Eric Luley的动态

The VetBro Industrial Complex, much like the Racism/DEI Industrial Complex surely started off with noble intentions. Hell, even a perpetual grifter like Wayne LaPierre probably at one time seriously wanted to protect the 2A. But they long ago descended into self-serving grift.

Reading this post made me think that a resource like CarEdge, where one of their functions is that you can rate car dealerships based on your buying experience with them, might be useful for rating veteran transition resources based on category (resume writing, SkillBridge internship "brokers", events). However, a requirement to post a rating could be an example of correspondence with said resource -- redacted, of course. Does something like what I described already exist on another platform, like TrustPilot? On another note, it's easy to say "do your research". But, are folks out there actually sharing their experiences with these agencies? Who would want to share a negative experience, especially if an individual feels ashamed for having wasted their time?

You see things from the candidate perspective, I see things from an employer perspective. There are definitely some for-profit military/veteran sourcing organizations that are popular, but awful. These organizations keep receiving support in the form of one and done contracts because their CEOs/founders are military recruitment influencers on LinkedIn. Once employers sign up for their products, employers quickly realize that they made a financial mistake because the sourcing product is terrible and they don't renew the contract. There are also some borderline fraudulent SkillBridge programs out there as well, but DOD SkillBridge is starting to crack down on those.

I think this might be the most thought-provoking post I've read in a hot minute. It's why I just offer advice and always use the disclaimer "Your results may vary". I'm all for someone making a buck or two. As long as there is real value attached. But I can't do it for cash, it isn't me.

Seen a lot of internships and Job opportunities for companies trying to get a tax break that lay off their vets as soon as the tax year is over.

I attended a job fair and had a conversation with an individual employed at a financial institution. Subsequently, we scheduled a meeting to explore potential job opportunities within the organization. I must admit, I became somewhat apprehensive when he showed minimal interest in my resume or qualifications. Throughout our discussion, he elaborated on their training programs and products, eventually suggesting that my chances of employment would be higher if I became a customer. Confirming my suspicions, I expressed that I didn't feel the company aligned with my values. Despite this, I continue to receive marketing emails from him. Each correspondence serves as a reminder of how disappointing it is that this retired field grade officer utilizes a TAP job fair as a predatory lead generation source instead of offering genuine assistance to transitioning service members.

I think it's always been there, but as LinkedIn grew and we grew on LinkedIn, the light was shown upon it. I do understand that things cost money to do so a fee is not necessarily a bad thing for some services, but those of us that have been successful at it know that other than some translation and a resume, a paid coach wouldn't have changed the outcome much. But there are places out there trying to make bank off people who just got between a 50 and 100% pay cut. And that should PNG them from the community.

Excellent post Eric I'm not sure I'd call it the "Industrial Complex." First, the TAP programs are getting better but still overwhelmed. Something like 200K plus Vets leave the various services every year. And, there's a ton of us that have years of experience on this side of the fence, so we do our part to help those that need it. Second, of course, not every Vet needs or wants to be a PMP but it's an option, along with a wide range of certs that the Branches have in place to help them get. Once again, the DoD is not fully equipped at prepping Vets to leave the service. And, there's a ton of SDVOSB companies that are looking for cert'd Vets. Most Federal projects require a cert'd leader. And, beyond certs, there are free and for-free resume services, job placement, headhunters, colleges, trade schools, etc. If they're predatory, then they should be reported and shut down. Ultimately it's up to each Vet to decide what's in his/her best interest and what investment they're willing to make as they leave the service. And your career transition and development is an investment.