ANNVILLE, Pa. — Jarrod Kuzmitsky, a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, has found success in civilian life after transitioning from military service to a career in information technology.
“There is a reason I served, I love our country,” said Kuzmitsky. “My dad was a Marine in Vietnam and he volunteered to go, he was not drafted, and that always struck that level of dedication.”
As the Bureau Director of Information Technology at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA), Kuzmitsky oversees the critical task of ensuring that switches, tech, and grids run smoothly for military departments and stations across the state.
“Everything has technology, server switches, networking infrastructure- this team here supports at all,” said Kusmitsky.
In his role, Kuzmitsky and his team provide technology-related support to the entire agency, leveraging the skills and expertise he gained from his military service.
Kuzmitsky, who spent eight years in the army reserve and completed three overseas tours, attributes his success to the valuable lessons learned during his military service.
“I was in Bosnia in 99’ into 2000 and Afghanistan and 01’ and back to Bosnia again and 03’,” said Kusmitsky.
He says his journey showcases the transferable skills gained from his military experience, particularly in leadership, teamwork, and operating in high-stress environments. He emphasized that his time in the military postal unit, where he was responsible for managing mail and material, provided him with the foundational experience that paved the way for his current role.
“I’m in a leadership position now but it wasn’t always, but no one teaches you how to be a leader in private industry, right they just if they get promoted,” said Kuzmitsky. “You hit a management position but no one takes the time to teach you how to be a good leader. I think I got that from the military,”
Reflecting on his career transition, Kuzmitsky encourages fellow veterans to have confidence in their abilities and to pursue opportunities that leverage their unique skills.
"You have confidence in yourself, believe in your skills and abilities, and just put your best foot forward because you do have something to offer," said Kuzmitsky.
Kuzmitsky's story serves as a testament to the potential of veterans in the civilian workforce and reinforces the message of National Hire a Veteran Day. By recognizing the skills and experience of veterans, organizations have the opportunity to benefit from the diverse perspectives and dedicated work ethic that veterans bring to the table.
“I spoke about it in my interviews because I do believe those are marketable skills,” said Kuzmitsky. “So sure-- you have to have a skill to do the job --but talk about your military service you have something to bring to the table whether it be resiliency leadership. Everybody wants a team player, somebody who can adapt and rise to a challenge to meet a goal or objective.