Imagine being a Navy Special Operations veteran transitioning out of the military to work in the public sector for the first time. Most people would assume this is a nerve-racking scenario right? You know little about the current civilian job market, and you aren't like the other 99% of transitioning veterans. The difference is that you've prepared for this moment, just as you prepared for every mission in your career.
Yes, leaving the military is an extremely stressful life event for you and your family; but when you prepare properly and utilize all the resources that Navy Special Operations Foundation provides, you can execute and land your next dream job.
I recently attended a networking conference event in New York City, where I spent two full days listening to discussion panels and networking with hundreds of professionals looking to hire men and women from our community. The event, put on by one of NSOF's transition partners, Elite Meet, has quarterly conferences like these in major cities in the U.S. where they bring in a small number of elite veterans for two days of networking, workshops, and transition coaching.
The conferences include keynote speakers from the finance, consulting, & entrepreneurship industries, and break-out sessions where service-members receive one-on-one time with professionals who are specifically selected to help in all facets of the transition process. From help with your resume to conducting mock interviews, these professionals walk you through the entire process, but most importantly they are looking for talent to bring back into their own organizations!
This latest New York event had five Navy Special Operations members attending. One of these members was hired as a Field Analyst for sponsoring company Atlas Holdings, based in Greenwich, CT. This is what he had to say about his transition journey:
"The goal of any transitioning veteran is to find a great position with a mission-focused company and ideally, before even leaving active duty. Sound unrealistic? I am proof that it is possible; NSOF, in partnership with Elite Meet, helped me land my dream job.
Early in my transition, I began networking with NSOF members, who introduced me to Elite Meet. NSOF paid for my travel and lodging for one of Elite Meet's veteran transition events in Dallas, TX. This program was so effective and value-added, that I even went back to Dallas a few months later on my own dime to follow up with contacts and opportunities I had made there.
None of this would have been possible without NSOF's support.
Eventually, I was presented with an incredible opportunity that aligned perfectly with my skill set, background, and personal goals. The interviews went great, and I got the job because I was prepared – and I was prepared thanks to the enabling resources of NSOF.
Moral of the story? Get involved early with organizations like NSOF and Elite Meet – they will get you where you want to go."
- James Woyner, Navy EOD Chief
At Navy Special Operations Foundation, we are building our professional network as more and more transitioning operators land key positions with great companies. There are a variety of resources available for every stage of the transition process and for any path NSO members decide to take. Whether you are years away and have no idea where to start, or need immediate help finding a job tomorrow, NSOF can help!
If you'd like to help further our goal of providing world-class transition services to our deserving community by donating, please click the link below:
https://www.nsof.org/products/donate-now
Are you an NSO Service-Member ready to start your transition process? Fill out the form below to set up a free 1 on 1 session to structure your personalized transition plan.