NASBA has always placed a premium on hiring the best people. In many instances, that has meant those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
More than just a day off for employees, Veterans Day is a chance for NASBA to honor these staff members and recognize family members of other employees who have served. One way the organization does this is through an email tribute sent to the entire staff detailing all NASBA employees and family members who have served in the Armed Forces. This tribute means a great deal to employee veterans, who say many employers could learn from NASBA's example.
"When NASBA first sent out an email that asked about veterans, and where you served, I was taken aback," said Kizzy Jones, National Candidate Database Coordinator, who served as a Specialist with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division. "They also asked for family members who had served, so it was very inclusive. There was such a sense of pride, adding my name to that list and knowing that NASBA and our coworkers would recognize us. People stopped me and congratulated me, and thanked me for serving. It is a very nice acknowledgement."
"People have given more than time; they've given life and limb, and that should be recognized," added Patricia Hartman, Director of Client Services, who served as an Intelligence Analyst and held many other positions in the U.S. Army. "These are people who have stepped outside the norm and served their country. They protect our rights, and we should honor them. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are very important days, and NASBA, as a company, is very good about respecting those."
Paul Walters, Senior Business Analyst, who served in the U.S. Navy as a Damage Controlman and Third Class Petty Officer, agrees that NASBA goes above and beyond to support its employees.
"NASBA has always been very forward-thinking and very proud of the veterans who work here, but it also takes care of the people who are currently serving," said Walters. "It's very rare to find a company that gives time off for people to serve, and then lets them know that their job will be waiting for them when they return home."
While all employees have their own talents and skill sets, veterans bring specialized skills to the workforce after their service. And once again, NASBA benefits by having these people in place.
"First and foremost, there's the sense of discipline," Jones said. "I think that the military provides a different kind of discipline, and that is instilled into us the moment we sign on the dotted line. There's also a strong work ethic, and knowledge of the importance of camaraderie. Those are some very key things that veterans bring to the civilian workforce."
Hartman concurred, saying that she looks for military service when she reviews resumes because of the added value they bring to the job.
"People in the military have a very analytical approach to work and processes, and they look for ways to improve those processes," Hartman said. "That's just part of the training from every branch of the service."
For Walters, whose damage-control experience as a firefighter isn't called for in the offices of NASBA, it's about taking those tools and adapting them to the current environment.
"I was taught how to deal with things as they come up, and to multitask and take care of several responsibilities at the same time," he said. "I certainly do that here. Veterans do have a different way of looking at things, and when we can take those perspectives and bring them to our employer; it works out really well for everyone."
This Veterans Day, NASBA salutes all U.S. veterans and current service members both at home and overseas, and thanks them for their past and continued service.