How a Veteran's Internship Opened New Doors

Dave Underwood's Journey from Marine to John Deere

Dave Underwood, US Marine veteran, on duty

Dave Underwood's story starts in the small town of Eldridge, IA, where he was born and raised. "Growing up in Eldridge instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of giving back to the community," Dave shares. Today, he has a loving family and a supportive veteran network that has been crucial in his personal and professional journey.

The events of September 11th, 2001, had a profound impact on Dave, sparking a strong desire to serve his country. "I wanted to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and the Marines offered the perfect opportunity to do so," he explains.

Intern Experience

Dave's transition from military to civilian life was made smoother by the Skillbridge program, which provides transitioning service members with valuable civilian work experience through internships and training programs. As the first Skillbridge intern for the Marine Corps at the Department of Energy, Dave found the experience incredibly rewarding. "This opportunity allowed me to apply my military skills in a corporate environment, learn new competencies, and contribute to meaningful projects," he explains.

Transitioning to civilian life came with its own set of challenges, including adjusting to a different work culture and finding a new sense of purpose. Dave overcame these challenges by leveraging the skills and discipline he learned in the military, seeking mentorship, and staying focused on his goals. "I went back to school and graduated summa cum laude and found my place in recruiting right away," he notes.

Focus on Recruiting

Dave's journey eventually led him to John Deere. "I chose to join John Deere because of its strong commitment to hiring veterans and giving back to the community,” Dave recalls. “The company's values align with my own, and I saw an opportunity to make a significant impact on veterans in the area by becoming a recruiter.”

Today, he serves as the global executive recruitment and governance lead, overseeing the recruitment and onboarding of top executive talent. "My responsibilities include ensuring that our recruitment strategies align with the company's strategic goals and fostering a culture of excellence."

Supporting Military Programs

Dave’s story has come full circle as his job recently expanded to include responsibility for some of Deere’s military programs that help veterans transition into the civilian workforce. "These programs help veterans build new careers, gain confidence, and find a new purpose to serve our communities," he explains.

Dave's advice to veterans transitioning to civilian careers is to leverage the skills and experiences gained in the military, seek out mentorship, and remain adaptable. "Embrace new opportunities and stay committed to continuous learning and growth," he advises.

Looking Ahead

Dave aims to expand the reach of the Skillbridge program, by leveraging partnerships from the United Service Organizations (USO), and 50Strong at John Deere. "I am passionate about supporting veterans and making a positive impact through my work," he says with a smile.