Army veteran transitions to civilian life with ease through SkillBridge

Rebecca Mills' journey from the Army to civilian life embodies courage, adaptability and an unwavering spirit. Joining the Army in February 2015 and leaving as a Staff Sergeant in December 2024, she mastered many skills that led her to Synovus in Columbus, Georgia, to work as a strategy analyst. Leadership, resilience, team building and strategic problem-solving shaped her military career and positioned her for success in her civilian job.

“I was confident my military background in logistics and serving as a medical readiness manager and assistant department manager were transferable to a civilian job, but I wasn’t sure what type of position until I came across a project manager internship at Synovus,” the mother of six says. “The position was exactly what I was looking for.”

To find Synovus, Mills used SkillBridge, a Department of Defense program that connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world experiences.

In the first six months of 2024, about 12,000 service members participated in SkillBridge, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, to gain valuable civilian work experience through industry training, apprenticeships or internships during their last six months of active duty.

Skillbridge helped Mills join Synovus as an intern from July to October 2024. She then moved into a full-time project manager role. Mills later advanced to her current role, providing insights to further improve the bank’s consumer products and services. Mills expresses gratitude for the team that made her feel like she belonged. “Everyone welcomed me without hesitation and were always available to answer my questions. They really made me feel like I belonged here,” she says.

Cayce Williams-West, director of small business banking, has seen Mills' direct impact on the team. "She's always prepared, collaborating with partners to ensure deliverables are met as expected," says Williams-West. "I credit her teamwork, swift decision-making and effective communication style to her military experience, which is invaluable in how she engages with the team.”