Being a veteran already, I never thought about seeking a Career Mentor. What is some advice someone could give about this?

2018-02-03T04:19:57-05:00

I am a veteran living in Germany, and I can't help but continually feel that the resources for veterans living overseas is much lower than in the US.

I heard about seeking a Mentor for Military Transition on LinkedIn, but how can this help for a veteran living in a completely different type of economy?

In essence, living in Germany is a completely different way of life. From the Social Norms to Educational Standards.

For example: I have an Associates degree (Suma Cum Lade) that I obtained while in the military, but in Germany this doesn't count for anything. Why? Because having an associates degree is equivalent to their (Arbitur, 13 yrs of Schooling, compared to 12 years for the US (high school diploma.)

However, the biggest difference is, no regards for Military Service and attributes attained. While you may have skills and attributes that are good, Hiring Managers and others, don't care much. This is for two reasons:
1. The standard Military Stigma (Individual was not good in school, so they went into the military.)
2. The History of Germany and how their Military played a role in the Holocaust. Germans are not proud of their history, No German flags, no appreciation for their military, no nothing.

So how would one be able to successfully use affectively their last 9 years of military service? Being in a country where military pride and service to country is pretty much non-existent, how does one deal with that?

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Feb 3 at 2018 6:12 AM

2018-02-03T06:12:40-05:00

I started my career in machining the same way as in the Army, with a broom. I worked my way up. What does an associates degree actually qualify you to do? Military credits and CLEP test cover most of the classes for me. English 202 was the only class I took that was of any value. An AA/AS degree is good if you also have certifications in specific skills (IT and other computer applications). Otherwise, it is a second high school diploma.
As far as military service, we all join for our own reasons. Many, no most, of us did not have the money to pay for higher education. Military pride; the rub now is athletes kneeling at games. But, what about the people in the stands? Is everyone stopping and showing respect?
Adapt and over come.

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Feb 3 at 2018 7:30 AM

2018-02-03T07:30:51-05:00

Nick's answer was pretty good. Nobody needs to know about your education and if you're not above starting small and working your way up you'll be fine.

Add that you can continue your education while working (I don't know about in Germany...) you should still be able to make strong career gains.

You also had a lot of information packed into your question. Finding and hiring a professional resume/curriculum vitae writer and interview coach is a good idea. If you're worried about the military angle then about the military career coaches. There should be no shortage of civilians available on LinkedIn or in your area.

Also, once your hired find a mentor who is either successful in your career field or highly succeeding in their own right to mentor you into success. There should be plenty available online. I mentor professionals through an online platform and receive mentorship and grooming myself. It's out there!
Hope this helps.