What Am I Going To Do With What I Got?

Every week at AllegiantVets I have the opportunity to speak to our new Skillbridgers, and often we address a crucial question that may resonate with many of you transitioning from the military: "What am I going to do with what I got?" This question isn't just about job hunting; it's more about the journey of crafting a personal brand that goes beyond the uniform, a brand that reflects your true essence and future goals.

Personal branding involves diving into your experiences and creating a narrative that captures your unique military journey. It's about exploring those defining moments and challenges overcome, the ones that showcase resilience, creativity, or leadership in a new light. What were the moments that defined you? These stories are your most powerful assets.

Beyond the obvious skills, consider the less discussed but equally important abilities you honed in the military – cross-cultural communication, crisis management, and rapid adaptability. How have these skills shaped your approach to challenges and opportunities?

Create a vision board or write a narrative that encapsulates your ideal personal brand. How do you want to be perceived? What values do you want to communicate? This vision will guide your actions and decisions.

Connect with both former military colleagues and civilians to get honest feedback about how they perceive your strengths and potential. This outside perspective can be eye-opening and help refine your brand.

Your brand should be a seamless blend of your military and civilian identities. Showcase how your military experiences have prepared you for the civilian world in ways that others might not have considered.

My transition wasn't just a change in the weapon system; it was a transformation of identity. Digging deep into my experiences, I found that qualities like thriving under pressure, adapting to diverse environments, and a unique leadership approach were invaluable in the civilian sector. These aspects became the pillars of my personal brand, creating truly authentic relationships that lead to opportunities.

As you move through your transition, think deeply about your unique experiences and how they can shape a compelling personal brand. I encourage you to share your thoughts and stories in our community. What aspects of your military experience do you think will most surprise or impress civilian colleagues? What unique skills are you bringing to the table?

Let's start a conversation about the real, sometimes untold aspects of our military experiences and how they translate into impactful personal brands in the civilian world. Your insights and questions are invaluable to our community.

Together, let's explore the depth of what we bring to our new chapters in life. Your journey from service to civilian success is a transformation, not just a transition. Embrace it, knowing that your experiences have endowed you with unique strengths and perspectives.

Here's to forging new paths, discovering our true identities, and making our mark in the civilian world.

Always by Your Side,

Marcus Haney