Meet this Electrifying USCG Veteran
Sarah K., a former Petty Officer 3rd Class, used her electrifying training in the Coast Guard to move to a banking career. This February 19, on National @VetGirlsRise Day, we recognize our women vets here at Berkshire Bank and the nearly 2 million U.S. veteran women across this country, and the immense dedication they show daily.
Let’s join our chat with Coast Guard Veteran Sarah K as she shares her military career and transition to work in the civilian world.
Tell us about your military background. I served four years from 1997 to 2001 on active duty in the United States Coast Guard. I trained as an electrician and was assigned both shipboard and land assignments during my enlistment. I served aboard the CG Cutter Gentian (WLB-290) which is now decommissioned, and I was also assigned to the CG Cutter Monomoy (WPB-1326), which has its homeport in Woods Hole, MA, and was one of the ships to patrol the New York Harbor after the September 11 attacks.
I believed in our missions at the Coast Guard: protecting our maritime ecosystem and natural resources, homeland security (port and waterway security, drug interdiction), search and rescue, and aids to navigation. For me, it was also a family tradition; my father, grandfathers, and many family members are veterans, and I felt compelled to serve my country before settling into a career.
What do you do at Berkshire? I currently work as the SOX Audit Manager in the Internal Audit Department. I was part of the SIFI acquisition in May 2019. At SIFI, I was the Internal Audit Manager before lateraling over to the Director of Finance/Controller role for five years until taking my role here at Berkshire.
Why did you choose this career path? When I needed to choose a career path, there was a demand for accountants and auditors, which drove me to choose a concentration in accounting and taxation in college. After graduation, I think my career path chose me. I naturally see the world as a series of processes, and I’m always curious about how things work and how I can improve them. I enjoy working with others to streamline operations, find efficiencies, and improve controls. I like making a difference.
Would you recommend this industry to veterans? Banking is a great industry that offers a dynamic and ever-changing environment. The work can be challenging, and it makes you feel good when you help drive positive change. I’d absolutely recommend this to veterans.
What advice do you have for other veterans trying to forge their path in business? This is certainly a much different culture than being in the military. However, the core values instilled in the ranks will help chart a successful course through a professional career.
You rose through the rank — what do you attribute that success to? I’ve always been a believer that hard work and perseverance make anything possible.
Anything else you would like to mention? One of the overarching insights from my experiences serving our country is an awareness and appreciation of the diversity amongst us. The missions were successful because everyone contributed to the strength of the team.
Thanks for serving and thank you for sharing your incredible story.
