Career Advancement Strategies for Veterans

There is an expiration date on your military accomplishments About 2 years out of service, you are no longer a (insert rank here) You are what you have been doing for those 2 years (you've established a new professional identify) #quinnsights I'm about 7 years out & nothing I did as a Sergeant Major really holds weight on my #resume You can go back and look at the last Army job on my LinkedIn profile There are some solid bullets with quantified accomplishments But I've done SO MUCH since then ProSphere, EY, HireMilitary all have relevant accomplishments in related roles that truly show what I've done and am capable of doing out here So the Army stuff becomes "foundational" bullet accomplishments (the wrap up few at the bottom where I tell them I'm a veteran) #militarytransition Many veterans struggling to find meaningful #careers that I engage with are having trouble with this fact They've worked a bit and established a new professional identity on paper (resume and profile) Can't rely on leadership experience and big numbers from years ago And struggle with the difference between who they think they are (past accomplishments) and how industry sees them (current experience) My advice? You didn't get to that military rank on luck The foundation + potential is still there But now you need people that understand this to help you get past the "apply online" phase And that is where speaking with other veterans in industry comes in (relationships + referrals beat online apps) #militarytransition P.S. This is also why we want everyone to start early A little career exploration + networking reduces the chance that all of the above happens...and significantly increases the odds you will find your success

Most veterans are switching careers arse about face. They're polishing CVs and firing them into the void. Then wondering why nobody calls back. Here's the reality: your CV is the last thing that matters. The most successful career switchers I know didn't get their breakthrough job from a job board. They got it because someone vouched for them. The game-changing approach: Research first. Really bloody research. Know the industry, the role, the company. Know what problems they're solving and how you can help solve them. Then find people who work there. LinkedIn, industry events, mutual connections. Have conversations. Not pitches. Ask questions. Show genuine interest. Learn. Most people are happy to help if you're not trying to sell them something. Only then do you think about applications. By this point, you're not a random CV in a pile. You're the person Sarah from the leadership team met at that event who asked smart questions about their digital transformation. You're the one who followed up with a thoughtful message about that article they shared. You're not a stranger anymore. And when that role comes up, guess whose name gets mentioned? Stop spraying and praying. Start building relationships. #veterans #careers #military

Veterans and military spouses: You don’t need to spend thousands to build new skills. Here are 10 places where you can access legitimate, high-quality training and certifications completely free: ✅ 1. ACT Now Education Comprehensive free access to certifications across industries (PMP, CompTIA, SHRM, etc), career bootcamps, job prep tools, and more. Built by and for veterans and spouses. ✅ 2. Boots to Books Quarterly scholarships of up to $1,000 to pay for a training or professional certification of your choice that aligns with your career goals, biannual textbook scholarships for full-time students whose benefits are being exceeded, and monthly scholarships for Google Career Certifications across industries. ✅ 3. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes Grants "Military Heroes Individual Grants are awarded to veterans, active military, National Guard, and Reserve members for community leadership and successful employment expenses that they are unable to afford on their own. Examples include participation in conferences, trainings and certification expenses." Additionally, they have a scholarship with The Culinary Institute of America, view their website for more. ✅ 4. O2O – via Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF Onward to Opportunity (O2O) provides free access to an entire training library and one certification attempt (PMP, Sec+). Covers IT, business, and project management pathways. ✅ 5. Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) Intensive, cohort-based training for veterans pursuing careers in cloud and software development. Zero cost. ✅ 6. Amazon AWS Educate Free cloud computing curriculum. Veterans can qualify for certification test reimbursement. ✅ 7. Oracle Veteran Academy Free Oracle Cloud training and professional certifications for veterans and military spouses. ✅ 8. LinkedIn Premium Veterans get 12 months free, which includes full LinkedIn Learning access with 10,000+ courses. ✅ 9. Splunk Work+ Free Foundations 1 and 2 training for veterans and spouses, useful for data analytics and cyber roles. ✅ 10. Fortinet Veterans Program Free cybersecurity training with certifications (NSE 1, 2, and optional 4) for qualifying military members. If you're transitioning, job hunting, or exploring a new field, don’t leave these resources on the table, and don't let your peers miss out on them - SHARE! P.S. If you want to make whatever training you do about 100x more effective, connect with several mentors in the field you're training in as you complete it - even for one-off conversations. These calls help you orient your training to the real world, build a network in your target industry, and refine your resume and interview before it really counts. Plus, you can do unlimited free mentorship calls with folks at leading companies on MilMentor which makes it EASY! Heck, you could talk to someone at Amazon, Oracle, or Microsoft on MilMentor while you did their training all while never paying a cent!

15 years since my DD214. 10 applications submitted. 13 companies interviewed me. The math doesn't work unless you understand the unlock. Every interview that wasn't tied to one of those 10 applications came from the same place. Someone in my network put my name in a room I wasn't standing in. That's the part TAP doesn't teach. Veterans spend a decade-plus building the highest-trust network most professionals will ever be part of. Shared hardship. Shared mission. Shared standards. Then we transition, and the first thing most of us do is pretend that network doesn't exist. We open Indeed. We have AI rewrite the resume for the eighth time. We submit into the void and wonder why nothing comes back. Meanwhile the job we actually want is being filled by someone who knew someone. Here's the reframe. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. Three moves to start this week:  • List 10 people from your service who already work in the civilian world. Reach out to one a day. No ask. Just reconnect.  • Stop sending resumes to strangers. Start sending introductions to friends of friends.  • Build visibility before you need it. Post once a week about what you actually know. Make it easy for people to remember why you're worth recommending. I have not submitted an application in years. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. Not because I'm above it. Because the network works, and I trust it more than I trust an algorithm. If you're transitioning, the network you already have is bigger than you think. Use it. #VeteranHiring #MilitaryTransition #CareerTransition #NetworkingTips #VeteranEmployment #VeteranLeadership #JobSearchTips

Too many veterans miss out on one of their most powerful earned benefits. I’m talking about Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), also known as Chapter 31. This is not just “school money.” It can also provide monthly financial support while you are in training. Depending on your situation, you may receive: ↳ Standard Chapter 31 subsistence allowance ↳ Post-9/11 GI Bill housing allowance rate, if eligible For FY2026, VA lists the full-time Chapter 31 subsistence allowance at: ↳ No dependents: $861.10/month ↳ 1 dependent: $1,067.81/month ↳ 2 dependents: $1,258.13/month ↳ Each additional dependent: +$91.67/month Some veterans may qualify for the higher Post-9/11 housing allowance rate, which is based on school location, enrollment status, and other factors. But do not chase VR&E just for the monthly payment. Use it to build a real career plan. It is a career readiness program built around: ↳ Your specific goals ↳ Your limitations ↳ Your employment path ↳ Your individual situation VR&E can help with: ↳ Job training ↳ Education ↳ Resume development ↳ Job-seeking skills coaching ↳ Employment accommodations ↳ Finding and keeping suitable employment ↳ Independent living support for some veterans There are five support tracks: ↳ Reemployment ↳ Rapid Access to Employment ↳ Self-Employment ↳ Employment Through Long-Term Services ↳ Independent Living Basic eligibility may include: ↳ A service-connected disability rating ↳ A discharge other than dishonorable ↳ Active-duty service members may qualify with a pre-discharge rating The process usually starts with: ↳ VA Form 28-1900 ↳ An evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor ↳ A plan built around your goals and needs That plan matters. Random training does not build a career. A clear plan does. Do not let earned benefits go unused because no one explained them clearly. Review the information. Ask questions. Use what you earned.

My advice for Veterans pursuing leadership in civilian life: 1. Ranks Carry Less Weight: Treat an O-4 the same as an E-4. In the civilian world, value is measured by contributions, not titles or pay grade. 2. Focus on Adding Value: Leadership isn’t about asserting authority; it’s about making a meaningful impact on your team. Shift from “command” to “collaborate.” 3. Drop Some Formalities: Yes, it’s controversial, but ditching the “sirs” and “ma’ams” fosters a more approachable and engaging environment. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. 4. Keep Other Formalities: Your composure and relentless work ethic set the tone for your team. Lead by example and inspire others to rise to the occasion. 5. Disagree With Class: Healthy debate is welcome, but approach it with respect and come prepared with solid data to back your points. Your experience in abnormal situations is your edge. Use it! Embrace the change and lead with purpose. #BuildingLeaders #Enlisted Veterans, thank you for your service! If you ever need my support in any way, send me a DM.

Less than 10% of job seekers get hired by applying to job postings. Yet most transitioning vets still rely on this long-shot approach. Why? Because you don’t have to talk to anyone. It's less awkward. Just a few clicks and you’re “in the running.” The infamous Easy Button. Now, I’m not saying don’t apply. Throw your hat in the ring if you want. But if you're going to play the game, play it smart. Because the odds are brutal: The average job gets 250 applicants. Only 2% or 5 applicants get interviews. Apply to only household brands such as Google, Apple, Raytheon, or Lockheed, like most job seekers? Now, you’re up against 1,000+ applicants. That’s a 0.5% chance of getting an interview. Here's how you can increase your odds and catapult your resume to the top of the pile: 1. Target hidden gems. There are 200,000+ companies in the defense space alone, but most vets don't even know 99% of them exist. Find 'em and you’ll stand out more and compete against fewer applicants. 2. Apply BEFORE the job is posted. By the time you see it on Indeed or LinkedIn, it’s already too late and your competition will be fierce. Companies are always hiring—people quit, get fired, go on leave, or new projects pop up. Anticipate the need. 3. Meet the “Must-Have” requirement(s). If the job requires a Security+ cert and you don’t have one, don’t waste your time. Companies use knockout filters, with few exceptions. 4. Tailor your resume. Make it obvious you want THIS job at THIS company. Add an Objective or Summary up top that connects the dots for the hiring manager. 5. Ditch the military jargon. 97% of hiring managers are civilians. Don’t confuse them...translate your experience using plain language. Use ChatGPT or Best Military Resume for inspiration. 6. Make it skimmable. You’ve got 5 seconds to grab attention. 12pt Arial, one page, bullet points, white space, no paragraphs, etc. Easy on the eyes = more likely to get read. 7. Customize it. Drop your resume and the job description into ChatGPT. Ask it to rewrite it using the job’s keywords and language. This helps with both clarity and ATS filtering. 8. Be honest. Don’t stretch the truth or fake credentials. It’ll bite you—guaranteed! 9. Engage (MOST IMPORTANT TIP!) Find the hiring managers on LinkedIn. Like their posts. Leave thoughtful comments. Connect WITHOUT asking for a job. Then, after a bit of engagement, request a quick informational interview—ask for their advice, not a favor. Bottom line: Job boards aren’t the answer. Relationships are. Spend most of your time networking, building connections, and showing up where it counts. It’s not always easy, but it works. Any other application tips you want to add? #SkillBridge  #MilitaryTransition  #HireVeterans  #7Eagle #JobBoards

Leaving the military is more than just a career change—it’s a full-scale shift in your identity—no matter if you did 4 or 20+ years. The uniform will come off, but the values, discipline, and leadership we’ve built remain. Is that a blinding shot of the obvious? Nope. Here are some things I learned over the past eight years:   👉Find Your New Purpose--The military gave you structure and mission-driven work. In transition, you need to seek out a career and community that align with your passions and strengths. Otherwise, the loss of identity can hit hard. 👉Take Care of Your Mental & Physical Health--Many veterans struggle with purpose, stress, and identity loss after leaving. Prioritize your well-being, whether it’s therapy, fitness, or veteran support groups. A strong mind and body will set you up for long-term success. 👉Networking is Everything--I posted on this the other day, but this one should resonate. The civilian job market is driven by relationships. Most jobs are filled through networking, not online applications. Reach out, ask for informational interviews, and make connections—it’s how business works. 👉You Must Learn to Translate Your Experience--Civilians don’t speak in “MOS,” “OPORDs,” or “Battle Rhythm.” Learn how to explain your skills in a way that makes sense to those hiring. 👉Your Rank Doesn’t Transfer, but Your Leadership Does--Absolutely NO ONE in the civilian world cares about your rank, BUT they do care about your ability to solve challenges and take initiative. Focus on how your skills transfer rather than your past title. 👉Your First Job Won’t Be Your Last--Many veterans stress over landing the "perfect" job right out of the gate. Think of your first civilian job as a steppingstone. You may pivot a few times before finding the right fit and there is nothing wrong with that. 👉Corporate Culture is Different--Adapt, Don’t Resist--Unlike the military, not everything in the civilian world is structured or hierarchical. Decision-making processes, timelines, and leadership styles vary greatly. Adaptability is key. 👉Soft Skills Matter More Than You Think--While technical skills are great, skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and teamwork are highly valued in the civilian world. Be aware of how you interact with teams outside the structured chain of command. 👉Learn to Be Your Own Advocate--In the military, promotions and your assignments were structured. In the civilian world, YOU HAVE TO ASK for raises, promotions, and development opportunities. Don’t assume your hard work will automatically get noticed--speak up for yourself. 👉Stay Connected with the Veteran Community--"You are not alone.” Whether it’s through LinkedIn, veteran organizations, or Organization Veteran ERGs, staying connected with other veterans will provide guidance, mentorship, and a support system as you navigate your transition. As always if you are transitioning and need help..send me a note. Happy to help. #veterans

VETS2INDUSTRY Family! What does “Unlocking the Value of #Veterans, Transitioning Service Members, and Military Spouses in the Workforce” mean to you? Transitioning from military service or navigating a career while supporting a service member can leave many questioning: How do my skills translate to the private or public sector? The truth is, the value proposition of veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses is often far more expansive and applicable than we realize. Military service cultivates a unique set of skills that are highly sought after in both corporate and governmental environments—skills such as leadership under pressure, adaptability, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and resilience. Yet, the challenge many face is articulating these skills in a way that resonates with recruiters and hiring managers who may not fully understand the military context. So how do we bridge that gap? 1. Translate Your Experience: Military roles often involve complex decision-making, team leadership, and the management of high-stakes situations. These qualities are universally valued in business and government sectors, but they need to be communicated in a way that speaks the language of the civilian workforce. Think in terms of results: What impact did your decisions have on mission outcomes? How did you lead your team to achieve success despite constraints? 2. Highlight Transferable Skills: Think beyond the technical aspects of your role and emphasize soft skills—such as communication, strategic planning, and cross-cultural collaboration—that are universally applicable. Whether you were overseeing a project, managing a team, or navigating logistical challenges, these experiences translate directly into value for a potential employer. 3. Seek Mentorship & Networking: Surround yourself with others who have successfully transitioned, and leverage their insights on how to bridge the military-civilian divide. Connecting with professionals who have successfully made the leap can provide valuable perspective and help you understand how your experience aligns with the needs of the industry. 4. Be Bold and Confident: The experience you bring to the table isn’t just relevant—it’s an asset. It’s not about “finding a job” but about offering value to an organization’s mission. Own your skills, your adaptability, and your unique perspective. Veterans, transitioning service members, and #military spouses have immeasurable value in the workforce. The challenge lies not in the experience itself, but in framing it for the right audience. By translating military-acquired skills into the civilian lexicon, we can help employers see not just the gap, but the bridge. So, how can we better equip both service members and employers to recognize and leverage this untapped talent pool? For more resources, insights, and wisdom, follow me and click on the bell in the top right corner of my profile to get notifications and follow #vets2industry

Here's the playbook I recommend for transitioning veterans (applicable for all job hunters) looking for their first job after the military 👇 1. OUTREACH PHASE ‣ Think of your network in concentric circles - schools, branch of service, other natural networks that you belong to ‣ Find folks on LinkedIn who sit at the intersection of multiple circles (for example, if I find someone from the Naval Academy, Wharton, and Marine Corps, that's a lot of overlap) ‣ Reach out to folks with a simple message asking to connect ‣ If you have interest in a specific industry, target folks in that industry "Hi X, I am a transitioning vet who is looking for my next opportunity. I'm also a USNA grad - would you have 30 minutes to connect so I can learn about your career in the coming days?" 2. CONNECT ON A CALL ‣ Prepare good questions ahead of time ‣ Gather intel - ask questions you can't google, ie - "What do you like and dislike about this career" ‣ Conclude the convo by asking who else you should connect with in their network AND if their company is hiring or if they know of opportunities you'd be a good fit for 3. RUTHLESS FOLLOW UP ‣ Follow up with your cold outreach a few times - do NOT feel awkward ‣ It's only annoying if you overdo it - it's perfectly reasonable to be persistent with your follow up 4. THANK YOU NOTES & UPDATES ‣ After a call, send an email thank you note. You wouldn't believe how many people skip this step ‣ Keep folks updated with your transition / job search - every 2-3 months is probably ideal. ‣ Create an email list and keep folks posted - be top of mind! 5. RINSE & REPEAT ‣ Do this a lot ‣ Like way more than you think - it might take 100s of calls. ‣ I talk to a lot of folks who think they've networked hard after 15 calls - try 150! 🖼 PHOTO CRED: In-person networking is great too! This shot is from a veterans in startups breakfast we hosted in LA last year - our events are at themilvet [dot] org/events -------------------------------- 👉 Transitioning vets are TERRIBLE about asking for help. Oftentimes we worry about being annoying to busy folks. ‣ People in the business world are more than capable of saying "No" to you if it's not a good time. ASK for help and to connect. It makes a world of difference, I promise! ‣ Leave your best advice for transitioning vets and networking in the comments below!