James Rodriguez
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Office of Warrior Care Policy
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I come from very humble beginnings; I worked from a very young age so I could be self-sufficient.
I was an athlete all throughout my childhood, and that drive certainly helped to pave my path.
I joined the Marine Corps because, as we all know, it's the best service in the world.
While I was serving on active duty, I simultaneously attained an undergraduate degree.
After I left active duty, I used my G.I. Bill to complete my master's degree.
I chose to remain enlisted so that I could pursue appointments reserved for military officers.
I continued to take professional development courses at Georgetown University and Babson College.
I've also participated in several presidential workshops; I deeply believe in life-long education.
Education
High School
Career
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
I am responsible for policy oversight at the Department of Defense's Wounded Warrior programs.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Armed Services
Government
Accomplishing Goals
Day to Day
Every day I work with injured service members to figure out how our Wounded Warriors programs can best support them. This entails me working with my program managers and partner organizations to help us find the training, employment opportunities, or health services necessary for these wounded vets. I also assist in writing policies that ensure that our commanders and military leaders are abiding by congressional mandates when they report on the progress and execution of our programs.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
There is a minimum level of education that you need to complete before you can enter into a senior government role, so obviously going to college is a very important first step. You also need to have certain levels of professional development within the industry that you're trying to excel in. You have to be able to identify the opportunities open to you, and then prove yourself within those roles.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"How typical of you to fail a class. You'll never be successful."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
First-Generation College Student
