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Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith

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Career Roadmap

Nathan's work combines: Armed Services, Writing, and Upholding a Cause and Belief

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Day In The Life

Chief Operating Officer

I'm a service-oriented individual who likes to make people and things better.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Greely High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    International/Globalization Studies

    Virginia Military Institute

  • Graduate Degree

    Public Administration

    University of Georgia

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Chief Executives:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Political Science and Government, General

Graduate Degree: Public Administration

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I grew up in a religious cult; at the age of 17, I had an epiphany, realized I had to make a change.

  • 2.

    I left home and entered military school on a full Navy ROTC scholarship.

  • 3.

    9/11 occurred during my junior year; I switched to the Marines and became an Infantry Officer.

  • 4.

    In Iraq, I had two incidences where I lost Marines during high-intensity combat situations.

  • 5.

    Being unable to prevent those violent deaths changed my perspective on my place in the world.

  • 6.

    I had PTS due to my 2 tours in Iraq; staying physically active & seeing a counselor helped me heal.

  • 7.

    After my service ended, I was able to use my G.I. Bill benefits to pursue a master's degree.

  • 8.

    I love my current job because I get to give back to vets who haven't had the opportunities I've had.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Myself:

    You're going to fail. You're not as good as everyone else.

  • How I responded:

    A lot of us face the constant noise of self-doubt, and it's not a healthy way to go through life. For me, it took sitting down with a counselor to see that I was being overly negative and selling myself short. I know I'm certainly not alone in facing those doubts and fears, especially within the veteran community, but you have to know that it takes time to find your path. I've been able to overcome that negative self-talk, and to figure out who I am and what kind of value I bring to the table.