The Great Decision: Tips to Help You Determine Your Next Move

In 2021, almost 48 million people quit their jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This shift in the workforce wasn’t caused by one singular reason, but by a variety of factors since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Companies and leaders are adapting to try to retain and recruit top talent by focusing on building positive workplace cultures and shifting to more flexible work environments. These trends mean there are big decisions for employees and job seekers to make when weighing their options. Here are some things to consider as you navigate your own “Great Decision”:

1.) Do your values align with the company’s culture? Is there something you can do to help improve it? For more information on finding the right culture fit, click here.

2.) Does the working environment and schedule meet the needs of you and your family? Can you negotiate a more flexible schedule that works for your family’s needs?

3.) Would it help if your role was remote? If so, do your research and make a case to leadership for why it makes sense.

4.) Do you feel valued? If not, what would it take for you to feel valued in your role?

5.) Are there opportunities for you to professionally develop or advance? Is there an area of growth within your current role that you’ve not yet explored? Watch this video on Career Growth and Negotiation Strategies for more details.

Employees have incredible power in today’s employment market and should exercise the ability to negotiate for what they need. Take the time you need to analyze what’s most important to you so you can make an informed decision going forward in your career search. If you are a Hire Heroes USA client, you can watch this short video to help you assess the right career path for you. If you’re a veteran or military spouse who hasn’t yet signed up for our free career services, click here to learn more.

Hire Heroes USA and Carquest Team Up to Empower Military Families

From May 27th – July 4th, visit your local Carquest store and round up your purchase to the nearest dollar to support to our mission at Hire Heroes USA. Each donation will help veterans and military spouses find success in their civilian careers.

Find Your Nearest Carquest Store

Importance of Career Development

Why is professional development or additional training important? You have the skills (and maybe a little more) to get the job, right? Isn’t that enough? The short answer is simply, No.

Two generations ago, careers were generally static, lacking any real change or growth other than from “worker bee” to “manager”, but the career landscape is much different now. Today’s employers have realized that employees are much happier, and therefore more likely to stick around if there are opportunities to learn and grow professionally. As a result, many employers now look for candidates who have a proven record of continuing education or training. Just as there isn’t a static option for living organisms (they are either growing or are in a process of decline) – the same is true for careers and employees.

There are several avenues to demonstrate your professional growth: education, training/certification, and/or professional development.

Education – degree plans through higher education institutions. These options take longer to complete and should be carefully considered. A bachelor’s degree is often stated as an entry-level qualification for jobs or for promotion to management. Be sure to carefully consider whether your career path will truly benefit from graduate or post-graduate education before investing the time and resources; is the cost worth the result or is another avenue more effective?

Training/Certification – The more advances there are in technology of all kinds, the more important current training is. Technology that was state of the art and considered cutting edge just 5 years ago is nearly or completely obsolete now. This trend will only become stronger as advancements continue. Even roles that are not technology-based, such as administration or human resources, see changes and improvements in processes or laws. Many credentials require continuing education units or courses to maintain or renew the credential to ensure an equitable minimum level of expertise.

Professional Development – These are valuable opportunities to invest in yourself and your own growth. You can “upskill” (add to skills that you already have and position yourself for promotion) or you can “reskill” (refresh or update skills you already possess). If your employer offers specific training courses or has a fund to pay for the training you choose, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity so you can continue to demonstrate your value as an employee and your investment in your own growth.

Hire Heroes USA has partnered with many different Training Partners to provide vetted options to support you in your career growth. All of our partners provide some means for lowering the cost barrier to education or training from accepting a variety of VA funding options to providing scholarships. If you would like more information on a specific topic or training partner, you can submit a training request through your MyTrak portal or email trainingprogram@hireheroesusa.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Linda

Veterans and military spouses can sometimes lose sight of their value and worth when they’re transitioning from one career to the next. Translating military experience or explaining resume gaps as the result of frequent moves can feel overwhelming. Volunteers like Linda Davidson see each challenge that clients face as an opportunity for growth. Linda also treats each conversation with veterans and military spouses as a long-term connection in the making.

“Your military experience, adaptability and work ethic make you a valuable and talented candidate in the workforce,” Linda said. “Use what you have and what you know to make changes in our world beyond your military service.”

She enjoys building a relationship with each client while providing encouragement and practical strategies for success in their new civilian role. Linda has more than 30 years of experience in HR management, staff development and career coaching. Her passion for helping to develop clients’ potential is evident in her approach.

“Veterans and their families have so much to offer employers and they seem to always make an impact when they meet people face to face. It is a great way for them to find their next chapter in their journey.”

Linda has logged more than 65 hours as a volunteer, providing invaluable guidance, staying connected to her clients and tracking their development over the course of their careers. Linda understands the need for a support system when big changes like career transitions occur in our lives.

“It takes a village, and I believe that we are that village. Employers, neighbors, family and friends, we can all do something.”

If you would like to make a difference in the lives of veterans and military spouses, please click here to learn more about volunteering with Hire Heroes USA.

Alumni Spotlight: Brandon

Alumni Profile: Brandon

Each quarter, we highlight a different member of our alumni community. When you’re a Hire Heroes USA alumnus, we celebrate your victories and help you find long-term success in your civilian career. This quarter, meet Bandon.

Military Connection: Brandon grew up in Cumming, Ga. where he attended high school with his future wife. Upon graduation he joined the Marine Corps serving over five years as an IT Specialist. After service, he decided to attend college at Kennesaw State where he majored in Information Technology.

Career Background: While attending Kennesaw State after he left the Marines, Wal-Mart hired Brandon as a technician. He then secured a position as an Information Technology Specialist with the Southern Dental Alliance for the remainder of his time in school. One year after graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he started his current position as a System Engineer for the Universal Alloy Corporation. Brandon is also leader in his community with F3, a men’s fitness group made up of more than 2,000 local members. Addditionally, he volunteers with Holiday Lights of Hope and Wreaths Across America.

Experience with Hire Heroes USA: Brandon joined the Marine Corps right after high school, so he was unfamiliar with how write a resume, network or prepare for an interview. He registrered for our services in 2019, when he was ready to begin searching for a new position after graduation. He participated in several mock interviews to prepare for new positions and learned how to network to further his career.

Alumni Involvement: Brandon used his networking skills to leverage our Alumni network to find his current position. He also utilized our partnership with Coursera to take courses to advance his career.

Most Important Career Advice: Bandon encourages other veterans and military spouses to take time to think about their future career when they transition. He advises others to research potential carers and to not accept the first opportunity that comes along. Above all, consider taking a position that is the right fit for you, your family and your aspirations. Additionally, make an effort to connect within your community and support system upon separation.

Professional Goals: Brandon has aspirations to become Senior Systems Engineer or move into Management. He is working on these goals by researching technical certifications and pursuing promotions.

What are you most proud of since leaving the military? Brandon worked his way through college to earn his degree and advance his career, but his family is his primary motivation for his success. Brandon is proud of his family. He and his wife (who also happens to be a Transition Specialist at Hire Heroes USA) adopted a beautiful baby girl.

If you’re a Hire Heroes Alumnus and you’d like to learn more about additional services, volunteer opportunities or if you’d like to share your story, visit the Alumni page and email Matt Kohler to get started: mkohler@hireheroesusa.org.

Top Jobs & Training Programs for June 2022

Every month, Hire Heroes USA selects several job openings from our job board to highlight. These job openings are posted by partnered employers who are looking to hire veteran and military spouse talent.

View jobs from our featured employer this month, Vytex Windows. Also, be sure to check out several of our training partners by downloading the document below.

Click here to download the newsletter .

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