The New R&R - Resilience and Renewal: Celebrating Veteran Career Transformations

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. In this week's Q&A, Corey Click , a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps as a Motor Transportation operator and Martial Arts Instructor, shares his experiences and advice for those navigating the transition. Corey discusses his military background, the skills he acquired, and how he successfully translated those skills into a thriving civilian career with Advance Auto Parts . His story highlights the importance of networking, mentorship, and persistence in finding the right career path after military service.

1. Why did you join the military? I knew it would be best for me, but I also didn't want to be that one person who always says, "I wish I would have joined". It would allow me to explore the world and experience other cutlers, and ethnicities. Most importantly, providing me with the tools and building blocks of becoming who I am today.?
2. What did you do in the military? I was 3531 Motor Transportation, then gained other additional licenses for bigger and more hard core vehicles.? I was also an 0916 (Martial Arts Instructor).?
3. What were some of the bases you work on? Camp Hanson, Mujuk, Leatherneck, Fuji,? New River, Lejeune,? Quantico, and Fort Leonard Wood. Just to name a few.
4. Deployments? Yes, Afghanistan?
5. What led to your decision to leave the military? Deployments were starting to dial down, and I ended up meeting my now beautiful wife in Wilmington, NC and we fell in love with the area and didn't want to move anymore.??
6. How did you translate your military skills and experience for civilian job applications, and how did you address any potential employer concerns about your military background?? When I first got out. I landed my first job with the Sheriff's department, working in corrections. I then quickly realize this wasn't the path I want and decided to us my benefits to gain a bachelors at University of North Carolina Wilmington . Between my education, my wife and other veterans who have been out longer than I, they all guided me on best practices for landing that next job opportunity. Networking was also a key factor.?
7. What strategies and resources were most effective in your job search, including any veteran-specific services or programs you utilized?? During my time at UNCW. I ended up becoming the President of the Student Veteran's Organization (SVO) for 3 years. This and building relations with other non-profits like NC4ME, Whole Vet, and American Legions;? really helped pave the way too larger networks that would allow me to narrow down my job search and also tailor my resume and LinkedIn .?
8. How important was networking in your job search, and how did networking and mentorship influence your journey?? Any smart person or veteran will, and should tell you that networking is crucial in your job search. I continue to network just so people remember me and what I can bring to the table. When it comes to mentoring, this too was daily. Anyone who had been in my shoes in the part and are now successful or at least doing well for themselves - where mentors to me. I'm very fortunate to say that my wife was my biggest mentor and coach during my time of transitioning.?
9. Considering the role of mentorship, how did you find a mentor, and what impact did they have on your transition? Mentoring should be organic. This comes with going to networking events and really putting yourself out there. But you should definitely have a diverse range of mentors.. It should be a mixture of veterans, maybe even a family member, and a civilian who may not really know much about the military.??
10. Do you mentor veterans now?? I do, and they mentor me. We sometimes forget where we came from and it's good to be reminded on how it felt being on the other?side and not knowing when you were going to land that next job.?
11. What were the biggest challenges you faced during your transition to civilian employment?? I think going to school forced me to quickly adapt to?environment. I learn by being thrown in the middle of things and quickly figure out things. Despite being out almost 10 years. I'm still transitioning.?
12. Reflecting on your transition, what is one thing you wish you had known or done differently?? I wish I had started networking and getting my act together earlier. Once I officially hit my 1-year mark on getting out, I should have start right then on going out to job fairs, touring colleges, connecting with different non-profits and perfecting my LinkedIn?profile.?
13. Since leaving the service, how many jobs have you had, and what influenced your decision to choose your current employer? When I first got out. I worked in corrections, then did some stand-in for a T.V. show called S.I.X, worked at UNCW as a VA Specialist, then I was junior recruiter for Geo Owl and finally landed my current position at Advance Auto Parts . I've been with AAP for a little over 4 years, as the Supply Chain Sr. TA.? ?
14. What advice would you give transitioning service members, veterans, and their families as they consider new employment opportunities?? In short, continue to network and build your own professional carbon footprint, continue working on your LinkedIn?profile and resume. Be strategic and methodical when you're applying and also interviewing for positions. You're the interviewer too, so be sure to ask questions and make sure it's a great fit for you. We have so many AI tools that can help you brainstorm good questions to ask during an interviews; use it! "Don't Take it Personal" if you don't get selected for the position. I got 30 "no" before I got the 1 "yes".?

Corey Click 's journey from the military to a successful career at Advance Auto Parts serves as an inspiring example for veterans and transitioning service members. His emphasis on the value of networking, seeking mentorship, and being strategic in job searches provides valuable lessons for anyone facing similar challenges. Corey’s experience underscores the significance of preparation, adaptability, and the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth. His advice to fellow veterans to "not take it personal" when facing rejection and to stay persistent is a reminder that resilience and determination are key to achieving long-term success in civilian life.