Meet the PROS: Scott Frank
In honor of Veterans Day, our Veterans at PROS are sharing how their service and experiences have influenced their civilian careers.
From service to Senior Recruiter, meet Scott, Army Veteran, and member of PROS HR team. When Scott’s not managing all aspects of the recruitment lifecycle and delivering excellent customer and candidate experiences, you’ll find this self-proclaimed master chef in the kitchen cooking charro beans and Carne Guisado or outdoors camping, hunting, traveling, and coaching fastpitch softball.
Scott shares more about how his service and experiences have shaped his career and offers advice for Veterans making the transition.
Let’s get to know Scott!
Tell us about your journey to PROS.
I was particularly drawn to PROS because of its reputation for fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. When I joined in 2021 as a Senior Recruiter, I quickly became immersed in the dynamic and collaborative work environment. It didn’t take long for me to realize that PROS was not just a place to work but a place to learn, grow, and thrive. The opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and challenging projects were abundant, and I eagerly embraced them.
Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working on various impactful projects and collaborating with talented colleagues who share a passion for excellence. The company’s commitment to innovation has allowed me to continually expand my skill set and stay at the cutting edge of developments in our industry. This dedication to growth and innovation aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.
Through hard work, dedication, and the support of the incredible team at PROS, I’ve been able to advance in my career and take on roles of increasing responsibility. It’s been an enriching journey, and I look forward to contributing to PROS continued success and innovation in the years to come.
Briefly describe your military background and how it has influenced your career.
I served in the Army for four years in the 82nd Airborne Division in the parachute infantry regiment based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I joined the Army as I felt a sense of servant leadership. I have several family members that have served, and I know how it shaped their lives which built the cornerstones of success.
Transitioning from a role as a high-performing soldier to civilian life was a significant and unique challenge. In the military, I was accustomed to a structured and disciplined environment, where objectives were clearly defined, and teamwork was second nature. The transition brought about a shift from a tightly knit community with a clear hierarchy to a world of seemingly endless possibilities but with its own set of uncertainties.
One of the major adjustments was the change in routine and the absence of a clear chain of command. In the military, every day had a purpose and a predefined plan. In the civilian world, I had to learn to navigate the ambiguity and self-direct my path. The absence of the structured military routine initially left a void, but I soon realized that it allowed for personal growth and exploration.
Moreover, the skills and values instilled during my military service, such as discipline, leadership, adaptability, and resilience, proved to be invaluable. These traits became the pillars on which I built my civilian career. They not only equipped me to face challenges head on but also to excel in a variety of professional settings.
The transition was also an opportunity for me to discover my interests and passions outside of the military context. I embraced the chance to explore different career paths, engage in lifelong learning, and work in diverse industries.
Despite the initial challenges, the transition from military to civilian life became a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It provided me with a newfound sense of freedom and allowed me to apply my military-acquired skills to new and exciting challenges in the civilian world. Over time, I learned that the adaptability and resilience I developed as a soldier were assets that empowered me to succeed and thrive in my civilian endeavors.
My experience in the military instilled in me a strong work ethic, discipline, and a commitment to teamwork. It provided me with a foundation of leadership skills and a deep sense of responsibility that has been instrumental in shaping my career.
What skills and values gained in the military have been most valuable in your career?
The skills and values I acquired in the military that have been most valuable in my career include adaptability, problem-solving, resilience, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. The military taught me to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments, which has translated well into my professional life.
Some of the attributes that have led to so much success in my professional career is:
- Discipline: The discipline instilled in me during my military service has been invaluable in meeting deadlines and maintaining a structured work routine. It’s helped me consistently deliver high-quality work in a timely manner, ensuring that projects progress smoothly.
- Leadership: The leadership skills developed in the military have allowed me to take on management roles in my current job. I’ve been able to lead teams, set clear objectives, and motivate team members to achieve our collective goals. This leadership has contributed to a more productive and cohesive work environment.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain calm under pressure has helped me navigate unexpected challenges in my current role. Whether it’s a sudden shift in project priorities or a rapidly changing market, my adaptability has enabled me to make quick decisions and find effective solutions.
- Resilience: The resilience I gained in the military has been crucial in overcoming setbacks and persevering in the face of adversity. I’ve encountered obstacles in my current role, but my resilience has enabled me to bounce back, learn from failures, and continue moving forward.
- Teamwork: The military places a strong emphasis on teamwork, and this has translated seamlessly into my civilian career. I’ve been able to collaborate effectively with colleagues, foster a sense of unity within our team, and drive collective success. Teamwork has been essential in achieving project milestones and meeting our objectives.
- Problem-Solving: The problem-solving skills homed in the military have been instrumental in my current role. I’m able to identify challenges, analyze complex situations, and devise creative solutions to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
- Attention to Detail: Military training places a strong emphasis on attention to detail, which has been a significant asset in my current job. Whether it’s reviewing documents, conducting quality checks, or ensuring accuracy in data analysis, this skill has helped maintain a high level of precision in my work.
- Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is crucial in both military and civilian roles. My ability to communicate effectively, whether in written reports or during team meetings, has fostered strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
These specific examples illustrate how the skills and values cultivated during my military service have not only been beneficial but have also played a pivotal role in my success and contributions in my current role. They have provided a strong foundation for my career and continue to be an integral part of my professional identity.
Can you share any specific stories or examples of how your military experience has helped you overcome professional challenges or excel in your career?
One example is when I was faced with a high-pressure project with tight deadlines. My military training in planning, organization, and teamwork allowed me to lead my team effectively and meet the project’s objectives, even under stress. It reinforced the importance of teamwork and adaptability.
How has your unique background as a military veteran contributed to the diversity and culture of PROS?
My background as a military veteran brings a unique perspective to PROS. It has contributed to a culture of discipline, resilience, and a strong commitment to excellence. It has also enriched the diversity of thought and experience within the organization.
What advice do you have for other veterans looking to transition careers, and/or recruiters looking to hire veterans?
For veterans transitioning to civilian careers, I would advise leveraging the skills and values gained in the military and translating them into the language of the civilian workforce. By framing your military experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers, you can effectively convey the transferability and value of your skills and values in diverse professional settings. As the spokesperson for my military background, I found it necessary to describe the multifaceted responsibilities of an infantry Airborne soldier, which extended far beyond jumping out of planes, firing weapons, and physical endurance. The portrayal of elite soldiers in the media and movies often falls short of capturing the complexity of the role.
In reality, I was entrusted with the lives of my fellow team members, managed a supply chain comprising equipment valued at over $100,000, and orchestrated logistics and wartime planning with precision. This was all while maintaining peak mental and physical fitness on a daily basis. My experience as a soldier demanded a multifaceted skill set, exceptional dedication, and the ability to excel in high-pressure environments, which I have carried forward into my civilian career.
To help with the transition process, I also suggest seeking mentorship and exploring organizations that offer programs to support veteran transitions.
For recruiters, I’d encourage them to recognize the tremendous value that veterans bring to an organization in terms of leadership, adaptability, and dedication.
Are there any specific resources, organizations, or networks that have been particularly helpful to you as a military veteran in your career?
A good resource is Still Serving Veterans and organizations like Texas Veterans Commission and Veterans Affairs, networking events, and mentorship programs have been invaluable in my career. They provided support, guidance, and a sense of community during my transition into the civilian workforce.
*****
Learn more about PROS culture on our careers page and become a part of our growing team by applying to our open roles. Follow #LifeatPROS on LinkedIn and Instagram for more stories from the bright minds powering PROS around the globe.