Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Navy officer knows what she wants in a job, and persists until she finds it.
By Warren Duffie

As a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), LaTesha Ford compares her job to when she played basketball at the U.S. Naval Academy. On the hardwood, the former point guard had to control the basketball, pass it to open teammates and look for opportunities to score.

Nowadays, Ford uses the same mental agility to advise clients on a wide range of complex business issues – including human capital, technology, risk and compliance, finances and project management. The former lieutenant junior grade works in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Public Sector practice – based in McLean, Va. – which serves all agencies of the federal government.

“My workdays are full of unique challenges,” said Ford, “and my attention sometimes has to shift from one thing to another in the blink of an eye. The Navy taught me flexibility, strong management skills and how to deal with pressure, which allows me to switch easily from one task to another.” 

In Uniform
Ford, 28, attended the Naval Academy for the chance to play Division I basketball at a prestigious university. She graduated with a bachelor’s in information technology in 2005.

Ford served on USS Germantown and completed surface warfare training in Newport, R.I. From there, she served on USS John Paul Jones and in Iraq. 

The Transition
In 2010, Ford left the Navy. She never viewed the military as a permanent career, and she wanted to put her leadership skills to good use in corporate America. Ford started preparing a year before she got out. She attended transition classes, drafted several versions of her résumé, read G.I. Jobs and regularly saved money.

She knew what she wanted in a job. Ford sought a career in a stable industry, wanted to work in or near a metropolitan area, and wanted to advance on her merits rather than depend on promotion boards.

Ford met a PricewaterhouseCoopers recruiter, who helped her get a slot at a company career event targeting junior military officers.

“I had three interviews at that event,” said Ford, “each of which was 45 minutes in length. I stressed many of the attributes listed on my résumé – leadership and management experience, teamwork, efficiency and the ability to think independently. I must have impressed them because I was offered a job soon afterward.

“Looking back on my transition, I would have done one thing differently,” she continued. “For awhile, I submitted résumés to corporate websites without following up with individual hiring managers. They receive so many résumés that yours can get lost. You have to help managers put a name and face to your résumé in order to stand out.”  

Ford’s Advice
Know what you want to do. “My biggest fear was taking a job I wouldn’t enjoy just for a paycheck. It’s important to know what career path you want to follow.” 

Set aside at least nine to 12 months of savings. “Luckily, I saved for nearly a year before getting out of the Navy. It took me seven months from my separation to when I was hired by PricewaterhouseCoopers. There’s also a sticker shock associated with civilian life. You’re taxed more and have to pay more in taxes.” 

Begin your job search early. “Start at least a year in advance and make it a point to network with hiring managers and recruiters.” 

Use your resources. “Read G.I. Jobs, reach out to VSOs [veterans service organizations] and the VA. There is a wealth of resources available to service members.” 

How’d You Get That Job?
Ford met a PwC recruiter, who helped her get a slot at a company career event targeting junior military officers. 

“I had three interviews at that event,” said Ford, “each of which was 45 minutes in length. I stressed many of the attributes listed on my résumé – leadership and management experience, teamwork, efficiency and the ability to think independently. I must have impressed them because I was offered a job soon afterward.”

What Ford Likes About Her Job

• The chance to still serve my country as a civilian.
• The diversity and challenges of my work.
• I can grow and advance with my company.
• The veteran support network, which includes mentoring, networking, professional development and community service initiatives.