From Battle to Boardroom: Leveraging Military Skills in Civilian Careers

In today's episode, we delve into the remarkable journey from military service to mastering the corporate world. Robyn Grable, Navy veteran and innovator behind Talents Ascend, shares her compelling story and the birth of a platform that transforms military experience into sought-after corporate skills. This episode is not just a narrative but a toolkit for veterans striving to translate their disciplined capabilities into a successful civilian career.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Hear:

Veterans often face significant challenges when transitioning to civilian employment. The skills they acquire in the military are valuable but not always easily articulated in a resume for non-military jobs. This episode sheds light on how to bridge that gap effectively, emphasizing inclusivity and skill recognition, which are essential for integrating military talents into the broader job market.

Key Takeaways:

• Skill-Based Recruitment: How Talents Ascend pioneers in matching veterans with employers based on skills, not just job titles.
• Overcoming Transition Challenges: Insights into the difficulties veterans face when entering the civilian workforce and practical strategies to overcome them.
• Advocacy for Inclusivity: The role of inclusivity in hiring practices, especially for veterans, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Robyn's journey from a Navy veteran to a female tech entrepreneur highlights the hurdles and triumphs of establishing a niche business.
• Community Impact: The broader social implications of successful veteran employment on community stability and growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Skill Translation:

1. Identify Core Skills: List all skills gained during military service, irrespective of specific roles.
2. Understand Civilian Equivalents: Match military skills with their civilian job equivalents.
3. Prepare Skill-Based Resumes: Focus the resume on skills rather than military job titles.
4. Engage in Skill Development: Continuously improve and adapt skills to meet market needs.
5. Utilize Skill-Matching Platforms: Use platforms like Talents Ascend to connect directly with potential employers based on skill profiles.

Notable Quotes:

"We need to move beyond titles and focus on skills." - Robyn Grable

"Every veteran possesses a unique set of skills; they just need the right platform to showcase them." - Dean Van Dyke

"Inclusivity isn’t just a strategy; it’s a necessity for modern businesses." - Robyn Grable

Resources Mentioned:

• Talents Ascend: A platform for translating military skills into a skills-based resume that aligns with civilian job requirements.
• Veterans Ascend: An initiative to support veterans in finding employment directly through skill matching.
• ASCEND Collective: An organization focusing on inclusive hiring practices for various marginalized groups.

Personal Insight:

As someone deeply invested in veteran affairs and career transitions, I find the innovations at Talents Ascend not only inspiring but essential. It’s crucial for more companies to adopt this inclusive and skill-focused hiring approach to harness the full potential of veteran talents.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How can veterans initially identify their transferable skills?

A1: Start by reviewing common military roles and the associated skills often unrecognized in civilian contexts.

Q2: What are the common hurdles for veterans during job interviews?

A2: Many veterans struggle to translate military jargon into corporate language that highlights their skill set.

Q3: How effective are traditional resumes for veterans?

A3: Traditional resumes may not adequately reflect the diverse skills and experiences veterans bring, hence the need for skill-based resumes.

Q4: What can employers do to better integrate veteran skills?

A4: Employers can offer workshops that help translate military experiences during the hiring process.

Q5: Are there specific industries that value military skills more highly?

A5: Industries like cybersecurity, logistics, and project management often seek out the precise skills veterans possess.

Connect with Robyn

https://talentsascend.com/

Connect with Dean at The Pillars Group

https://www.deanvandyke.com

https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/

https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/

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