A new year is upon us and new challenges to conquer. Are you excited about 2017? Are you an active duty military member thinking about transitioning out or a veteran in transition already that needs to create a future of purpose and feel empowered by your choices? No matter where you are in your journey know that it's never too late to prepare for and create a future that honors your military service and sacrifice to a grateful nation.
I want to start this year by providing a series of blog posts that highlight some of the most critical areas to be focused on in order to have a productive and successful transition. Over the next few weeks I will be going into more detail on each of the following areas:
- Research - There is so much information available it's like drinking from a fire hose, start well in advance of your point of transition to pare down the noise.
- Preparation - Write your resume to highlight more of your core strengths and leadership experience vice translating technical experience and ensure your experience is reflected in measurable metrics in your resume.
- Planning - Determine the industry you are most interested in pursuing and look for Veteran friendly companies, specifically those with veteran based job programs.
- Training - Decide on and pursue the degree or certifications you will need for your future.
- Networking - Look for networks or groups of other transitioning Veterans for support and if graduated from a service academy look for groups that are from those organizations.
- Job Programs - Look for veteran based job programs that share the common military lingo and provide support by other veterans in the program.
These are tried and tested areas that come directly from other transitioned veterans like myself. After many conversations, interviews and general coaching interactions with various Veterans these six areas really resonate as being important to your future success.
"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself." - Eleanor Roosevelt
I'm very excited to get into this new blog series and provide insight into what others are doing to prepare for a successful transition. Learning from what others are doing and being able to replicate what makes since to your personal situation is of great value. There are so many Veterans being successful in their transitioning from the military that they are paving the way for others to follow.
In the meantime get out your computer and start researching areas of interest, this includes where you will live, what industry you want to work in, are you going be an entrepreneur, what needs does your family have and now can they be satisfied in the process. The internet has brought such an amazing amount of information at your fingertips and the ability to connect with people across the country or globe. Utilize those resources to your benefit and make a pact with yourself up front that this is about you and your families' future and not about trying to keep up with those that have reached levels you are striving for.
Landmark Life Coaching's Mission is to honorably and respectfully serve courageous groundbreakers and transitioning veterans to persevere in defining and executing their future by providing an atmosphere of comradery and trust that honors their dedication and commitment. This will empower our clients to feel whole, honored, respected and fulfilled in defining and living their life purpose.
Veterans Coach/Speaker/Writer Dwayne.paro@landmarklifecoaching.com