Volunteer Spotlight: Kandis
As a career coach and an employee at an in-demand company like Amazon, Kandis Webb has the knowledge and past experience necessary to assist any veteran or military spouse. A self-described “military brat,” Kandis also feels a deep connection and passion for helping Hire Heroes USA clients. As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re recognizing Kandis’s hard work and dedication to our mission.
Question: How do you apply your own professional experience to your interactions with clients?
Kandis: “I spent 12 years in the human capital management industry, [I] work as a career coach in my own small business, and I am also a full-time employee at Amazon. My life experiences have equipped me with the knowledge to help veterans understand how to authentically navigate job searching and interviewing in the civilian world. We might start a call with a nervous veteran, but we end it with a veteran who is confident and ready to rock their job search and interview!”
Question: What has been the most rewarding part of being a volunteer with Hire Heroes USA? What keeps you involved with our organization?
Kandis: “The most rewarding part of being a volunteer is ending my sessions with veterans saying, ‘This has been extremely helpful. I feel confident now’ Oftentimes, I receive updates that they got the job and THAT definitely inspires me to keep volunteering. Knowing that I’m helping someone through a major life transition energizes me. As a former military brat, I am proud to serve as a Hire Heroes USA volunteer because it is my way of telling our troops ‘thank you!’”
Question: If you had to pick just one piece of advice, what’s the most important thing you share with the clients you work with?
Kandis: “Most of the clients I’ve worked with can attest that I always tell them to be themselves and tell their truths. Do not try to look, sound, or be different. Be yourself!”
Question: How would you encourage others to support veterans and military spouses in finding professional success?
Kandis: “Reach out to veterans in your circle. Refer them to jobs at your company or connect them with someone who can help them with their professional goals. Also, if you know people who could serve as volunteers, let them know that this is a great place to serve. Most importantly, refer veterans to Hire Heroes USA.”
Question: What else would you like to share about your volunteer experience with Hire Heroes USA?
Kandis: “Volunteering at Hire Heroes USA gives me joy and a strong sense of connectedness. While I only invest about 4-6 hours a month, the return is helping dozens of veterans get jobs and secure their family’s future. There is no greater reward and I encourage anyone who is looking for a way to give back to inquire about becoming a volunteer.”
Over the past year, 1,469 active volunteers invested 7,207 hours to help military families build bright futures. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of veterans and military spouses too, please click here to learn more about volunteering with Hire Heroes USA.