Hiring Our Heroes Program Opens New Career Paths for Veterans at Spectrum

For many service members, life beyond the military is bigger than hanging up a uniform; it redefines their daily existence. Veteran Anthony Polanco, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Spectrum, took the path from Army green to Spectrum blue paved by the mentorship, professional training and hands-on learning provided by the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program. His journey is an example of what happens when a company invests in our nation’s veterans, and the impact that has on our communities.

From the Command Post to the Conference Room

Anthony’s military career began in 2004. Motivated by a desire for stability and a sense of duty, he enrolled in the Army as a Military Police Soldier, where he served for 22 years. Eventually, he came to a crossroads. “I’d accomplished everything that I set out to, and with my retirement window coming up, it just felt like the right time,” Anthony says. As he prepared to leave the Army, he had to grapple with the tough question that many military personnel face: What now?

“Around the time that I put in for my retirement, that's when I got involved with Hiring Our Heroes,” Anthony said. “Coming out of the military, you believe that you can do anything. But I knew it was unrealistic to think I could leave the military and go directly into an executive role or leadership position in a company, so I had to humble myself and do some self-reflection. Being part of the fellowship with Spectrum and Hiring Our Heroes gave me that perspective. It made my transition very easy.”

The Corporate Fellowship Program did more than open doors to what a career at Spectrum could look like; it gave him a roadmap to help give back to the military community in his current role. “All the workshops that they do, the resume classes, interview classes – they give you a step-by-step plan for going into the civilian sector,” Anthony said.

A New Area of Operations

Now, as a Manager of Talent Acquisition on our Military Recruiting team, Anthony’s days look a bit different. His morning starts with an alarm clock, not the familiar sound of Reveille, and instead of leading squads, he’s recruiting new talent at Spectrum, specifically focused on supporting transitioning service members. But he still approaches every day – and every challenge – with tenacity and a sense of determination forged by 22 years of military experience. “To be starting a new chapter, a new opportunity, a new adventure; to be able to grow not just by myself but with a company. That’s what I’m really excited about,” Anthony said. “Every day I learn something new, and I love that.”

Anthony helps other veterans translate their military experience and find their next step after service. His role isn’t just about filling positions – it’s about giving others the support he received. “My transition to civilian life was seamless, and it was largely due to Spectrum and Hiring Our Heroes,” Anthony said. “But for a lot of my buddies getting out, it hasn’t been this easy. I thought, ‘why not provide other service members with what was provided to me?’ That’s one of the main reasons I joined Spectrum.”

Heroes Today, Heroes Forever

Spectrum’s partnership with the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, one part of the Company’s nationally recognized military hiring practices, is built on mentorship, professional training and hands-on learning. Over 12 weeks, fellows like Anthony get real-world experience, a support network and a shot at a meaningful career.

“When I left the military, it was the first time in my career that I could really decide what I wanted to do,” Anthony said. “That sense of possibility is what I hope to share with every veteran who walks through our doors.”

Learn more about how Spectrum supports veterans at Spectrum Careers – Military.