Part 1 of this series identified one of the problems causing veteran unemployment to run at 10%: Their skills and experience gained in the military are not properly translated into civilian professions.
The second problem is veterans are at a disadvantage in networking for private sector employment.
This is invariably true, especially if you are
working in a military-specific occupational specialty. As an infantryman,
I had training in very specific weapon systems and tactics that could only be
translated into a paramilitary job such as police work or private security.
However, I did gain a lot of experience in project management as a Marine
non-commissioned officer (NCO).
Other occupational specialties in sister
branches such as the United
States Coast Guard have plenty of exposure
to civilian contractors. I’ve met a lot of Coast Guard petty officers who
work in the environmental regulation industry at the Port of Houston
and interact with more civilian contractors than military members on a daily
basis. Jobs like these have great networking potential and can pay
dividends for those service members upon discharge.
Unfortunately, most military jobs provide limited
interaction with the general public which has a negative affect on veterans’
ability to network in the private sector.
We’ve identified the problem, what’s the solution?
Veteran-Specific Networking Opportunities: Many new programs have sprung up to address the need of helping returning veterans network for employment in the private sector. Mentorship programs, networking organizations, luncheons, websites and social media platforms are being established every day to help vets make the transition in increasingly difficult economic times.
In our local Transition Assistance Program Seminars (TAPS) offered to service members, veterans and families, we include a networking workshop that Defense and Labor seminars are yet to implement. Local employment experts instruct veterans on the do’s and don’ts of networking, how to develop an online Linked-in profile in order to conquer the task of seeking employment the old fashioned way with 21st Century tools.
Social media is playing a huge role in employment these days and it’s important for veterans to market themselves appropriately. Mentoring programs help smooth the edges by providing an experienced role model who has made a successful transition from military to civilian life. For example, American Corporate Partners links unemployed and underemployed returning veterans up with professional mentors in order to define accomplish many of the individual veteran’s career goals in a one-on-one setting. The program is quickly spreading to cities and regions across the country so it’s likely that there’s one near you.
To view article one click here.
John@LoneStarVeterans.org You can contact John on disaboomlive.com!
