How Lowe's is Helping Service Members Find Meaningful Careers After the Military

Madelaine Vander Woude
Nov 23, 2023

When John Delacruz left the Air Force after serving 23 years, he did so with trepidation. After years of structure, he was on his own.  

I recall the feelings of anxiety, doubt, intimidation, worry, uncertainty, and an overall feeling of imposter syndrome. My biggest concern was supporting not only my wife and I but a little one on the way. I felt the most stress during the military transition process than I've ever felt during my entire 23 years in service.

John Delacruz, Air Force Veteran, Lowe's Associate

Life after service is one of the biggest struggles for men and women leaving the military. In fact, more than two-thirds of veterans consider "finding a job" the most significant challenge in transitioning to civilian life, and according to a Pew Research study, only one in four have a job lined up after military service.  With over 26,000 currently employed veterans and military spouses, Lowe’s, alongside the Department of Defense, is working to make that transition an easier one for former military members through the SkillBridge Fellowship. The 12-week program aims to translate skills and military experience into the civilian sector. During the last 180 days of service, military members explore a new career path while earning military service pay and keeping benefits.   

Over 100 service members join the Lowe’s Fellowship each year, and in 2022 alone, 85% of them received a full-time offer, like John. He now works as an information security analyst with the third-party risk management team at Lowe's corporate office.  Lowe’s prides itself on hiring veterans and has once again secured its position as a 2024 Military Friendly® Employer, making it 18 years in a row.

Store manager John Otts has been utilizing the program at the Killeen, Texas, location for about a year. He says military members bring a unique experience and set of skills that make them prime for a successful career in retail management.  

SkillBridge candidates come in with a wide knowledge of overall leadership and interpersonal skills. Being a great people leader is always the first step. We can teach the business acumen.

John Otts, Lowe's Store Manager

Coast Guardsman Clare Loftus is finishing up her 2023 Fellowship as a Merchandising Analyst in the Lumber department. Retail wasn't on her radar before she enrolled in the program, but now she hopes to continue her career in merchandising.  

I have learned a lot of different things over the past two months; however, what I find the most interesting are the complexities of the retail market that I was not aware of as a consumer. I also find it interesting that there are so many ways to optimize the business.

Clare Loftus, Coast Guardsman and Lowe's Skillbridge Fellow

Clare will head back into the Coast Guard service soon, but she'll take experience at Lowe's with her.  

I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie at Lowe’s, and I’ve enjoyed being at a company where everyone seems to be committed and passionate about ensuring the best possible experience for the consumer at Lowe’s.

Clare Loftus , Coast Guardsman and Lowe's Skillbridge Fellow