Shannon Kelly: From Navy Pilot to Healthcare Sales at Johnson & Johnson

shannon-kelly-from-navy-pilot-to-healthcare-sales-at-johnson-and-johnson

Shannon Kelly had to have confidence in herself as a Navy pilot. Lives depended on it. Transitioning to the civilian workforce, though, left her feeling a little less sure. She worried about finding a job with purpose, and when she did she struggled to learn a new way of communicating.

“There’s not a lot of time to dance around issues and you really need to get your point across in a succinct way,” Kelly said of the military. “So when I made that transition, I realized not everybody appreciates that way of communication, not everybody likes to hear things directly.”

It took some time to “de-robot” herself, but today she is an orthopaedic account director for Johnson & Johnson covering the Pacific Northwest region—a job with the purpose she was seeking.

“This field is energizing and involves problem solving, which makes it fun,” she said. “The primary result is helping people who are sick or injured, which gives a sense of purpose that military folks are often missing.”

We spoke to Kelly about her transition and her journey to success after service.

G.I. Jobs Success After Service Interview with Shannon Kelly

What was your first job out of the military? Healthcare sales representative for a private company that was eventually purchased by Johnson & Johnson.

Why did you choose to work in healthcare?  Honestly, I really didn’t know what I was getting into when I started. I was looking for a job that was completely different from the military and sales in healthcare seemed really challenging. When I observed my first surgery in the operating room during the interview process, I was fascinated by the amazing surgeons who help patients.

What do you do now? I negotiate pricing and contract terms for J&J MedTech customers in Oregon, Washington and Northern California.

How does your military training and experience help you in your civilian career?  In so many ways! Being self-sufficient was the biggest help when I started my civilian career. Highly driven individuals who are organized and passionate about what they do while maintaining authenticity can create a solid road map for success.

What mistakes would you urge transitioning service members to avoid? Don’t rush to decide on a job. Take the time to find a career that is a good fit. I saw many military friends take the first opportunity and then become stuck in a role out of loyalty even if it’s not fulfilling. Set yourself up a year or two ahead of military separation so you don’t feel pressure to take a job that is not right for you.

What about you would surprise most people? I have a secondary role within the leadership team of one of J&J’s ERGs (Employee Resource Group): the Veteran Leadership Council. My specific role is corporate lead for the Travis Manion Foundation. Additionally, I co-lead the TMF Columbia Gorge Chapter in my personal community, which allows me to stay involved at a local level.

In early 2024, I was selected to participate in a global program supporting J&J Impact Ventures.  I spent six months utilizing my experience in healthcare pricing strategy with the goal of optimizing revenue within a clinic startup located in Nairobi, Kenya. This was the most enlightening experience of my professional journey. Being amongst such generous and friendly people in an exceptional country as Kenya has been one of the greatest adventures of my life.