From Air Force to IT Professional: Seth Morgan’s Journey
A SkillBridge Success Story
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant shift, but for Seth Morgan, it was a journey marked by determination and a strategic approach. A Veteran of the Air Force with a career spanning seven years, Seth separated as a Staff Sergeant. His journey began as an aircraft maintainer for the C-130, a role that laid a solid foundation for his meticulous and disciplined work ethic.
During his service, Seth was stationed in both the UK and Louisiana, where he honed his technical skills and cultivated a deep interest in networking and cyber security work. Recognizing the value of this burgeoning field, he decided to pivot his career towards IT and cyber security. As he contemplated his transition out of the Air Force, Seth sought out SkillBridge internships. This program, designed to help service members gain civilian work experience, was a perfect fit for his ambitions. He cast a wide net, sending out nearly 30 applications.
His persistence paid off when he landed a SkillBridge internship with Aegis Aerospace, working on the Department of Defense (DOD) Human Spaceflight Task Order (DHSTO) contract, as a system administrator. During his four-month internship, Seth not only gained invaluable hands-on experience but also networked extensively within the company. He had several conversations with Bill Lopez, DHSTO Program Manager, and Gus Lara, DHSTO Special Projects Lead and former SkillBridge intern, about becoming a full-time Aegis Aerospace Employee.
When his internship ended, Seth returned to the Air Force to finalize his service obligations. A few months later (Jan. 2024), he returned to Aegis Aerospace as a full-time employee, stepping confidently into his role in the IT department and at the same desk he had as an intern. Balancing work and education, Seth is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Networking Engineering and Cyber Security from Western Governors University.
Reflecting on his journey, Seth’s advice to other SkillBridge participants is clear: “Start early and as soon as possible. Follow up on every opportunity.” His story is a testament to the power of preparation, persistence, and the willingness to embrace new challenges. Seth Morgan’s transition from the Air Force to a thriving career in system administration serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing that with the right mindset and support, the shift from military to civilian life can lead to rewarding and successful new beginnings.
Each year approximately 200,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed in over 140 military installations in the U.S. and overseas, will leave active duty and re-enter the civilian work force or pursue higher education. To learn more about becoming a partner, visit https://skillbridge.osd.mil.
Thank you, Seth, for your service and for sharing your story with us.
Contributing writer: Jeffrey Doi
