Dave Wilder, a U.S. Air Force veteran and now senior director for D.C. building operations since 2023, took away valuable skills from military service that he still uses today.

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.

Wilder talked about his military experience and how it has helped 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?

My background in holistic facility life cycle, which includes planning, programming, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining and divesting, has prepared me to support all aspects of D.C. region building operations for Virginia Tech.

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

Some of the key skills that I learned are primarily problem-solving and coalition-building to address or optimize business operations.

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

The stereotype of a rigid rule follower is a myth. Leadership is the key takeaway from military service at every level, from learning about leadership by following or being selected as a leader, itself, and comes with copious amounts of training, education, and application.

What was your favorite experience in the military?

One of my favorite experiences was serving as an air advisor rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force.

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

The best part of working at Virginia Tech is hands-down the people. They are the best group I have worked with in over 30 years of professional work experience.

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

Now, it’s less moving – it was every two to three years in the military – and a little slower in deliberate decision-making. Sometimes you need to move slow to move fast but sometimes it’s OK to move fast and adjust.

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

I was intrigued by the expanding presence in the D.C. region and wanted to be a part of shaping the future.

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

Never look back on what you have accomplished but know that what you have learned (formally through training and education or life skills developed through experience) has a direct application in the civilian workforce. Your job is not to rest on your laurels but help your new culture understand where those touchpoints are – delivered in the language of where you land.

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

Contact:

Tags

Share this story