By Kathleen T. Jabs and Andrew B. Warren
The Commonwealth of Virginia is consistently recognized as a top state for employment of veterans and their spouses. We can build on that acclaim by leading the nation in forming a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive military-to-workforce talent pipeline.
These efforts are not simply good for corporate workforce policy—they are an integral part of national strategy. Virginia’s domestic and global economy, and our Nation’s security depend on talent pipelines that connect defense, energy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries. Veterans possess the technical and leadership skills those sectors demand and are ready to go to work today. Investing in their military to workforce transitions strengthens both our economy and our resilience as a nation.
The Opportunity Before Us
Each year, approximately 200,000 active-duty and reserve service members leave the military and transition to civilian life. These veterans possess a mission-first mindset and positive traits that employers seek. Yet too often, their path forward is uncertain and translating military credentials, rebuilding professional networks, and navigating civilian hiring systems can feel insurmountable and like starting over.
Virginia’s newly released Higher Education Impact Agenda recognizes this gap and offers a proactive framework to close it. Among its strategic pillars is a focus on Talent Pathways and Internships—a statewide call for paid, experiential learning that connects students directly to employers. When extended to include military-connected students, that model becomes a collaborative blueprint for both workforce readiness and civic reinvestment.
A Pilot in Motion: William & Mary and Dominion Energy
One promising example of this approach is the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between William & Mary and Dominion Energy. The MOU establishes a framework for education, workforce development, and research. Together, we aim to expand leadership training, veteran transition support, and innovation in the energy sector.
Under the MOU, William & Mary is designing programs aligned with Dominion Energy’s workforce needs, creating leadership and transition initiatives for veterans, and organizing professional development and networking opportunities. Dominion Energy, in turn, offers mentorship, internships, and employment pathways for military-connected students, as well as guest lectures and collaborative research in sustainability and energy resilience.
This summer, we ran our first student veteran talent pipeline pilot program. It was a “win-win-win.” Students integrated into their Dominion Energy teams and added immediate
value. In turn, the students received mentoring, exposure to corporate projects and, at the end of the summer, part time job offers for continued employment during the academic year. The veterans had an outstanding learning experience; Dominion Energy had access to top talent; and the Commonwealth now has citizens with meaningful energy training and a determination to continue their careers in Virginia.
This partnership represents a model for how higher education and industry can work together to serve those who have served. It also reflects a broader state strategy: building the energy and defense workforce of the future while reinforcing Virginia’s position as a hub for innovation and national security.
Building the Pipeline and Scaling the Programs
· Recruit intentionally. Recognize veterans and military-connected students as a priority population for talent development.
· Designate paid, purposeful internships. Paid corporate work experiences reduce barriers to allow veterans to apply leadership and technical skills in new contexts.
· Provide “360 support”. Mentorship, credential-bridging, and transition workshops help veterans translate military skills into civilian language.
· Align with state goals and leverage state higher education institutions. The Impact Agenda calls for “business-higher education partnerships.” Aligning veteran initiatives within that framework maximizes reach and funding potential.
· Institutionalize partnerships. MOUs like the one between Dominion Energy and William & Mary formalize collaboration and establish accountability.
· Measure success. Track placements, retention, and long-term career growth to demonstrate impact and continually improve programs.
Why It Matters Now
As Veterans Day approaches, we reflect not only on service and sacrifice, but also on how we—universities, employers, and public partners—can convert that service into sustained opportunity. Serving those who volunteered to serve our Nation is a privilege and an honor. Let us continue working together to build pathways that honor veterans with opportunity. By linking education, corporate leadership, and public purpose, Virginia can model a system where every veteran has the chance to continue serving—this time through innovation, energy security, and community leadership.
About the Authors
Kathleen T. Jabs serves as Special Assistant for Military and Veteran Affairs at William & Mary. A retired Navy captain, she leads the university’s initiatives supporting military-connected students and defense partnerships.
Andrew B. Warren is a retired Marine Corps infantry officer and currently serves as a Senior Strategic Policy Advisor at Dominion Energy. Dominion Energy is a proud supporter of military and veteran key initiatives and engagement across their service territory.
