Rules of Engagement: Networking and Military Transition

We are accustomed to the life in which we are embedded. For some, it’s the typical civilian generational norms of friends at the bar, getting your college degree, and then spearheading your career that is aligned with your degree. You may find yourself searching for that spouse to build a family and buy your perfect house, farm-style, white picketed fence, and a lawn any man or woman could appreciate. On the flip side, you may be a veteran perusing your degree overseas, taking your exam as the C-RAM behind you spits bullets at an incoming rocket. You may be #focused on both family and mission just as much, looking to come home just to move again. Some of you may have thought that this article title was referring to engaging the enemy, wrong. Today, we uncover the differences between two American societal worlds, how our #veterans can engage their future success, and prepare for the transitional walk between two canyons which bridge the gap between phycological/cultural barriers and reintegration of their lives as civilians.

It is without question that we must understand that hierarchy, command structure and work culture, are far from reality outside your uniform and post. If you’re a young veteran in a lower rank when leaving, typically young E-5 or below, you need to understand that structure may not be as present in the private sector. You will need to take further initiative in your research. The #civilian workforce will expect immediate action and the ability to be decisive and implement meaningful and productive decisions, more than you may have been used to. I am not suggesting that all lower ranking individuals can’t operate in such fashion, but it’s a commonality that we operate this way. Take the bull by the horns and start to learn, find resources, because the Military isn’t an open hand extending an invitation to guide you.?

As a senior non-commissioned officer, you have a different issue to #evaluate, and typically in my personal interviews with others and small chat occasions, it’s the #demeanor and control that becomes the problem. Although being a strong, forward, and direct personality as well as taking control can be beneficial, we tend to misunderstand how to channel that appropriately in the private sector. Much like a pressure regulator for a hose, each situation has it’s on fitting volume for how much control you take and how much of that military senior leader direct approach should be applied. I have come across cases where some leaders enter the civilian workforce using their ability to lead, build trusting #relationships with their subordinates. This works very well, but in some cases, I have seen #leaders lose their credibility or even their job when coming in too direct. Remember, these people are not soldiers or marines. Bottom line is if you’re a young, enlisted veteran, show them your true #motivation and ability to take initiative. If you’re a senior leader, use your ability to lead, train, and solve complex organizational problems. Leave all harmful workforce characteristics at the military gate.

When a #veteran gives that last wave to the gate guard hitting the road to their possible home of record, a new life mission has been commenced. You may start to notice the heartbeat in your chest more than ever. The fear of properly adapting to this world may settle in, and anxiety may come out of left field. It’s easy to catastrophize in moments such as this. Stepping off a C-17 aircraft may have been easy for you but taking that step into general civilization for what seems to feel like the first time, can be damning. How do we overcome this obstacle of uncertainty or preparation. I spoke with a State of Nevada senate race candidate and Blue Star mom, Stephanie Phillips out of #LasVegas. Although she’s not a veteran, her son serves and she has crossed the bridge between two worlds, from real estate to politics. I asked her what her thought process was when making this decision and how did you she find comfort and success. You would be shocked to find how similar her story is to that of the transitioning veteran.?

Before going into politics, Stephanie understood there was a need for her state, and she knew that she may need to step in. She explained to me that you must know your?capability. Don’t let peripheral judges or opposing individuals of doubt, crowd your potential or hinder your ability to succeed. For the veteran, this may be the process of batting away your identity crisis or shaking off the fear that your once well-known authority or achievements as a leader won’t be the same in corporate #America. The truth is, you are always you, that character and skillset you have will and can, achieve the same caliber of success in any position you apply it to. Miss Phillips shared that there may be immense judgment, and to never let that slow you down and instead, use that as jet fuel to fly even harder.??For the veteran, this is our?judgement?of self. When I separated, I felt this deep in my soul. I would focus far more on how hard I world fall rather than how hard I would try to win. Keep the winning attitude, because there are plenty of others out there that not only went through these motions, but serve as a guide, which brings me to my next piece of advice.?

Grab a #mentor, as many as you can. Build the network of likeminded individuals, they are all over the nation and many are willing to help. LinkedIn will be your go-to everyday resource for this. Engage with all the military supporting groups such as VETS2INDUSTRY and all other similar groups. I have been part of at least 6-10 groups on LinkedIn. Some are general veteran social groups; the remainder are career groups bringing recruiters and transitioning veterans together. There you will find new friends who are Military Veterans of LinkedIn , meet recruiters form large organizations such as Leaf Home , Visa , 谷歌 , 甲骨文 , and 富国银行 etc. Attend all military #networking events, much of which are virtual making it easy tom connect around the map. Connect with MilCruit , Veterati and The KEY Community . These groups provide mentors that will send you in the right direction. Many of these mentors such as myself, will spotlight you on LinkedIn, introduce you to a larger network, and in some cases offer you a job.?

During your splurge of mentor and group finding expeditions, really?engage?with #recruiters from companies you want to work for. Yes, it can be frustrating applying over and over, just to constantly receive denial emails or never hearing back at all, but practice patience. This is common for everyone. So, here are some of my favorite tips. While awaiting an email that invites you to an interview, campaign yourself. Be present and be active. Search companies you want to work for, then look at the listed employees who are recruiters for that organization and add them, all of them. Yes, seems excessive, but you won’t regret it. Keep posting content and responding to others. By doing these things, you will become recognized and remembered by key contributors to your success when the “I am open for work” post?comes.