Nick Co

This week, I’m humbled by the philanthropic communities and individuals who donate generous resources to transitioning service members. These valuable people helped me get a firm grasp on a previously chaotic transition and turn it into a controlled glide slope.

Through this transition, I have learned a few things:

• Vets help Vets. The veteran community is tight and I am not alone. I cannot imagine a network touching all industries across the United States and globe. Our common service and transition journeys connect us. Veterans I connected with on LinkedIn graciously devoted a half or full hour to share their transition experience and the path to their current role. Hearing their stories helps ground me in the reality of the transition, the issues, and nuances of the private sector.
• Americans are happy to share with veterans. To name a few, the USO, COMMIT Foundation, SHIFT, Breakline, and State of Virginia are communities of passionate folks who want to see transitioning service members succeed in the personal and professional aspects of their life. Through them, I have recieved classes on navigating the next step covering topics such as: understanding yourself, finding your next career, civilian roles, leveraging networks, resumes, job and informational interviews, telling your story, and negotiating salaries. They set up consultation sessions with a 1-on-1 executive and resume coaches and offered training for certifications and reskilling.
• The amount of resources are overwhelming. Everyone wants to help, and the flood of information requires taking a methodical approach to organize and act. Paralyzing at first, the extra minute spent laying out a path to success and writing actionable steps makes all the difference. Partially, I’m using writing here as a way to process the previous week and look ahead.

By the numbers, this past week:

• 5 informational interviews: SpaceX Engineer (UVA grad), Tech company program manager (Army vet), remote tech professional (USNA alum), a Consultant (USNA alum), and Director of Technical Program Management (USAF vet).
• 1 executive coach consultation
• 1 interview coach consultation
• 1 resume coach consultation

Look Ahead:

• 2 Job Interviews – Networked via a work colleague; cold email turned into a continued relationship
• 2 Informational Inteviews planned: program manager (Army vet), Consultant (USNA alum).
• Follow-up on internship with a local tech company
• Route paperwork for internship
• Complete Medical forms
• Update resume based on coach recommendations
• Learn terminology from PMBOK
• Learn about the American Corporate Partners