Leadership, Integrity and Accountability: The Mark of a Veteran

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Kellogg would like to honor the service of Jamie Schmitt, one of Kellogg’s most passionate Veterans. As a co-chair of Kellogg Company’s KVets and Supporters Business/Employee Resource Group, Jamie plays a key role in helping recruit Veterans to the company and supporting them in their transition to civilian careers. She’s especially suited for this volunteer role because of her first-hand experience.

After high school, Jamie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a communication operator in Okinawa, Japan and Kaneohe Bay on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii. In addition to allowing her to fulfill her desire to travel, Jamie attributes her time in the Marines to helping her become even more organized, disciplined and loyal, skills that are also important outside of the military.

While in the Marine’s, Jamie met and married fellow Marine Matthew Schmitt. After completing her contract, she became a military spouse, mother of four boys and full-time college student as her husband’s active duty career took the family to California, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Michigan. Once she finished her bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Management, Jamie looked to enter the civilian workforce.

“I knew I wanted to join a company where I could make a difference, where work-life balance was achievable, and where my talents would be utilized,“ Jamie said.

Since joining Kellogg in 2015, Jamie has been promoted four times. Her current role is Manager, Specialty Channels and Canada Finance, Global Business Services. She oversees a team of 30 colleagues who arm leaders in Canada and the company’s Specialty Channels business (that sells Kellogg foods to schools, hotels, and other food-away-from-home organizations) with essential financial information. Jamie is also pursuing a master’s degree in business analytics.

“Kellogg was a great fit for me from the start. I learned so many things, felt appreciated and challenged, and could see my career growing quickly,” Jamie added.

Every day at Kellogg, Jamie uses skills she learned in the Marines. “As a Marine, I was afforded the opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills and was often held accountable for the team as a whole. Collaboration is as important in the Corps as it is at Kellogg. In both environments, without a strong team, we simply won’t succeed.”

So what advice does Jamie have for other veterans pursuing civilian careers? “It’s important to emphasize your leadership skills, integrity and accountability. Many employers are unaware of the situational training, opportunities and sacrifices experienced by service members that translate directly to success in civilian careers.

To all active and former Military, we sincerely thank you for your service.