Lessons Learned for Vets

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This episode features insights from Gary Steensgaard, a veteran who transitioned from military service to a civilian HR role. We explore strategies for translating military skills for civilian job markets and how to navigate the realities of the hiring process.

A few key highlights covered in this episode:

• Honest reflections on the transition process 
• Importance of setting realistic expectations for civilian employment 
• Strategies to refine resumes and highlight relevant skills 
• Understanding the performance management systems in civilian HR 
• Insights on translating military terminology to workplace language 
• Deep dive into the hidden costs of employment and their implications 
• Identifying the right moments for career moves 
• The value of professional networking for continuing growth and support 
• Importance of maintaining passion and happiness in career choices 

You can connect with Gary Steensgard on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garysteensgard/

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Leslie Coffey, Vice President of Military Engagement for American Corporate Partners (ACP), joins us to shed light on the importance of a mentor in the military transition process, whether you intend to join the corporate world or open your business. As a military spouse herself, Leslie brings firsthand knowledge and empathy to the discussion, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for veterans and their families. ACP is not just tackling underemployment but offering a path where skills and experience can truly shine, breaking away from the notion of entry-level setbacks.

Imagine boosting your salary by 67% just by connecting with the right mentor. With the ACP program, that's not just a dream but a reality for many veterans and their spouses. We share personal stories and insights into how mentorship has propelled careers in various fields, from corporate desks to entrepreneurial ventures. ACP has recently launched ACP Ventures, a program that offers one-on-one mentorship to aspiring veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs as well as the ACP Village, where military connected entrepreneurs can find free resources, support and community. 

ACP can link veteran entrepreneurs and job seekers with top industry experts across a diverse array of specialties. Whether you're charting a path in marketing or aiming for academia, ACP proves that the right guidance can unlock incredible potential.

Leslie shares many stories of success in the episode, from an inspiring spouse caregiver who, through ACP's support, transformed her rural life story into a viral sensation to astronauts and zoologists. 

No matter what your post-military goals may be, ACP knows that tailored mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for success. With ACP Ventures, veterans are equipped to navigate the business world with savvy and confidence, reducing the risks of entrepreneurial pitfalls. From strategic networking to leveraging one's unique experiences, this episode is a testament to how military transitions can indeed be launchpads for future success.

You can learn more about all the programs that ACP offers at: www.acp-usa.org

Connect with Leslie Coffey on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-coffey/

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Michael Athanasakis, a veteran with an impressive military career, shares his story of transitioning from active duty Army service to owning a Chick-fil-A franchise. Discover how leading helicopter attack platoons and teaching military science equipped him for the entrepreneurial world. Michael also discusses his initial steps into franchising with Great Clips, inspired by his stepdad's success, and how these experiences laid the foundation for his business acumen while he was still in service. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the opportunities and hurdles faced by veterans eyeing the franchising or business ownership route.

Transitioning from military to civilian life is no small feat, and Michael's journey underscores the critical role of mentorship and networking. We discuss the often-overlooked emotional and relational aspects of this transition, while also discussing the importance of building genuine connections slowly rather than overwhelming potential mentors. The conversation highlights the power of strategic guidance over mere opinions and explores how veterans navigate social media interactions, emphasizing the value of their experiences. Michael and I delve into the misconceptions around job titles and compensation, shedding light on the importance of understanding individual roles and the growth - and earnings potential - they offer.

We conclude with practical advice on reframing military skills for civilian roles, drawing from Michael’s experience and the Night Stalkers' perseverance motto. By emphasizing the relevance of military-acquired systems, processes and emotional intelligence, we guide veterans on how to market these skills in the private sector effectively. While the transition can be daunting, Michael reassures listeners that with adaptability and perseverance, success is within reach. This episode not only offers encouragement, it provides actionable strategies to aid veterans in their professional journey.

You can connect with Mike at https://www.linkedin.com/in/athanasakis/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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Mark Adams, a former active duty and reserve Air Force service member, shares his journey from military service to finding his place and an operational excellence leader in the private sector.

Mark thought about retiring in 2012, but after recognizing gaps in his experience and education, he reenlisted and focused on closing those gaps. After completing his bachelor's degree and learning to better translate and market his military skills, he was much better prepared for post-military success. Mark's story focuses on the importance of strategic planning, networking, mentorship and self-advocacy. All of these are important for you as you take on a career shift.

Navigating the civilian workforce without a clear map can be daunting, but Mark emphasizes the power of finding what you want to do, not just where you want to work. By utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, you can uncover hidden opportunities based on job functions rather than titles. With the right preparation, starting 18 to 24 months ahead and leveraging military experience, Mark illustrates how to climb the career ladder through practical strategies focused on planning, networking, and self-advocacy.

Self-advocacy takes center stage as Mark discusses the importance of prioritizing key tasks and communicating effectively with leadership. By focusing on the vital few projects, one can create opportunities for growth and advancement.

Alongside personal anecdotes, we explore how sponsors within organizations can play a crucial role in career development, helping turn professional relationships into valuable support systems.

Finally, discover Mark's current employer, Seek Now, asked him to create and launch Drive Academy, a SkillBridge and training initiative dedicated to supporting veterans by offering hands-on training and career opportunities in the property inspection, roofing and insurance adjusting industry.

SeekNow and Drive Academy have chosen to sponsor this entire season of the Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast in order to increase awareness of the opportunities their company offers. You can learn more and apply at www.internwithdrive.com.

You can connect with Mark Adams at www.linkedin.com/in/mrmarkadamsmba/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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Marc Lopez joined the Army 20 years ago and started his career in the intelligence field as a linguist. He transitioned over to become a warrant officer and is now a cyber warfare operator who is preparing to begin a SkillBridge program before he retires. When two of Marc’s closest friends retired three years ago, he was inspired to begin preparing for his own retirement to ensure a successful transition. 

Using his background in intelligence, Marc decided his first step was to create notes. He uses Microsoft OneNote to organize his notes and has created tabs for every facet of his transition including his family, LinkedIn and informational interviews. With so many job opportunities in the cyber field using very different titles than the military, Marc knew he needed to better understand civilian terms. He leveraged LinkedIn to find veterans in the cyber field and then set up calls to learn about the various roles and the day-to-day responsibilities. He began to build a glossary of terms that helped him understand the civilian equivalent of cyber roles in the military. From his informational interviews, Marc found several mentors that helped him answer important questions to narrow his focus. 

With retirement right around the corner and over 2+ years of transition preparation, Marc has taken advantage of several resources such as the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, Veterati, ACP, FourBlock and TAP to ensure a smooth transition. He took nuggets of information from each resource and began to find common threads. Resources like this podcast don’t change the fact that the transition journey is full of curves and unexpected challenges, but they do help service members prepare for the unexpected. 

The genuine connection and relationships that Marc has built with other people continues to enrich his life. Marc has conducted over 50 informational interviews in 3 years. He learned quickly that a customized note through LinkedIn got better results than a generic, template introduction. Before sending a connection request, he took the time to study the person’s profile and included any commonalities in his customized note. Marc prepared for each informational interview by having questions prepped and staying within the allotted time frame. 

Knowing your worth in your chosen industry is important. One of the best ways to assess your worth is through informational interviews. Once you’ve built rapport in the interview, share your experience and any education or certifications you’ve completed. Ask the person what level they think you are at and what salary range you can expect. Salary.com, Glassdoor.com and the Bureau of Labor Statistics are excellent resources as well. Remember that salary isn’t just about the pay. Benefits can play a significant role when deciding to accept or pass on a job opportunity.

The average adult changes careers 7-9 times in their life. It’s okay to make a change or pivot completely. Companies have come to expect applicants to have many prior job experiences. If you find that you’ve made a wrong decision on a job, figure out how you can gain value from the experience and make a plan on how to find a better fit. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Connect with Marc at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyber-marc/

Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4

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We are excited to host Marine Corps veteran, Eric Infanti. By all accounts, Eric had a smooth transition into the corporate world, where he worked for 5 years. When his health began declining, Eric began a healing journey that included 2000 hours of yoga teacher and meditation training. He earned a dual master’s degree in Buddhist psychology and Ayurvedic medicine and is now a PhD candidate with the study on the role of extreme peak flow states on resilience and professional outcomes. 

When Eric first transitioned from the military, he was able to use his experience and the education he received while serving in the Marine Corps to land a role in IT. After taking time off to heal, Eric knew he needed to upskill and learn current IT best practices. He sought out low cost or free programs to gain new certifications. He utilized the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP), ACT Now Education and Boots to Books.

Eric went from running marathons to not being able to move in a short amount of time. After visiting close to a dozen doctors without getting a diagnosis, he went to a naturopathic physician who diagnosed him with late-stage Lyme disease. Eric dove into the world of alternative health and found that yoga relieved his symptoms. From yoga, he dove deeper into Ayurvedic medicine, ancient texts and meditation. It was on the plane coming back from a 2008 trip to India where he started writing his first book, Marine on the Mat. Eric continued a career in alternative health until the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The pandemic had a negative impact on his healing business, and Eric knew he needed to shift back into IT. He relied on his network and found mentors that helped him find a role within the IT community that fit his personality. Today he is the UX/UI Design Manager for Combined Arms, a nonprofit dedicated to veterans’ well-being. Eric uses both his healing background and IT knowledge in his design work. He manages his stress through spiritual practices and finds his creativity from the still space of his meditations. He has written 12 books on subjects relating to alternative health and UX design. 

One of the core values to every veteran is their resiliency – the ability to handle whatever comes their way. Eric encourages veterans to not give up. You can choose how you manage the stresses of life. Some choose alcohol, rage or video games to cope with their stress. Eric chose athleticism and taking care of his inner self through breathing and meditation. For people who haven’t been practicing self-care and find themselves in an acute situation, Eric advises them to stop and take a break, start a healing practice and seek medical and psychological help if needed. Breath work meditation is simple, effective and can be done anywhere. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Connect with Eric at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericinfanti/

Explore Eric’s books at  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001KHHN4S

Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4v

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we get back to the basics with best practices for crafting a resume. Certified resume writer and career coach, Lori Norris, shares 5 elements that a resume must contain as well as the role that AI can play during the job search process.

1. Focus. Every resume, from the very first line, must clearly present a focus. There is no such thing as an effective generic resume. A resume that tries to appeal to everyone appeals to no one. Many transitioning veterans mistakenly believe the first thing they should do is write their resume. Finding your focus is the priority. If you start your transition 18-24 months out, then take the first 6 months to research and conduct informational interviews to determine your focus. Informational interviews are invaluable as they will help you start to translate your military skills into civilian terms. After you’ve gathered intel and feel confident with the skills that you need to showcase for your career field, then start crafting a tailored resume. Remember, the focus of your career drives everything in your military transition job search efforts. A targeted resume will set you apart from the crowd, especially in a tough job market. The resume is about where you’re going, not where you’ve been.

2. Your Unique Value. Employers want to know how you are going to make them money or save them money. How are you going to earn the salary that they are going to pay you? Translate your skills to show the employer how you are going to make them money and/or save them money. It’s impossible to showcase your unique value without having a focus. Your resume is not about you. It’s about what you can do for the organization. 

3. Measurable Accomplishments. Use metrics and numbers to give the reader scope. Numbers also help to break up words and help the reader to continue absorbing the information on your resume. Numbers help to keep the eye engaged.

4. Translated Terminology. Most people reading your resume will not speak military. Even if the recruiter works with veterans, they may not understand the nuances of terminology in all the different military branches. Make the effort to explain what you do. Translating military terminology also shows the company you are willing and ready to change and adapt to the civilian sector. Help the reader see the value of your military experience by translating military terminology. 

5. Examples and Stories. A resume is not a job description or a list of all the things you have ever done. It’s a narrative that explains your accomplishments and the improvements that you made for your previous employer. Give examples of your skills and abilities. Thinking through stories also helps you prepare for the interview process.

AI should be used as a tool. It is not a replacement for writing a tailored resume in your voice. AI’s content was first created by scanning the internet. As we all know, information found on the internet is not always factual. Use AI as an assistant when conducting research.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Connect with Lori at https://getresultsresumes.com/

Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4v

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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If you are a transitioning service member, it’s always helpful to hear the role that time has in the transition process. The transition process doesn’t end when you land your first job as a civilian. There is so much wisdom to gain from listening to other veterans’ journeys as they progress through various jobs and companies. On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome back Ray Jokie. Ray first appeared as a guest on Season 1, Episode 38 and shared his struggle with finding a new identity after retiring from the US Air Force. He is currently working as Lockheed Martin’s Military Relations Lead and Talent Acquisition Program Manager. This episode contains content related to suicide.

Ray struggled deeply after retiring from the military and had suicidal ideations. While wrestling with his emotions, he gained perspective and was able to grow as a human and view his situation through a different lens. For Ray, not having the guidance and structure of the military sent him into a tailspin. After finding a new purpose to live, his depression subsided. Finding purpose doesn’t have to be tied to a job. Work to live, not live to work. 

Ray has found that by focusing on the positive in every situation and by finding a new purpose, he has been able to successfully navigate his way out of his depression. If you are struggling right now, it doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you. There will be days that focusing on the positive will not come naturally. You are not alone.

Ray has built his program at Lockheed Martin from the ground up. He hired a contractor and engaged recruiters who had previously gone through the SkillBridge program at Lockheed. He continues to develop his team and revolutionize the way the veteran community is valued. 

As a recruiting professional, Ray talks with thousands of people every year, reviews resumes and conducts interviews. Ray encourages people to make sure their resume reflects the value they can bring to a company. Don’t bring uninvited bias by including college graduation dates or a home address.

On the resume, don’t just say what you did, frame it to show your value to a company. Consider highlighting how you reduced process time, saved costs or generated revenue. 

Ray suggests using a targeted approach to networking. Find people in the roles that you want and network with them first. When engaging with recruiters on LinkedIn, keep your message brief and state how you can bring value to their company. Don’t be afraid to follow up with someone if you haven’t received a response in a reasonable amount of time. Know that recruiters talk to one another and share candidates and information. 

Ray endorses the STAR method during interviews. Over the years, Ray has noticed that veterans don’t typically lack confidence. It’s important to show your qualifications without being overly confident. Be able to read the room and adjust your delivery if needed. Use stories to showcase your value. A confident person knows their value while an arrogant person believes they are better than everyone else. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Connect with Ray at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjokie/

Veteran Crisis Line at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4v

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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We are excited to welcome back Chris Dreisbach for his fifth appearance on the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. Chris retired in 2020 as a Senior Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force. Now in his sixth role since his retirement, Chris continues to share the lessons he’s learned along his path. 

Chris reflects on his previous roles and discusses the challenges he experienced. In his first role as a maintenance manager, Chris assumed the job would be similar to his military experience in aircraft maintenance. In reality, the job required long hours to fulfill the production goals of a 24/7 facility. Chris lasted 3 months before moving into a remote, entry-level data analyst role. While in this position, Chris took his time to find a better fit in the warehouse industry. Utilizing his experience in quality assurance and interest in safety programs, Chris found a role that better suited his background. While working as a Safety and Training Manager, Chris took on more responsibilities hoping to get promoted but instead his company took advantage of his work ethic and continued to stretch him thin without additional compensation. Chris realized that he needed to shift his military mentality if he was going to find success in the civilian sector.

Chris remarks that this is the longest he’s ever lived in one place, and he finds himself getting antsy – almost like he’s ready for new orders. The military transition is a process, and it may take years to feel settled into a new rhythm. 

After applying the lessons that he learned in his previous jobs, Chris is finding success in his current role working remotely for a tech company. His scheduled hours work well for his desired work-life balance, and he no longer tries to take on additional responsibilities. Like many other veterans, Chris’ networking skills led him to this role. He reminds others that networking doesn’t have to be deliberate – for him, his opportunity came organically from a conversation that occurred months prior. In the 4 years since his retirement, Chris has learned to find ways to authentically connect with others. 

As an avid listener to the podcast, Chris credits the information he learned from the episodes with Misty Moreno, Keith Cassant and Sarah Bumgardner to help him change his mindset to better function in the civilian sector. Keith says he was fully prepared to be unprepared for retirement. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chris was unprepared to leave the military when he did. Thankfully by the time he retired, he and his wife had learned how to be financially responsible and had been living within their means. Looking back, he realizes that he had a solid foundation to retire even if at the time, he perceived himself as being unprepared. It’s important to take an honest look at finances and expectations with your family before separation or retirement. It’s also equally important to make wise financial decisions before exiting the military. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Connect with Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-dreisbach/

Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4v

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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We welcome Ethan Shipp. Ethan began his career in the United States Air Force as an EMT but has since retrained as an information systems technician. Although he is still serving, he used his tech skills to create a resource designed to empower and inform service members about the many different SkillBridge programs. Ethan started Rate My SkillBridge after doing research for his own SkillBridge program and identifying an opportunity to help others make informed decisions during their career transition. 

About two years prior to his separation date, Ethan began researching SkillBridge programs. He joined The SkillBridge Network on Facebook and was intrigued by a post written by a service member who had flown back to the US from overseas to intern for a company that used them for free labor. Ethan realized the need for a rating system to protect service members. He went to work creating a website using WordPress and released it one month later. The site gained an enormous amount of traction in a short time and Ethan knew he needed to rebuild the platform and advance the website. Service members can now create accounts and personalize their dashboards. Ethan is not charging service members for this resource. He is currently funding the website by himself. 

Ethan's website is offering service members an invaluable resource as they move toward career transition. Some service members rely on their SkillBridge company to offer them a job after the internship phase is completed. While the goal of the program is just that, there are some instances where that may not happen. Ethan encourages service members to apply for multiple jobs and not rely solely on SkillBridge. Ethan also encourages people to have multiple opportunities lined up. It is possible that a company will cancel the program if a job opportunity is no longer available. This may happen due to the economy or company restructuring.

Ethan has noticed a recent trend of people working more hours than allotted by the program. Working long hours is unfortunately not just an issue with the SkillBridge program. As a salaried employee, it’s important to assess the employer’s expectations versus your own expectations. For many veterans, working extra hours may not be expected but they feel a sense of responsibility to keep giving. Companies will take advantage of that work ethic. 

For SkillBridge companies who are operating against SkillBridge policies and parameters, Ethan believes that the DoD is beginning to take action to protect service members. For service members, it’s important to make your issues heard through resources like Rate My SkillBridge.

Ethan is currently stationed in Italy and wants to continue living overseas after his separation. The job search process outside of the US can be very different. One example is the curriculum vitae (CV). The CV is typically only used in the US for doctors, lawyers and professors. However, it is the standard for most every profession outside of the US. While the typical resume in the US is no longer than 2 pages, the CV is a comprehensive document that may be several pages long. LinkedIn is used by overseas companies, so plan to have an updated profile. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Connect with Ethan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethans00/

Explore Rate my SKB at https://www.ratemyskb.com/

Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4v

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!