Citrix values those who serve, and this year, to help mark Veterans Day and Armistice Day, we caught up with two of our employee veterans — Rob Payne and Jason Keen — to talk about working at Citrix and how the company supports veterans and their families. Rob joined Citrix in 2021, after retiring as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, in which he served more than 21 years, with much of that time working in HR roles. At Citrix, he’s a Sr. Human Resources Generalist, supporting the Operations and Customer Success team. Jason left the British Army as a Warrant Officer Class 2 intelligence operator, after 22 years of service. He came to Citrix four years ago and leads the Global Security Operations team in our Global Security Risk Services organization.

Why did you join Citrix?

Rob Payne: The Air Force has always encouraged finding innovative ways to accomplish the mission, especially by adopting the latest technology. The Air Force was also big on fostering an environment where everyone in the chain of command went above and beyond to not only care for their airmen but also to push them to succeed in their personal and professional goals. I found those same traits in the culture here at Citrix, and I wanted to be a part of the team.

Jason Keen: I needed a fresh challenge from the role I was in, and I instantly hit it off with two of the people who interviewed me. One was a U.S. Army veteran, and the other was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. I was made to feel very much at home and in familiar surroundings.

How has Citrix helped with your transition to civilian life and supported you?

Rob Payne: My experience has been phenomenal. Everyone I encounter has a genuine interest in helping one another. I recognize the areas of opportunity for me to grow in my new role here as there are aspects of HR in the civilian space that are different than those in the Air Force. Despite those areas of growth, my leadership team and peers have been understanding and receptive to showing me the ropes.

Jason Keen: Citrix is very understanding of veterans and seems quite grateful of our ability to get stuff done, even if it outside our comfort zone or sphere of knowledge. Our response to COVID-19, for which no one had a playbook or silver bullet proved that. Our ability to develop a 70 percent plan and execute it, refining as we go forward has allowed many functions to recommence as restrictions have been lifted.

Why is a group like the Citrix Military Veterans employee resource group (ERG) important?

Rob Payne: The Citrix Military Veterans ERG is important because every individual comes with a unique story and has different needs within an organization. Some recent transitioning service members require guidance and mentorship as they navigate the culture and responsibilities of their new role. The Veterans ERG paves the way for those mentorship relationships to form and can really ease the tension for those service members finding it difficult to adjust to a new chapter of their life.

Jason Keen: The Military Veterans ERG is very important so you know you aren’t alone. The interservice rivalry is still present and very mush cherished. There are many veterans doing hugely diverse jobs in Citrix, some very similar to their military role but some are poles apart. I think the ability to either stay in your career stream (like I did) or to diversify is one of the joys about this company.

What advice would you give to veterans who are evaluating professional opportunities after leaving the military (or who are in a Reserves role and still active)?

Rob Payne: Like I’ve always told my airmen, follow what your passions are. The leadership and management skills acquired during military service can be applied across all industries. If a veteran is looking into a career change, they should gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary to pursue the career path that aligns with their passions and find a mentor. Regardless of the career path, the soft skills acquired along the way will shine when the veteran is doing what they love.

Jason Keen: For anyone transitioning from the military I’d give one piece of advice: Don’t underestimate the second- and third-order skills the military gave you, even if you don’t have a certificate for things like operational planning, time management, and leadership. The most junior NCO has led people, even if they don’t quite realize it!

Employee Resource Groups at Citrix

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) cultivate a sense of belonging and inclusion at Citrix by creating safe spaces to support each other and educate allies; supporting Citrix through talent acquisition, retention, and employee experience; and supporting our customers and partners (both for-profit and non-profit) by providing engagement opportunities based on identity. Learn more about our Military Veterans ERG and how you can join a company where you’re included.