Veteran Aesha Patel Shares her Experience Finding a New Path After Active Duty
Our Military Voices series provides an inside look at the incredible work veterans and service members across our company are doing every day by highlighting their stories, advice, and insights.
Today we are sharing Aesha Patel’s story!
As the UI/UX designer at TIAG, Aesha Patel offers creative and forward-thinking custom UX concepts and designs for our high-profile clients. With four years of active military service as a parachute rigger and still serving in the Reserves, Aesha uses the skills she learned in the military to help support our clients’ missions.
Aesha, can you tell us a little about your military career?
I served in active duty for 3.5 years and am currently in the Army Reserves. As a parachute rigger, I packed parachutes and jumped out airplanes for the 82nd Airborne Division–the largest airborne division in the U.S. military–located in Fort Bragg, NC.
How do you think your time in the military affected you? What did you learn about yourself?
The military was really good for me. It taught me how to be adaptable, incorporate great time management and leadership skills, and to be independent.
What is your most significant career accomplishment so far?
My current role, UI/UX designer is one of my greatest career accomplishments so far as well as incorporating the Design-First concept into my current projects.
What are some habits you developed in the service that you like?
Being punctual, time management, and adaptability.
What are some things you miss about being in the service?
I miss the people I worked with. Even though the job wasn’t ideal, we would be there for hours making some of the best memories together.
What is your favorite part about working for TIAG as a veteran?
The people. They are open minded and flexible. For instance, when I first joined as a developer, I realized it wasn’t a good fit. I talked to my supervisor about switching my role. Without any concerns, she supported me as I transitioned into the new role.
What would you say to someone transitioning from the military to a civilian career?
Transitioning from military to a civilian career can be intimidating, especially when your military career doesn’t translate into a civilian career. However, it is completely manageable. There are many resources out there to help soldiers find a new path. Many veteran-friendly companies, like TIAG, are supportive, encouraging, friendly, and flexible. At companies like TIAG, there is a sense of open-mindedness, freedom, and flexibility that you don’t find in the military.
Any hobbies or fun things you do in your free time you’d like to share?
I have always been an artist. I’ve created all sorts of artwork, from painting to pottery; and for the past few years, I have been really interested in home interior design. Design has always been a passion and I’m really glad that I have made a career out of something that I love.
At TIAG, we proudly serve those who serve and not only do we encourage military veterans to work for us…we are actively recruiting them! One out of every four employees is a veteran and our Military Voices series shares their stories and experiences. Through this series, we hope to inspire our community and provide a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and more.
Are you a veteran? Check out our current opportunities and apply