🎯 Transitioning from the military to civilian life? In this powerful episode, we explore veteran transition challenges, Navy officer career paths, and career success after service through the firsthand story of Natalie Schiebel — former Navy Environmental Health Officer and now VP of Market Strategy Communication at Ateon. 🇺🇸🎖️
0:00 - Introduction to Natalie Schiebel
3:10 - Childhood, swimming, and early patriotism
6:15 - ROTC, Naval Academy rejection, and finding her path
10:50 - Discovering Environmental Health in the Navy
14:20 - First duty station experiences, barracks inspections
18:15 - Lessons in leadership and service
21:30 - The hard truth about transition
27:45 - From rejection to success: Finding purpose after service
34:50 - Recruiting tour, mentorship, and founding Mission to Commission
41:05 - Challenges with TAP, SkillBridge, and career alignment
47:40 - Civilian employment struggles and the networking gap
54:25 - Solution: Mentorship, purpose, and lifelong learning
1:00:55 - Final thoughts, AI for transition, and contact info
Natalie Schiebel 🇺🇸🎖️ served 12 years in the U.S. Navy as an Environmental Health Officer. Her military journey included a transformative active duty tour at Naval Branch Health Clinic Groton, overseeing public health for over 30,000 personnel. She led inspections, managed public health crises, and developed leadership skills through service and community impact. Despite her dedication, her post-military transition was filled with roadblocks, rejection letters, and personal setbacks — until she redefined her purpose.
Today, Natalie is Vice President of Market Strategy Communication at Ateon, driving innovation in healthcare through real-world data. She is also the founder of Mission to Commission, a nonprofit that equips veterans and transitioning service members with mentorship, coaching, and professional development resources.
📌 KEY DISCUSSION POINTS:
• Why military transition feels like starting over — even with top credentials
• What the military doesn't teach you about corporate careers and identity
• How Natalie turned recruiting duty into a marketing, mentorship, and leadership bootcamp
• The truth about TAP, SkillBridge, and post-service disenchantment
• Building Mission to Commission to offer veterans long-term mentorship
• How AI and education can empower your next career
🔍 MILITARY EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Branch: U.S. Navy 🎖️
• Role: Environmental Health Officer
• Notable Tours: Naval Branch Health Clinic Groton; Navy Recruiting District New York; Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (Millington)
• Specialty: Public health programs, inspections, mentorship, and recruiting
• Service Length: 12 years, primarily reserve with active tours
💼 EXPERTISE/CIVILIAN SUCCESS:
• Position: VP of Market Strategy Communication @ Ateon
• Impact: Leads healthcare strategy using real-world data
• Nonprofit: Founder & President of Mission to Commission
• Mission: Mentors future and transitioning military officers
#VeteranTransition #NavyOfficer #MissionToCommission #MilitaryToCivilian #StrategicVeteran
