What is one piece of advice would you give to veterans who are currently transitioning?

RallyPoint News — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 09:58:09 -0400

FourBlock is dedicated to helping veterans start great careers at companies like Google, PwC, LinkedIn, & T-Mobile. Our free Career Readiness Programs across the country can support your transition. Contact us at Fourblock.org/apply if interested in applying to our Fall program.

Here is some transition advice from Navy Veteran Katherine Earls;

How did the FourBlock program impact your transition?
The program made me think about all my concerns/struggles. The weekly assignments made me think about what was really important to me. The FourBlock program made sure I understood I had options and that I did not have to settle for just any job. That I needed to ask these important questions and do my research for each company and each role I was looking at. The program gave me the confidence to interview and get my resume ready for the civilian sector.

What is it you like most about FourBlock’s approach and/or its Career Readiness Program?
I love the approach that FourBlock takes of having different companies host each class. This is such an incredible way for veterans to see the different companies and cultures that exist in the civilian sector. More importantly, FourBlock gives veterans an opportunity to speak to all these incredible and successful individuals at different companies and getting the chance to pick their brains or ask them for feedback/advice.

What one piece of key advice would you give to veterans who are currently transitioning?
If you aren’t networking and reaching out/talking to people, start now. It is never too early or late to start networking. If you are lost/have questions and doubts, we have such an incredible community of instructors as well as incredible alumni at FourBlock who are always willing to talk and help where they can. As long as you are willing to do the leg work and put in the effort to do the work it takes to network and build the relationships, you will be amazed at the opportunities and doors that open up.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 10 at 2019 10:05 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 10:05:57 -0400

Plan ahead. Put money aside. Know what you want to do but be flexible.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Sep 10 at 2019 10:06 AM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 10:06:46 -0400

Thanks!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 10 at 2019 11:23 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:23:09 -0400

An education (degrees and certificates) will open doors, but you will earn your pay with skills. If you don't have degrees and certificates, get them. If you don't have skills... silly me. Of course you have skills. Make an inventory and share it with prospective employers. Don't forget discipline. That's appealing to employers and not commonly found among those who haven't served. Most importantly, keep an open mind. I can almost guarantee that you don't know the choices. New jobs requiring new skills are appearing every day. Finally, go where the jobs are (and that isn't California)

Response by SFC Stephen King made Sep 10 at 2019 12:37 PM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 12:37:43 -0400

Drop the rank.

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Sep 10 at 2019 1:23 PM

PO1 Jerome Newland — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:23:09 -0400

I would advise people to purchase suitable business attire prior to discharge.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 6:09 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:09:41 -0400

Veterans at any experience level and years of service, don't let the idea that service alone will get you in the door. And also that service alone is what puts you ahead of others. I've been turned down for jobs and as a hiring manager, I've had to turn down applicants because of this too. Start small. Stay humble. From there hopefully you excelled and did very well in the military. Because you'll carry that work ethic into the civilian world.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 13 at 2019 6:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 18:03:15 -0400

Make sure the course action you take satisfies fulfills your most important needs.