William Lu
This time on the Transition Drill Podcast, William Lu’s journey from military service to civilian success is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of networking. Growing up in Texas, he followed a path shaped more by circumstance than personal vision, attending college because it was what his peers were doing and joining the Navy after his younger brother’s decision to serve. As a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) specializing in Tomahawk missile systems, Lu gained leadership experience but realized the military wasn’t his long-term calling. His transition out of the Navy was abrupt and filled with uncertainty. Struggling to find his next step, he relied on networking. His career later expanded into fintech, before experiencing industry-wide layoffs that forced another transition. With a stronger professional network and a refined vision, Lu successfully reentered federal consulting, now focused on bridging the public and private sectors. Passionate about supporting other military veterans and first responders, he actively mentors transitioning service members. His story highlights the challenges of life after service, the importance of adaptability, and the value of giving back to the community.
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Will’s journey into the military was anything but conventional. Raised in Houston, Texas, he grew up in a quiet household with his younger brother, spending his early years focused on school and competitive swimming. College was never a strong personal aspiration but rather a natural next step due to societal expectations. He attended the University of Houston, initially majoring in psychology before shifting to kinesiology, all without a defined career path in mind.
His entry into the Navy was equally unplanned. Inspired by his younger brother’s decision to attend the Naval Academy, Lu opted for officer candidate school, seeing it as a structured way to gain experience and stability. His transition into military life was a shock, beginning with the rigorous training at Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island. As an introvert, the aggressive training environment pushed him far beyond his comfort zone. Marine drill instructors zeroed in on him, challenging him relentlessly until he adapted to the high-pressure demands of military leadership.
Commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer, Lu was assigned to the weapons department, specializing in Tomahawk missile systems. His first duty station brought him to San Diego, a location he had never visited before but quickly embraced. The transition to life at sea was jarring—navigating the challenges of leadership, managing sailors from diverse backgrounds, and adapting to the demanding, high-stakes environment of naval operations. Despite the structure and discipline, he was unsure if a long-term military career was the right fit. While he appreciated the camaraderie and mission-driven focus, doubts about his future in uniform lingered as his service continued.
As Will progressed in his Navy career, the challenges of leadership and the rigid structure of military life made it clear that long-term service wasn’t his ultimate path. As a Surface Warfare Officer managing Tomahawk missile systems, he developed leadership skills and a deep appreciation for teamwork, but the job itself didn’t ignite a passion for a lifelong military career. Toward the end of his contract, a series of professional roadblocks reinforced his decision to transition out. He recognized that while the Navy provided stability and purpose, it wasn’t where he saw himself in the long run.
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Leaving the military came with an unexpected level of uncertainty. Unlike many service members who spend months preparing for veteran transition, Will’s exit was abrupt. He had no solid plan, no job waiting, and little understanding of what career path he wanted to pursue. With only a vague sense of direction, he packed up and drove from San Diego back to Houston, returning to familiar surroundings in hopes of buying himself time to figure things out.
That drive home was filled with anxiety—he was now a civilian with no clear mission. The structured world of the military was gone, replaced by the vast uncertainty of life after service. Initially, job prospects were scarce. He explored project management and sales roles but struggled to find a fit. Cold job applications led nowhere, and rejection became a constant. It wasn’t until he started networking—attending veteran events and leveraging introductions—that doors slowly began to open. A connection made months earlier led to a call from Booz Allen Hamilton, reigniting a hiring process he had almost written off. With persistence and guidance from mentors, Lu finally landed a role, marking the start of his new civilian career.
Landing a job at Booz Allen Hamilton marked the beginning of Will’s transition into the civilian workforce, but the adjustment was far from seamless. Moving from the highly structured world of the military into corporate consulting required a major shift in mindset. At Booz Allen, he worked in project management before transitioning into data visualization, an area that piqued his interest in the tech industry. Though the job provided stability, Lu was eager to explore new opportunities beyond government contracting.
His curiosity and drive led him into the fast-paced world of fintech, where he joined a startup backed by venture capital. The contrast between government consulting and the private sector was stark—while the military and government work demanded rigid procedures and approvals, the startup environment was agile, fast-moving, and risk-taking. Working alongside executives and industry leaders, Will thrived in the high-energy culture, gaining a new appreciation for innovation and business strategy. However, like many in the tech world, he faced an unexpected challenge when his company experienced layoffs in 2022.
This second career transition tested his resilience, but with years of networking and professional growth under his belt, he was better prepared. Instead of uncertainty and isolation, he was met with support from his network, including fellow veterans, who quickly provided job leads and referrals. He ultimately returned to federal consulting but with a renewed focus on bridging the gap between the public and private sectors.
Beyond his career, Will is dedicated to giving back to the military veteran community. Through organizations like the Veterans Beer Club and the Armed Services YMCA, he mentors transitioning service members, shares networking strategies, and helps others navigate military transition. His journey reflects not just personal growth, but a commitment to ensuring that other veterans find success in life after service.
The Transition Drill Podcast is the best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more compelling stories of resilience, leadership, and transformation from veterans and first responders. Share Dave’s journey with someone who could benefit from his wisdom—whether they’re preparing for life after service, seeking guidance during a career shift, or simply looking for motivation to tackle their next challenge. Together, we can empower others to navigate transitions with confidence and embrace their new beginnings.
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