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Skillbridge - Fellowship

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your military role and how you see it carrying over to a civilian job here.

What they are checking: Whether they can translate military experience into terms a business team understands.

Which of the business functions, such as engineering, digital, manufacturing, supply chain, EHS or HR, interest you most, and why?

What they are checking: Clear thinking about where they fit, since the fellowship spans many functions.

Tell me about a process you improved during your service. How did you know it was better?

What they are checking: Experience with process improvement and measuring results, which the program's project work centers on.

Tell me about a time you led a team through a difficult task.

What they are checking: Leadership examples that show how they get results through others.

Tell me about a time you had to learn a new system or skill quickly.

What they are checking: Learning speed, since fellows step into unfamiliar business areas for a short period.

What would you do

What is the status of your chain of command approval, and what is your timeline for the 30 to 120 days?

What they are checking: Whether they have planned the practical steps that make the fellowship possible.

You are given a project with a vague goal and a short timeline. How do you get started?

What they are checking: Ability to scope work and ask good questions when direction is less defined than in the military.

How do you work with people who are not used to military communication styles?

What they are checking: Adaptability to a civilian culture where decisions and feedback often work differently.

What do you hope to learn during the fellowship, and how would you measure whether it was worth it?

What they are checking: Clear personal goals for the transition and a plan to make the short program count.

How would you handle disagreeing with a manager about how a project should be done?

What they are checking: Comfort raising concerns respectfully in a less hierarchical setting.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Students and Graduates Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Skillbridge - Fellowship Participates in a structured program with Caterpillar and administrated in most cases by Hiring Our Heroes. In the program you will be supporting a variety of business functions including, but not limited to, Engineering, Digital, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and Human Resources. Assigned for a period of 30-120 days (Military Chain of Command Approval required) to perform project-based work and contributes to initiatives that drive operational excellence, process improvement, and organizational effectiveness. Applications for this program must include a resume and cover letter. The cover letter must explain military transition, program approval status (if known), locations of interest, and roles of interest. Applications received without this information will not be considered. What you will do: • Assisting with the analysis, development, and implementation of new or improved processes, products, or systems across functions. • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support projects, solve problems, and deliver business outcomes. • Supporting planning, execution, and continuous improvement of business operations, processes, or programs. • Helping identify, analyze, and resolve operational or technical issues using structured problem-solving approaches. • Contributing to the development of policies, procedures, or documentation to support business objectives. • Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision-making and continuous improvement. Degree Requirement Military training and/or College degree Must be approved for the Skillbridge program Skills required for Skillbridge opportunities: Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Level Working Knowledge: • Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient. • Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness. • Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work. • Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate. • Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups. Teamwork: Knowledge of the necessity and value of teamwork; ability to work cooperatively towards shared goals and support others at all levels. Level Working Knowledge: • Explains own role and responsibility within team. • Actively participates in team meetings. • Shares information, knowledge, and experiences openly and proactively. • Describes team mission and objectives in the context of results to be achieved. • Demonstrates open, friendly, accepting, and supportive behaviors with team members. Flexibility and Adaptability: Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change. Level Working Knowledge: • Adjusts to new or changing assignments, processes, and people. • Demonstrates willingness to listen to other opinions. • Provides examples of shifting from task to task. • Identifies and considers alternative approaches to situations or problems. • Accepts new or radical ideas with an open mind; avoids snap reactions. Initiative and Continuous Learning: Ability to take proactive action, seek learning opportunities, and contribute to continuous improvement Level Working Knowledge: • Identifies and exploits own strengths; minimizes limitations. • Provides appropriate degrees of attention to both personal and professional priorities. • Explains how own motivation relates to the workplace. • Utilizes available tools or approaches for increasing knowledge of self-motivation. • Learns and uses resources the organization has to assess and enhance team motivation. Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations. Level Working Knowledge: • Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives. • Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder. • Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information. • Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution. • Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems. Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers. Level Working Knowledge: • Provides prompt and effective responses to requests and interactions. • Monitors satisfaction levels on a regular basis. • Alerts team to problems in satisfaction. • Differentiates the roles and responsibilities in a business relationship. • Works within groups/teams to address critical issues and resolve major problems. Additional Information • Applications must include a Cover Letter that explains military transition timeline, locations of interest, and roles of interest. Applications received without this information will not be considered. • Travel requirements while in Skillbridge will be <10% and is subject to change pending fulltime offer situations • This position requires the candidate to work per program guidelines, in-person, at the assigned/accepted locations • Domestic relocation is NOT available • VISA Sponsorship is NOT Available This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade – as outlined in Department of Defense (DOD) guidelines. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Summary Pay Range: $0.00 - $0.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. • Medical, dental, and vision benefits* • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* • 401(k) savings plans* • Health Savings Account (HSA)* • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* • Health Lifestyle Programs* • Employee Assistance Program* • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* • Career Development* • Incentive bonus* • Disability benefits • Life Insurance • Parental leave • Adoption benefits • Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: September 24, 2026 - October 8, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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