Matt Quick
This time on the Transition Drill Podcast, Matt Quick’s journey from a rebellious teenager to a disciplined Marine, then a career Army soldier, and now a champion for veteran transition is a story of resilience, adaptability, and service beyond the uniform. From his early days growing up in New York, to his decision to join the Marine Corps after seeing his brother deploy to Somalia, Matt’s military career took unexpected turns—including an unplanned shift to the Army when reenlistment options ran dry. Over 25 years, he rose through the ranks, deploying to Bosnia and Iraq, serving at the Pentagon, and becoming a leader in career retention. But when the time came for his own transition, he applied the same strategic mindset he taught countless soldiers, setting himself up for success in the civilian world. Now, as a leader at the Project Management Institute, Matt is on a mission to help military veterans translate their experience into meaningful careers. His story is an essential listen for anyone navigating military transition, life after service, or a major career change.
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Growing up in Poughkeepsie, New York, Matt Quick didn’t have a clear roadmap for his future. A competitive athlete and a self-proclaimed troublemaker, his interactions with law enforcement were more about speeding tickets and late-night antics than any real criminal activity. But beneath the rebellious streak was a drive for something greater—a need for structure, discipline, and purpose.
That path revealed itself when his older brother, a Marine infantryman, deployed to Somalia during the Black Hawk Down era. Inspired by his brother’s service, Matt enlisted in the Marine Corps straight out of high school, eager to challenge himself and become part of something bigger. The Marine Corps did exactly what he needed—it broke him down and built him back up with discipline, confidence, and a sense of pride that only a Marine would understand.
Boot camp at Parris Island was a life-changing experience. The grueling training, the relentless discipline, and the camaraderie forged in the toughest conditions shaped Matt into a new man. He excelled in his role, working in personnel administration and legal services, gaining skills that would set him apart. But the Marine Corps was evolving. In 1997, as the military downsized, Matt was faced with a difficult reality: despite his high performance, reenlistment in his current MOS was no longer an option. The Marine Corps gave him a choice—transition to the infantry or leave.
Unwilling to switch to a combat role, Matt found himself at a crossroads. He had dedicated years of his life to the Marine Corps, embracing its culture and identity. But the prospect of leaving the military entirely wasn’t an option he was willing to consider. He made a decision that would define the next two decades of his life—he transferred to the Army.
The process wasn’t seamless. Though he had earned the rank of E-5 as a Marine, the Army delayed his entry just long enough—93 days—to legally reduce his rank to E-4. It was a frustrating setback, but Matt, already molded by the Marine Corps’ relentless discipline, refused to let it stop him. His first assignment took him to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he worked as a mail clerk for the Command and General Staff College. It wasn’t glamorous, and it certainly wasn’t where he imagined himself after years of service, but he took the job seriously. The Army was different, and Matt had to adapt.
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The turning point in his Army career came unexpectedly. While issuing an ID card to a three-star general, Matt made such an impression that he was handpicked for a deployment to Sarajevo, Bosnia. There, he worked directly under the commander of stabilization forces, a prestigious assignment that exposed him to high-level military operations. It was here that Matt realized the power of networking—not just who you know, but who knows you and trusts your work ethic. That realization would shape the rest of his career.
After returning stateside, Matt’s career began to accelerate. His performance and reputation opened doors, leading him to an assignment at the Pentagon, where he worked under the Army Chief of Staff. The long hours and high-pressure environment tested his limits, but it also solidified his ability to work at the highest levels of the military. Following his time at the Pentagon, he transitioned into a career field that aligned perfectly with his skills and passion—career counseling and retention. As a career counselor, Matt found his calling. He wasn’t just advising soldiers on reenlistment; he was guiding them toward meaningful career paths, ensuring they understood the opportunities available both inside and outside the military. His expertise and leadership led to rapid promotions, and he ultimately achieved the highest enlisted rank in the Army—Sergeant Major.
His assignments took him across the country, from Fort Knox to Fort Stewart and eventually to Fort Bragg, where he played a key role in military transition programs. Along the way, he deployed to Iraq, where he continued his mission of keeping soldiers informed about their career prospects even in combat zones. Matt’s ability to navigate both the Marine Corps and Army, rise through the ranks, and position himself for success beyond the uniform makes his story a must-listen for anyone facing a military transition or career change.
After 25 years of service, Matt Quick faced one of the biggest challenges of his career—his own military transition. For years, he had been the expert guiding soldiers through career changes, reenlistments, and life after service, but now it was his turn. The original plan was to serve 30 years, but after the loss of his wife’s parents and seeing firsthand the toll that constant relocations and deployments took on military families, Matt made the difficult decision to retire. In January 2019, he officially left the Army, stepping into the unknown world of civilian life.
Unlike many transitioning service members, Matt had spent years preparing. He was debt-free, had built a strong network, and had job opportunities lined up. But even with all those advantages, the transition wasn’t as straightforward as he expected. He initially pursued a high-level government role as a GS-15, but despite his experience, the reality of federal job politics became apparent. That setback, however, became the push he needed to step away from the military world entirely and explore new opportunities.
Matt’s first venture into the civilian workforce was co-founding a military transition company, helping fellow veterans and first responders find meaningful employment. The work was fulfilling, but startup life was unpredictable. After two and a half years, the company couldn’t sustain the financial demands, and Matt found himself at another crossroads. But this time, he wasn’t starting from scratch—his experience, personal brand, and growing presence on LinkedIn had positioned him as a trusted expert in the veteran transition space.
That’s when an opportunity with the Project Management Institute (PMI) changed everything. Initially, Matt wasn’t sure if project management was the right fit, but after going through a rigorous interview process, PMI recognized his leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to connect with the military community. Though he didn’t land the first job he applied for, PMI created a role for him, placing him in a global position where he could bridge the gap between military veterans, first responders, and the project management profession.
Today, Matt is on a mission to educate service members, about the value of project management as a career path. He travels across the country, speaking at military bases and industry events, helping veterans translate their military skills into civilian careers. He works closely with PMI chapters and industry leaders to create smoother career transitions for military veterans, ensuring they have the certifications, training, and connections needed for success. Matt ’s journey—from Marine to Soldier to civilian leader—is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and strategic career planning. Whether you’re an active-duty service member, a military veteran, or a first responder thinking about career change, his story is packed with lessons on transition, networking, and finding purpose beyond the uniform.
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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