Veteran Q&A: Douglas Anderson saw 45 states, 47 countries while in the Air Force
Douglas Anderson '76, a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and adjunct professor in the Department of Finance in the Pamplin College of Business since 1972, took away valuable lessons from military service that he still uses today. The most useful? Public speaking.
During the month of November, the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education is encouraging all protected veterans to self-identify through Hokie Team or their servicing HR office. Self-identification allows Virginia Tech to recognize and support our veterans. As part of this effort, we are highlighting some of our veterans who proudly served.
Anderson talks about how it has helped him in his career, the best part of working at Virginia Tech, what he hopes employers understand about veterans, and more.
How did your service prepare you for your role at Virginia Tech?
The more than 30 years in the military taught me a lot about both leadership and followership.
What skill or talent did you master in the military that you still use today?
One skill I mastered in the military that I still use today is public speaking.
If you could narrow it down to one thing, what do you wish employers understood about veterans?
Like everyone else, we are all different. All veterans have had different military experiences, but most times they can tap into that varied experience for the betterment of the company.
What was your favorite experience in the military?
During my military career, I was able to see the world — 45 states and 47 countries.
What has been the best part of working at Virginia Tech?
The best part is being able to improve the financial well-being of soon-to-be graduates into the near and distant future.
How is your professional civilian experience different from your professional military experience?
The civilian experience has a lot less structure and is obviously a little more laid-back, as it should be.
What made you consider Virginia Tech as a place to work as a civilian?
Being an alumnus and retiring to the New River Valley, as well as being passionate about financial literacy, helped me consider working at Virginia Tech as a civilian.
What advice would you give to current service members who will be joining the workforce soon?
Don’t even think about retiring just out of the service — it’s not what it’s made out to be.
Resources for veterans
For protected veterans who want to update their status, please contact your servicing HR representative or utilize the self-service link on the Hokie Team Access Menu.
For any veterans in need of assistance or community, the Virginia Tech Veterans Caucus is one of many representing differing communities at the university. The purpose of the Veterans Caucus is to improve the working, learning, and living environment for employee and student veterans; advocate for the mentoring of and transitional support for veterans returning to work or school; and recommend actions to improve the recruitment and retention of employee and student veterans.
