Brandan B.
Bridging the Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Gap
Leaving the structured environment of the military and stepping into the civilian job market is a significant life transition. For Veterans, this shift comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the most significant hurdles they face is translating their military experience into a language that civilian employers can understand and appreciate.
In addition, preparing professional resumes and honing interview techniques can be daunting. Fortunately, organizations like Still Serving Veterans (SSV) step in to assist Veterans through this journey.
Challenges Veterans Face in the Job Market
Veterans leaving the military often find themselves grappling with the task of translating their military experience into something that makes sense to civilian employers. Their military skills, which are often highly specialized and technical, might not have an obvious civilian equivalent. Furthermore, preparing a professional resume that showcases their qualifications in the best light and mastering civilian interview techniques can be challenging.
Our interviewee, an Army Veteran by the name of Brandan, highlighted these challenges as his primary hurdles when seeking employment after leaving the Army.
This initial step in his journey to secure a civilian job encapsulates the broader challenge many Veterans face. They have the skills, but it can be difficult to convey them effectively in a civilian context.
Support from Still Serving Veterans (SSV)
SSV is an organization dedicated to assisting military Veterans in their transition to civilian life. They provide tailored support, guidance, and resources to Veterans looking to enter the civilian job market. Brandan recounted the pivotal role played by SSV in his successful transition to a civilian job.
One of the most significant ways SSV assisted was by providing direct and personalized one-on-one support. Dave Lakin, a Veteran Career & Transition Services Program Manager with SSV and retired Navy, reached out to Brandan directly, demonstrating a genuine commitment to his success.
As a fellow Veteran, Dave set the stage for a collaborative and impactful journey. This personalized approach is crucial because it recognizes that each Veteran's experiences, skills, and needs are unique.
SSV’s Career & Transition Team offers critical guidance in several key areas
1. Resume Preparation
Crafting a professional resume that effectively communicates a Veteran's qualifications to civilian employers is a crucial step. SSV provides the necessary tools and expertise needed to create a custom resume that showcases your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with civilian employers.
2. LinkedIn Optimization
In today's digital age, an optimized LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool for connecting with potential employers and recruiters.
3. Job Interview Techniques
Military Veterans often have unique experiences and strengths that can be leveraged in civilian jobs. SSV recognizes this and provides a wealth of information about interviewing for jobs and salary negotiation, equipping you with the skills to excel in the competitive civilian job market.
The direct involvement of Dave and the personalized guidance provided by SSV made a profound impact on Brandan's job search experience. The results speak for themselves as Brandan successfully secured an interview and position with Lockheed Martin.
In Brandan's own words:
"Thanks to SSV for your unwavering support to our transitioning military Veterans. I was extremely impressed with the company's commitment to assisting me with optimizing my professional resume and LinkedIn profile in an effort to highlight my expertise. My position with Lockheed Martin can be directly correlated to the efforts of Dave Lakin and the SSV method of assisting Veterans. Again, thank you for your help, and I am extremely grateful for your advice, professional assistance, and the care you expressed for military families." – Brandon B., US Army
The transition from military service to civilian employment is not without its challenges. However, organizations like Still Serving Veterans (SSV) play a vital role in providing much-needed support and guidance. This support ensures that Veterans can effectively communicate their skills, expertise, and dedication to potential civilian employers, ultimately leading to a successful transition to civilian careers.
The story of Brandan's success is a testament to the commitment and effectiveness of SSV in helping military Veterans navigate the complex journey from the military to the civilian job market. By providing direct, personalized support and invaluable guidance in key areas such as resume preparation, LinkedIn optimization, and interview techniques, SSV empowers Veterans to make a smooth and successful transition, contributing to their well-deserved career success in the civilian world.
#VeteransHelpingVeterans
Still Serving Veterans' primary mission is to offer no-cost career and transition counseling services that help Veterans build rewarding careers and meaningful lives. This is done by meeting the Veteran where they are on their journey. It’s easy to connect with the Counselors because they are also Veterans themselves and know the challenges of transitioning into the civilian world.
