Virtual Service Operations is excited to highlight the next organization in our Eleventh Series! This month, we spoke with Shelby Mounts, Navy veteran and Executive Director of NextOp Vets, to learn how his team is helping enlisted service members move into meaningful civilian careers. This video is the first of two parts, with the next one coming out next month, so stay tuned to learn even more about their important work.
NextOp’s mission is to connect talented enlisted veterans with strong career opportunities in industries that offer stability, growth, and long-term potential. NextOp places veterans in ten key industries that are high-wage, forward-looking, and solid long-term investments. Many veterans leave the military unsure of where to start. Civilian job hunting can be confusing, and it is often hard to know who to trust. That is where NextOp comes in. As Shelby says, “The candidate may start out with the idea… that all they really care about is a job,” but they may find that they need a little more.
Because most of the team at NextOp are veterans themselves, they are able to build trust quickly with veterans searching for civilian careers. Once a veteran enrolls, the team works one-on-one to understand what brought them there, what they are looking for, and where they want to go. It often begins with the simple goal of finding a job, but over time, the process becomes more personal. Veterans get support with resume writing, interview preparation, and exploring career paths, with guidance at every step.
Their focus is specifically on enlisted service members, who often face more barriers when transitioning into civilian work. Shelby described this effort as part of the “Million Door Challenge,” a reference to the many career options available that are not always easy for veterans to access. By helping them understand the civilian job landscape, rebuild trust, and connect with the right employers, NextOp makes it easier for veterans to find the door that is right for them and walk through it.
If you’re a veteran looking for your next step or an employer interested in hiring skilled and experienced candidates, be sure to watch this video. Check out what NextOp is doing and see how they’re opening doors to great opportunities for veterans.