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From Navy to Salesforce: The Journey Through the Military Fellowship Program

Cori Lanigan

May 29, 2025

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be tough, but for Megan, a former Naval Intelligence Officer, the Salesforce Military Fellowship Program provided the perfect bridge to navigate this shift successfully. Her journey is a testament to the power of connection, mentorship, and discovering the right opportunity at Salesforce.

Discovering Salesforce Through Hiring Our Heroes

As Megan prepared to transition out of the Navy, she joined a Hiring Our Heroes cohort, a program dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses find meaningful careers post-service. It was through this program that she first heard about Salesforce and the opportunities available through its Military Fellowship Program.
When Salesforce reached out to Megan about the first-ever Military Fellowship cohort, she saw an opportunity to explore a new career path while leveraging the skills she gained in the military. The program’s structure, designed to bridge the gap between service and corporate roles, intrigued her. It provided a space for fellows to explore different functions within Salesforce, connect with a diverse network, and find a role aligned with their strengths.

Hands-On Experience in the Public Sector Organization

During her fellowship, Megan worked with Salesforce’s Public Sector organization, a team that collaborates closely with government and military branches—including the Navy. Seeing the technology side of the military was an eye-opening experience. It was a unique way to stay connected to her past while exploring new career possibilities.

While she enjoyed her time in the public sector, the fellowship gave her the freedom to explore other teams and verticals at Salesforce. This led to her interest in working with growth customers—a shift she never anticipated but one that excited her for the future.

Building a Network & Finding Support

One of the most invaluable aspects of the program was the people.

Megan connected with over 200 Salesforce employees during her fellowship, from fellow veterans to employees with completely different backgrounds. She was inspired by hearing diverse career journeys and learning how others found their place at Salesforce.

Throughout the program, she received mentorship and coaching from countless people willing to take time out of their busy schedules to support her. Coming from the strong, close-knit culture of the Navy, she found Salesforce’s culture to be equally as strong, with a deep sense of community and shared mission.

Landing the Right Role

One of the key aspects of the Salesforce Military Fellowship Program is that fellows are actively searching for a full-time role while participating. Thanks to the connections she made, Megan found the perfect fit as a Growth Account Executive. She immediately latched onto selling Slack, recognizing the immense value it brings to organizations.

Paying It Forward

Megan is incredibly proud of her military service, and now, she is equally proud of her role at Salesforce. Because of her successful transition, she is passionate about helping other veterans find their place within the company. She considers it an honor to mentor new fellows and guide them through their own journeys.
When asked what her favorite part of working at Salesforce is, she didn’t hesitate:

  1. The People – “Every day, I show up at an organization where everyone is proud of the work we do and genuinely excited to be here.”
  2. The Product – “I really enjoy selling Slack and seeing the impact it has on organizations. It’s amazing to be part of something that truly changes how businesses operate.”

Advice for Veterans Considering Salesforce

Megan acknowledges that some military roles may not have a direct translation into corporate jobs. However, she emphasizes that veterans bring valuable foundational skills — leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving — that make them strong candidates for a variety of roles at Salesforce. Her journey from the Naval Academy to serving as an Intelligence Officer and now thriving at Salesforce is proof that with the right support and opportunities, veterans can find fulfilling careers in tech.

Join the Salesforce Military Fellowship Program

Salesforce is proud to be a #1 employer for veterans, and Megan’s story is just one of many successful transitions. If you’re a service member looking for your next step, the Military Fellowship Program might be your bridge to a new career.

Interested in learning more? Visit Salesforce Military to explore fellowship opportunities and start your transition journey today.