Community Corner
Coaching the Ultimate Warrior
Local career coach tells of her experience giving career coaching to war veterans.
On Wednesday, I had the privilege of volunteering to help our soldiers at the “Ultimate Warrior Career Workshops and Job Fair” held at the Fort Dix base along with many of my fellow Human Resources and Career Coaching colleagues.
This event was coordinated by the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP), the Tip of the Arrow Foundation and Curtis Consulting Group. I would like to thank those who organized this event and allowed me to participate in this experience.
I met with soldiers individually to review their resumes, discuss career possibilities, current market opportunities and guide them in preparation for a job fair held on Thursday. This job fair was free to New Jersey employers with jobs to offer.
The mix of soldiers I met ranged from entry level to officers. The army provided them with a wealth of technical skills but several did not earn their college degrees. Everyone I met was quite humble about what they did in the army—quite a contrast to what is expected during an interview process. Employers expect candidates to tell them what they can accomplish for their company.
Assimilation back into civilian life is a tough transition for many. When a soldier returns from deployment, it’s typically the first six months that are the most vulnerable period. With the tight economy and high unemployment, recently discharged veterans are likely to face a tough time in this job market.
Thankfully, veterans are given preference for government jobs according to Federaljobs.net. Fort Dix offered this program based on the volunteer efforts of many to help today’s veterans when they come home from war to not only recover from injury, but also to find work.
Watch for the LinkedIn group UW Network for Career Success where troops can share their job hunting experiences and support one another.
One-on-one coaching with the soldiers was an incredible experience. The men and women I met that have served our country are incredible people. I wish them the very best and look forward to helping them further.
Lisa Chenofsky Singer of Chenofsky Singer and Associates LLC provides executive and career coaching and human resources consulting. She is a Millburn-Short Hills resident.
