From Military Missions to SaaS Success: How Service Leavers Can Thrive in Civilian Tech Careers
Service members are accustomed to working on high-stakes missions, guided by a purpose and a plan. Transitioning to a career in Software as a Service (SaaS) may seem like a different world, but it holds surprising similarities and opportunities for veterans looking to leverage their skills in the civilian world.
What is SaaS?
SaaS stands for “Software as a Service,” a model where companies provide access to powerful applications online. Rather than installing software on individual devices, businesses subscribe to these services, gaining access without the hassle of maintenance or infrastructure costs.
SaaS is an industry booming with roles perfect for veterans. It’s adaptable, mission-driven, and driven by two core metrics veterans can impact: Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC).
Decoding LTV and CAC
- Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) is the total revenue a company expects from a customer over their entire relationship. For SaaS companies, long-term customer retention is crucial. Many customers may not become profitable for the company until months into their subscription, meaning it’s all about keeping them engaged over time.
- Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) is the expense of bringing in a new customer. From marketing to onboarding, this cost is a major factor in SaaS profitability. By lowering CAC and ensuring higher LTV, SaaS companies can stay competitive.
Why Veterans?
Veterans come from the armed forces—be it the Air Force, Army, or Navy—with mission-focused skills perfect for SaaS roles. In the military, service members don’t just complete tasks; they work to accomplish missions that are often customer-centric at their core. Veterans understand the balance between achieving results and building relationships, skills vital in SaaS.
Military-Centric Skills That Lower CAC
CAC can sink or scale a SaaS business. Veterans bring qualities that reduce CAC by naturally excelling in fast-paced environments where building rapport and delivering results matter. Veterans are:
- Resilient and Solution-Oriented: Quick thinking and resilience under pressure are essential in military service, and veterans bring these traits to customer interactions, sales, and product support roles.
- Collaborative and Goal-Focused: Veterans understand teamwork, a crucial asset in SaaS sales and customer service, where collaboration leads to efficient problem-solving and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Customer-Centric Skills That Boost LTV
A high LTV comes from happy, long-term customers. Veterans excel in building trust and rapport—an asset to any SaaS company looking to retain customers. Veterans are:
- Empathetic and Curious: Being genuinely interested in a customer’s needs and pain points can keep subscribers coming back. Veterans often bring a people-centred approach, which is highly valuable for customer retention.
- Problem-Solvers with Integrity: Veterans approach challenges with a mindset that builds loyalty and trust, key ingredients for long-term customer relationships.
Careers in SaaS and Military Transition Support
For veterans, a career in SaaS offers a clear path to success with roles that play to their strengths. From sales and customer support to project management, the armed forces community provides a foundation for veterans to thrive. Redeployable’s platform helps veterans navigate this transition, offering tailored pathways, practical resources, and a supportive community of military members now excelling in civilian roles.
