to figure out what’s next, Michael McGee is ready to help. With his deep experience and genuine desire to serve, he is a trusted guide on the journey from military service to meaningful civilian employment.
