Veteran Career Transition Success Through SAME | Ryan Novotny | Engineering & Leadership

Episode Description:
Ryan Novotny joins the VET S.O.S. Network to discuss how professional organizations—specifically the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)—play a critical role in successful military-to-civilian transition and long-term career growth.

A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and senior construction executive, Ryan shares powerful insight into military transition planning, leadership translation, veteran employment, and how SAME’s Career Transition Workshop (CTW) prepares service members for real-world civilian careers beyond TAP.

In this episode, we unpack:
• Why professional organizations are often the missing link in veteran transitions
• How SAME’s Career Transition Workshop prepares veterans for civilian hiring environments
• Translating military leadership into language employers understand
• Resume, LinkedIn, interview prep, and mentorship that leads to real opportunities
• Why junior service members should start transition planning earlier than they think

Whether you're navigating the military-to-civilian transition, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation delivers real, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:
Ryan Novotny is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with more than 27 years of leadership experience across combat zones, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and the AEC industry. He currently serves as a Senior Project Executive with Gilbane Building Company and is a registered professional engineer. Ryan is deeply committed to mentoring veterans and helping service members translate military leadership into meaningful civilian careers through SAME.

Chapters:
0:00 – Welcome
0:30 – Guest Introduction
2:15 – Ryan’s Military Transition Story
4:10 – Why Professional Organizations Matter for Veterans
5:40 – Overview of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
7:25 – SAME’s Career Transition Workshop (CTW) Explained
10:00 – Preparing Veterans for Civilian Hiring & Leadership Roles
12:00 – Why Junior Service Members Should Attend CTW
14:00 – Registration Timeline & How to Get Involved
15:30 – Final Thoughts & Lifeline Message

Grab the Lifeline:
VET S.O.S. connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
Don’t drown in the sea of transition — grab the lifeline.

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