2022 Veterans Day Message

Thank you,

To all whom are currently serving, who have served, and a special thank you to the families of our service members and veterans.

This Veterans Day don’t say thank you to a veteran but support them in a meaningful way. This comes in many forms depending on where the veteran or current service member is mentally, physically, spiritually and professionally.

This post will focus on the post service (veteran) or transitioning service member (TSM) who is currently job ready for the career path they have identified. If you are not there then we will cover some ways to get there.

First and most importantly a career focused lens is NOT for you if you are not right with all other aspects of your life yet. Ask for help if you need help, this will help you immensely in professional development later on. Take a knee, stop, look, and listen to yourself, and get yourself ready for the next chapter.

Hard truth, if you believed you peaked in the military and have the “it’s all downhill from here” mentality then STOP reading here, this information is NOT for you. Which again is OK, get help first.

1.)???At the top is build your network and community professionally, do this however it works for you. Go to veteran focused, but inclusive events that don’t require you to be a veteran to go to. This will help you meet other veterans in your local area, and set up introductions to people who are true veteran advocates that may be family members, or other loved ones of veterans. Find a group that focuses on your target career field and just show up. Try MeetUp, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn to search for these.

2.)???Find mentors! This is simply someone who is at where you want to be for your next step professionally. Pretty simple, keep in mind this does not have to be someone at your current employer.

3.)???Understand that underemployment is the factor that is effecting veterans not unemployment, there are tons of companies that fly that they are veteran friendly but do not offer living wages for you. Do not waste your time with these, set your hard no’s and non-negotiables (like wages, benefits, location, and hybrid vs remote…).

4.)???If you find it hard to find roles that meet your expectations, that’s OK, ask for help. There are so many organizations, individuals, and community groups that can help. If you are unable to navigate all these resources, ASK FOR HELP. If you find yourself with no one to ask for help from, refer to number 1 of 4.

For all those who made it this far in reading and are in a position to help. Please consider being a mentor. If a veteran reaches out for career and professional development advice, listen to them first, then assist in any way that you have the capacity to. Again this can come in many forms.

Thank you,

Sean Kelso