From military excellence to Clemson service: Clemson SkillBridge partnership renewed

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is no easy task.  

“The transformation of leaving the military to civilian life is different for everyone. Some people find it easier to adjust to than others,” says Rich Kyzer, talent acquisition partner in the Office of Human Resources. 

A 2019 Pew Research Center study found 48% of post-9/11 veterans say it was somewhat or very difficult for them to readjust to civilian life after their military service. 

Clemson University is part of a contingent working to improve those statistics. 

Clemson is a proud Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge partner: a partnership that was recently renewed through 2027. The program helps service members transition smoothly from their military careers to civilian opportunities through internships, apprenticeships and training during the last 180 days of their active duty.  

Initially authorized in 2021, Clemson was the first higher education institution in South Carolina to receive approval to participate in the program. 

A Great Transition 

Rich Kyzer spent over thirty years in the South Carolina Army National Guard before it was time to “retire.” But retirement for Kyzer meant something different than it does for most. 

Closing the chapter on his military service also meant beginning a new career and chapter in civilian life. 

“I always knew my last military assignment would either lead me to a higher-level assignment or the workplace, and I knew the workplace was the best option for me,” explained Kyzer.  

As he prepared to end his military career, Kyzer began a SkillBridge internship in Clemson’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. For the last several months of his active duty, he worked full-time in the office, supporting the #1 student experience for veteran and military-connected students experiencing a transition of their own. 

“I worked with veteran-connected students and built strong relationships and networks. It was very fulfilling,” said Kyzer. 

The SkillBridge program gave Kyzer time to acclimate to the pace and norms of the civilian workforce, specifically higher education, and presented a unique opportunity to return to Clemson, where he began his studies many years prior. 

“The military heritage here makes Clemson a very military-friendly school,” said Richard Kyzer, SkillBridge program coordinator. “The environment is healthy for a transitioning service member coming here. If you put the effort in, it can be a great transition.” 

And that it was. Kyzer finished his SkillBridge internship in January of 2024 and came on board at Clemson full-time in September of that year. He now serves as a talent acquisition partner in the Office of Human Resources, supporting several budget centers and managing the University-side of the SkillBridge partnership that got his foot in the door at Clemson.

A “Win-Win” for Both Sides 

The SkillBridge program is a natural fit at Clemson, which was first founded as a military institution. The University is routinely named a top military-friendly employer. VIQTORY recently ranked Clemson the No. 2 Military Friendly ® School. 

SkillBridge interns at Clemson connect their military training with real-world career opportunities, helping them build valuable skills and prepare for long-term professional success. 

The program also benefits the University departments that choose to host interns. Research shows military members bring strong leadership, teamwork and learning skills to their roles outside of the military. The program also builds a pipeline of individuals who may be interested in full-time positions at Clemson University.

How it Works 

Departments interested in hosting a SkillBridge intern should use the Clemson SkillBridge partner form to notify the Office of Human Resources of their desire to bring someone on board. 

Kyzer, Clemson’s SkillBridge program manager, reviews requests as they are received, and, if approved, works with the requesting department to create a position description that aligns with the desired role. 

Once created, Kyzer works with the department to review interested potential candidates and find a good match for the position. 

After an intern is selected, the Office of Human Resources will liaise between the intern, the DoD, and the interested department to onboard the service member and support them throughout the experience. 

Internships last between 90 and 180 days and are funded by the Department of Defense. 

SkillBridge internships can vary in scope, with past participants working across the University, from the Office of Human Resources to the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business.  

More details about hosting a SkillBridge intern can be found in Clemson’s SkillBridge FAQs. 

Kyzer ensures hiring managers and leaders feel empowered to bring service members on board. 

“If you’re a hiring manager or leader with the capacity to host an intern, all you need to do is let us know,” said Kyzer. 

Building Long-Term Careers 

“Over the past two years, we’ve had fifteen interns complete the SkillBridge program at Clemson. Of those fifteen, nine have become full-time Clemson employees,” Kyzer continued. 

The initiative is just one part of Clemson’s commitment to supporting military-affiliated individuals. The University also facilitates a Veteran Preference program for qualifying veterans applying for full-time, regular positions at the University. 

More information about Clemson’s commitment to supporting military-connected and veteran employees can be found on the Office of Human Resources webpage.