Leveraging Military Skills for Success in New Careers: Transitioning from a military career to a civilian one can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and support, it can also be a rewarding and successful experience.
Cheryl A. Cross interviews four veterans who share their experiences and provide advice on leveraging military skills for civilian success, dealing with fears and insecurities, the importance of continuous learning, the power of networking, and the role of music for motivation. This guide will explore key strategies and resources to help you navigate this significant life change. (Source: XChangePodcastSeries)
About our Guests:
Macey Nelson is in the SOUP segment. As a transitioning Air Force service member, Macey has used her last 8 years to obtain her master's degree in data science and is completing her Skillbridge program with AllegiantVets. She is poised and ready to take on her next career and has a few pointers for those who are facing the tricky transition. One is music and a 'transition playlist'. Her audio-only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gQd2MZq3. Macey's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gZvZvwSn
We call him "Hendo" in the recruiting world, our episode Expert segment features Justin Henderson, a Marine veteran, recruiting expert, and now CEO of Veteran Hiring Solutions. Having been in the industry for 20+ years, Hendo shares excellent transition advice. Find out more at Veteran Hiring Solutions. Justin's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gDJQVnQe and his YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/g6htp_Bh
Our 1-4 year veteran segment features Riccoh Player, Emmy Award Winner and Retired Colonel from the US Marine Corps who jumped head-first into his transition to create Parade Deck, a space for military influencers and podcasters who are making a difference. Riccoh uses his 20+ years of military leadership, public affairs, training, and desire to connect people in impactful ways. Riccoh's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/g2jxJsuz. Riccoh's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gTN_Tv3E
Army Reservist and combat veteran Ryan Smithson. wraps up the show in the 5+ year veteran segment. Having written a best-selling book about his experience in Iraq, he has watched his story evolve from page to stage. Now an artist and leading district sales pro, Ryan is offering insights about art, writing, and creativity. Ryan's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gGFE-6EQ. Ryan's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gkSYCmvQ.
Watch the full episode:
Notes: Leveraging Military Skills for Civilian Success
One of the greatest assets you bring to the civilian job market is the array of skills you've developed during your military service. These include:
- Discipline: The ability to maintain focus and consistency in tasks.
- Leadership: Experience in leading teams and managing projects.
- Teamwork: The ability to work effectively within a group to achieve common goals.
Addressing Fears and Insecurities: It's natural to feel a sense of uncertainty when moving from a structured military environment to a more variable civilian one. This feeling is often referred to as 'impostor syndrome'—the fear that you don't belong or aren't capable of success in your new role. Recognizing these feelings and addressing them head-on is crucial. Remember, the skills and experiences you bring are unique and valuable.
Emphasizing Continuous Learning and Development: In any career, continuous learning is essential. This could mean acquiring new skills or staying updated with industry trends. Utilizing modern resources like GPT-3 chatbots can be particularly helpful. These tools can provide information, answer questions, and even help you practice new skills, making the learning process more efficient and accessible.
The Power of Networking: Connecting with people in your desired career field is another critical step. Networking can provide you with insights into the industry, potential job leads, and mentorship opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and reach out to contacts on platforms like LinkedIn to build a robust professional network.
Leveraging Allegiant Vets: For transitioning service members, Allegiant Vets is an invaluable resource. They offer education, certification programs, and support specifically tailored to veterans. Utilizing such dedicated resources can significantly ease the transition process and set you up for success in your new career.
Building a strong network and connecting with others is crucial during this period, as these relationships provide support and opportunities. Being prepared for rejection and ready to adapt and innovate is essential, allowing you to leverage the skills and experiences gained from military service in new and meaningful ways. These skills are valuable assets in the civilian world, and finding ways to apply them in new contexts can lead to success. Additionally, helping others and giving back to the community is both rewarding and essential for personal growth and fulfillment. Finally, embracing a supportive community that encourages growth and positive storytelling can greatly enhance your transition experience.
