Veteran Q&A: Josh Carter brings adaptability, attention to detail to civilian life

Josh Carter, a U.S. Navy veteran and accounting supervisor with the University Bursar’s Office, took away lessons from his military experience that he still uses today, including the attention to detail one would expect from a former helicopter mechanic.

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 in a series of features.

Carter talked about his military experience and how it has helped his career, the best part of working at Virginia Tech, what he hopes employers would understand about veterans, and more.

How did your service prepare you for your role at Virginia Tech?

Everything changes — people, policies, technology, you name it. In the Navy, every day something was changing on the flightline or flight deck. We were constantly adapting and adjusting to new situations, sometimes on the fly — literally. That mindset stuck with me. Now when something shifts in our office, I just smile and think, "Well, at least I’m not trying to fix a helicopter in the middle of a hurricane at 2 a.m. in the Pacific."

What skill or talent did you master in the military that you still use today?

Attention to detail. As a helicopter mechanic, attention to detail kept all the screws, nuts, and bolts where they belonged — and made sure none of our tools went for an unintended ride inside the aircraft. These days, I use that same attention to detail in accounting to make sure our reports stay tight and nothing "falls off of the aircraft," so to speak.

If you could narrow it down to one thing, what do you wish employers understood about veterans?

That veterans are highly adaptable problem-solvers who can stay calm even when things get chaotic. We’ve learned to operate under pressure, communicate clearly, and get the job done — even if the "mission" now involves spreadsheets instead of helicopters. And a little patience goes a long way — we’re used to structure, but we can also improvise when things go sideways — no drill instructor required.

What was your favorite experience in the military?

Meeting R. Lee Ermey (a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor and actor in "Full Metal Jacket") during my second deployment — that was a highlight. He was just as intense and funny in person as you’d imagine.

I also loved getting to see the world — pulling into different ports and experiencing other cultures for a few days at a time. It was like being on a world tour, just with a stricter dress code and less legroom.

What has been the best part of working at Virginia Tech?

Definitely the people. Building relationships with my colleagues and growing my professional skills in a supportive environment has been rewarding. Plus, it’s nice to work somewhere where "uniform of the day" just means business casual.

How is your professional civilian experience different from your professional military experience?

The atmosphere is completely different. In the Navy, I was on a hangar deck or flightline, always aware of everything happening around me. There was no such thing as quiet time. Now I’m in an office, focused on spreadsheets instead of rotor blades — and no one’s yelling "incoming!" on the radio for another ground evolution when one of our birds needs more fuel.

What made you consider Virginia Tech as a place to work as a civilian?

I was already in higher education in Florida, but my family and I wanted to move closer to home. When I saw a position at Virginia Tech that matched my skills and values — and was near family — it was an easy decision. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be part of the Hokie Nation?

What advice would you give to current service members who will be joining the workforce soon?

The world is always changing, so keep your head on a swivel and stay curious. Learn everything you can and take full advantage of every opportunity — both in and out of uniform. Explore where you’re stationed, embrace new experiences, and use every benefit available to you. And when you transition out — remember, you’ve already proven you can adapt. Civilian life’s just another new duty station — with fewer 4 a.m. wake-up calls.

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 faculty/staff caucuses 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 and/or school, and recommend actions to improve the recruitment and retention of employee and student veterans.