What’s in store for military veterans after they complete their service? We reached out to our very own veterans who make #LifeAtATT a great place to work to squash the many preconceived notions out there. Their stories reflect how military experience served as a guide for their career journeys, how their personal lives have evolved, and include advice for fellow veterans preparing to take the next step.
See what they’ve shared and how you can get started in growing your skills in a career with boundless opportunities.
Jason Porter
President of Public Sector and FirstNet
There are so many skills that have translated from my career with the military to my AT&T career today. Here are a few examples:
- Leadership: The ability to motivate teams to accomplish what they may view as impossible.
- Organization: Being prepared and having a plan in the military translates directly to planning for network maintenance, build-outs, product delivery, sales, etc.
- Decisiveness: The need for decisiveness and decision making in difficult situations is critical to success in business, as well as in the military.
As you transition to civilian life, don’t forget that you have value immediately when you begin your career outside of the military. Never discount your strengths as a leader. Also, just like listening to a savvy Platoon Sergeant in the military, find and listen to the experts in your organization.
Soak in their years of experience and knowledge. Finally, AT&T is a great environment for veterans. Get connected with the Veterans Employee Group and with other veterans to learn from their experiences.
Learn More About FirstNet CareersCarol Kimbrough
United States Marine Corps – Corporal
Account Manager 2
I was told by one of my mentors early in my career with AT&T, to keep reinventing myself and to never stay in one role for too long, to keep evolving. I started off in a role as a Directory Assistance Operator (411), then moved into Collections and eventually transitioned into my first Management role as an Executive Assistant to a Regional Vice President. I worked countless management roles afterwards, but they all lead me to where I am now, celebrating my 25th year Service Anniversary with AT&T in April 2022.
Today, I am an Account Manager 2 in the National Business Mid-Market segment and I love being a part of and supporting the Teams I work with! It has always brought me great joy helping others to shine. As with many other positions I have held, this new role continues to open the door for me to building lasting relationships within AT&T that goes well beyond the job itself. So, whether it’s my country, my customers, or my co-workers, it’s all about helping others reach their goals.
My husband and I were recently ordained as Ministers at our church, which keeps us busy serving and volunteering (food drives, clothing the homeless, working at shelters, etc.). But the most rewarding thing in my life (besides my amazing husband) is supporting my grandchildren. We welcomed our newest grandchild, Gee-Gee on September 29, 2021. Another reward made “it’s” debut when our Shih-pooh, Ella, gave birth to her first (and only) puppy on Sunday, April 30, 2022, making us grand-pups (LOL).
Learn More About Our Sales CareersDaryle Lee
United States Air Force – Airman First Class
Sales Execution Lead
I’ve been with AT&T for 12 years and held four roles throughout the retail organization, starting with Retail Sales Consultant in Prattville, AL. Before relocating to Auburn, AL as a Retail Store Manager, I was promoted to Assistant Store Manager by developing a winning atmosphere and great experience for our customers.
Currently, I am the Distribution Sales Execution Lead for the Pacific States market in Redmond, Washington. My United States Air Force journey has trained me to be agile, motivated, and accountable. I am proud to be a Veteran Employee at AT&T and will continue to build lasting relationships and work towards my goals and dreams.
Learn More About Our Sales CareersRobert Chang
Senior Sales Execution Manager for Northern California and Northern Nevada markets
I am a Senior Sales Execution Manager for Northern California and Northern Nevada markets. I have four years of professional experience in the United States military with two deployments to Iraq and Somalia. Military experience helped me gain an ability to respond aptly and confidently in stressful situations and to make calculated, logical decisions.
Learn More About Our Retail CareersKristin Knight
United States Air Force – Senior Airman
Principal-Technical Consulting Engineer
When my enlistment ended, I was hired by a network consultant firm out of New York City and placed at AT&T. I was responsible for managing onsite technicians that installed network equipment in support of data projects as well as documenting the clients’ networks.
Today I am a Principal Technical Engineer and a subject matter expert for wireless network implementations. My time in the military helped me develop a strong work ethic and the leadership skills needed to step up and take on difficult projects to provide a solution that benefits both AT&T and our clients. Those skills have made me stand out among my peers and set me apart as someone who can be trusted to work with other businesses and organizations to get the job done with integrity regardless of the obstacles.
When I am not at work, I spend as much time as I can with my family. We sneak away as often as possible to go camping in our RV throughout the summer. When we can’t get away, I enjoy spending time with them around the pool, grilling out and circling around our backyard firepit on chilly evenings. I also read anything I can get my hands on. Learning new things keeps me sharp and excited about the world around us.
Learn More About Our Engineering CareersJulio Cornejo
United States Marine Corps – Corporal
Support Center Manager
I am a manager for U-Verse and handle Hosted Virtual Desktop End User Support for three call centers along with other call center duties. Perseverance and Self Learning have taken me far in approaching new challenges, even those that are intimidating.
I’ve been an avid chef since I was a kid; I’ve tried out for cooking shows and worked in all line positions at various Chicago hotel restaurants. I also love IT and have always had a passion for tinkering with computers.
Learn More About Our Customer Support Careers