Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson interviews Brian Bilski about his experience in the Marine Corps and his involvement in the creation of the SkillBridge program. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from the military and the importance of networking and tailoring resumes for job applications. They also touch on the future skills needed in the defense industry and the role of nonprofits in helping veterans find employment. The conversation provides valuable insights for veterans seeking career opportunities. The conversation covers various topics related to collaboration, self-efficacy, networking, and the future of resumes and the employment process. The guest discusses the importance of collaboration between aerospace companies and the potential for training courses near military bases. He also emphasizes the significance of self-efficacy and networking in transitioning from the military to civilian careers. Wilson provides advice on networking resources and the importance of interview coaching. He also shares insights on the future of resumes and suggests the use of QR codes and blockchain technology. The conversation concludes with a discussion on college football and a mutual appreciation for the passion of the sport.

Keywords

transitioning, SkillBridge program, networking, resumes, future skills, defense industry, nonprofits, veterans, collaboration, self-efficacy, networking, resumes, employment process, training courses, military bases, interview coaching, future of resumes, QR codes, blockchain technology, college football

Takeaways

• Networking and tailoring resumes are crucial for veterans seeking employment opportunities.
• The SkillBridge program provides transitioning service members with internships and valuable work experience.
• The defense industry is focused on skills such as modeling and simulation, AI, logistics, supply chain, and engineering.
• Nonprofits like American Corporate Partners and Hire Our Heroes offer valuable resources and mentorship for veterans.
• Companies like Northrop Grumman have specific programs and portals for veterans to upload their resumes and connect with recruiters. Collaboration between aerospace companies can lead to shared training courses and opportunities for collaboration on projects.
• Self-efficacy is crucial for success in transitioning from the military to civilian careers.
• Networking and building connections are essential for finding job opportunities.
• Interview coaching and mock interviews can help veterans improve their interview skills.
• The future of resumes may involve the use of QR codes and blockchain technology.
• College football is a passionate sport that brings people together.

Titles

• Future Skills in the Defense Industry
• The Creation and Impact of the SkillBridge Program The Passion of College Football
• Networking and Building Connections for Job Opportunities

Sound Bites

• "Take those classes, take those courses, listen to folks who know what they're doing."
• "I wrote the language to make it law."
• "Modeling, simulation, AI, all that stuff is huge when it comes to designing and engineering."
• "But being able, if there was a way to reach in and see who is that Boeing or who is that Grumman or who is that BAE, a competitive mate type space that really should be on this project."
• "I've worked for Department of Defense, the VA, and now at Northrop Grumman. All three positions were because of my network and people I knew who referred me and who put me up for opportunities."
• "So yeah, that's why networking is so important just to, you know, get yourself on top of the pile and first in front."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Technical Difficulties

07:03
Evolution of SkillBridge and Challenges in Implementation

08:29
Brian's Role in SkillBridge and its Success at Northrop Grumman

09:55
Expanding SkillBridge Opportunities for Enlisted Personnel

11:15
Cohort Model and Tailoring SkillBridge Programs

12:43
Specialized SkillBridge Programs and Future Plans

13:41
Other Programs and Opportunities for Veterans

15:08
Importance of Nonprofits in Supporting Veterans

19:59
Utilizing Nonprofits and Resources for Transitioning Veterans

22:21
Importance of Tailoring Resumes to Match Job Descriptions

23:44
Northrop Grumman's Resume Upload Portal and Sourcing Process

26:11
Utilizing Company-Specific Programs and Networking Events

28:47
Differentiating Between Competitive Companies in the Defense Industry

29:44
Collaboration and Training Opportunities in the Aerospace Industry

31:40
The Importance of Self-Efficacy in Transitioning from the Military

33:35
Networking and Building Connections for Job Opportunities

34:40
The Future of Resumes: QR Codes and Blockchain Technology

38:03
The Significance of Interview Coaching and Mock Interviews

53:30
The Passion of College Football

Summary

In this conversation, Derek interviews Steven Weston, a recruiter at Verizon and an Air Force veteran. They discuss Steven's experience transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce, the importance of taking care of one's health, and the hiring programs available for veterans. Steven shares insights on the Hiring Our Heroes program and the SkillBridge program, which provide opportunities for transitioning service members to gain experience and find meaningful careers. He also emphasizes the importance of tailoring resumes to match job descriptions and highlights the value of networking platforms like LinkedIn in finding veteran talent. Steven mentions the Thrive program at Verizon, which offers internship opportunities for individuals transitioning into new professions. Finally, he discusses the use of AI in recruiting at Verizon. In this conversation, Steven Weston discusses the use of AI in recruiting and job search, the importance of using the 'Open to Work' banner on LinkedIn, and the value of showcasing military medals on resumes. He also shares advice for transitioning service members and highlights the Career Forward program offered by Hiring Our Heroes. The conversation concludes with Steven announcing his transition to a new marketing manager role at Verizon.

Keywords

Steven Weston, Verizon, Air Force veteran, transitioning, health care, Hiring Our Heroes, SkillBridge, resumes, job descriptions, networking, Thrive program, AI, recruiting, AI, recruiting, job search, LinkedIn, Open to Work, military medals, transitioning service members, Career Forward, Hiring Our Heroes, marketing manager, Verizon

Takeaways

• It is important for veterans to prioritize their health and seek medical care when needed, without fear of negative consequences in their civilian careers.
• The Hiring Our Heroes program and the SkillBridge program provide valuable opportunities for transitioning service members to gain experience and find meaningful careers in the civilian workforce.
• Tailoring resumes to match job descriptions is crucial in highlighting relevant skills and experiences to hiring managers.
• Networking platforms like LinkedIn are valuable resources for finding veteran talent and building professional relationships.
• The Thrive program at Verizon offers internship opportunities for individuals transitioning into new professions.
• AI is being used in recruiting at Verizon to search for candidates and streamline the hiring process. AI tools like LinkedIn Recruiter and chat GPT can be valuable in the recruiting and job search process
• Using the 'Open to Work' banner on LinkedIn can help recruiters easily identify and reach out to candidates
• Including military medals on resumes should be done strategically and with consideration for the civilian audience
• Transitioning service members should keep an open mind, seek mentorship, and be willing to learn from others
• The Career Forward program offered by Hiring Our Heroes provides professional certifications and fellowship opportunities for veterans who have been out of the military for an extended time
• Communication with leadership is key to navigating the SkillBridge program and securing approval for participation

Titles

• The Role of AI in Recruiting at Verizon
• The Importance of Prioritizing Health Care The Career Forward Program for Veterans
• Advice for Transitioning Service Members

Sound Bites

• "In corporate America, it's okay to go to the doctor. It's okay to make sure you're taking care of yourself and it's important to take care of yourself."
• "Hiring Our Heroes is a Department of Defense program that enables transitioning service members to engage with Fortune 500 employers and local employers for internship opportunities to help them transition and find meaningful careers after service."
• "There are transferable skills, no matter what job you did in the military, that civilian companies are looking for. It's knowing how to identify those skills, identify them in the job descriptions, and then work to make your resume speak to those skills."
• "We do use LinkedIn Recruiter. And of course, anybody who's familiar with LinkedIn Recruiter knows that they have some AI processes built into that platform."
• "You can use AI to build a resume. But you should still, once that finished product comes, you should bump it up next to that job description and make sure you're hitting everything that you need to hit."
• "I get a little frustrated sometimes because I see other folks on the platform that are, you know, especially like for like our military spouses, you know, they have a 20% plus unemployment rate. They're telling them, well, don't put that you're a spouse on your resume. Don't put that you're a spouse on your LinkedIn profile. Don't use the banner."