Posted on Feb 3, 2018
Being a veteran already, I never thought about seeking a Career Mentor. What is some advice someone could give about this?
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I am a veteran living in Germany, and I can't help but continually feel that the resources for veterans living overseas is much lower than in the US.
I heard about seeking a Mentor for Military Transition on LinkedIn, but how can this help for a veteran living in a completely different type of economy?
In essence, living in Germany is a completely different way of life. From the Social Norms to Educational Standards.
For example: I have an Associates degree (Suma Cum Lade) that I obtained while in the military, but in Germany this doesn't count for anything. Why? Because having an associates degree is equivalent to their (Arbitur, 13 yrs of Schooling, compared to 12 years for the US (high school diploma.)
However, the biggest difference is, no regards for Military Service and attributes attained. While you may have skills and attributes that are good, Hiring Managers and others, don't care much. This is for two reasons:
1. The standard Military Stigma (Individual was not good in school, so they went into the military.)
2. The History of Germany and how their Military played a role in the Holocaust. Germans are not proud of their history, No German flags, no appreciation for their military, no nothing.
So how would one be able to successfully use affectively their last 9 years of military service? Being in a country where military pride and service to country is pretty much non-existent, how does one deal with that?
I heard about seeking a Mentor for Military Transition on LinkedIn, but how can this help for a veteran living in a completely different type of economy?
In essence, living in Germany is a completely different way of life. From the Social Norms to Educational Standards.
For example: I have an Associates degree (Suma Cum Lade) that I obtained while in the military, but in Germany this doesn't count for anything. Why? Because having an associates degree is equivalent to their (Arbitur, 13 yrs of Schooling, compared to 12 years for the US (high school diploma.)
However, the biggest difference is, no regards for Military Service and attributes attained. While you may have skills and attributes that are good, Hiring Managers and others, don't care much. This is for two reasons:
1. The standard Military Stigma (Individual was not good in school, so they went into the military.)
2. The History of Germany and how their Military played a role in the Holocaust. Germans are not proud of their history, No German flags, no appreciation for their military, no nothing.
So how would one be able to successfully use affectively their last 9 years of military service? Being in a country where military pride and service to country is pretty much non-existent, how does one deal with that?
Transition
ACAP/Soldier for Life (SFL-TAP)
79V: Retention and Transition NCO (USAR)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Career Coach
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 2
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I started my career in machining the same way as in the Army, with a broom. I worked my way up. What does an associates degree actually qualify you to do? Military credits and CLEP test cover most of the classes for me. English 202 was the only class I took that was of any value. An AA/AS degree is good if you also have certifications in specific skills (IT and other computer applications). Otherwise, it is a second high school diploma.
As far as military service, we all join for our own reasons. Many, no most, of us did not have the money to pay for higher education. Military pride; the rub now is athletes kneeling at games. But, what about the people in the stands? Is everyone stopping and showing respect?
Adapt and over come.
As far as military service, we all join for our own reasons. Many, no most, of us did not have the money to pay for higher education. Military pride; the rub now is athletes kneeling at games. But, what about the people in the stands? Is everyone stopping and showing respect?
Adapt and over come.
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SPC Brady Allen
Thanks for your honesty 1SG Nick Baker, It is appreciated. Adapt and overcome is what I do intend on doing. I guess the main thing I saw when trying to seek resources were aimed towards veterans living CONUS.
Additionally, my post might sound wrong, I admit. By no means am I wanting to have the attitude of "Look at me, I am a veteran." I never want that to be the only thing I stand on when finding employment.
However, using your military background (which you spent almost 10 years doing) and trying to leverage your (hard and soft) skills on your CV that you have obtained over the year can be difficult, But trying to leverage such skills in a country where they don't think to much on Military Service, that can be a little more difficult. With this I mean, they might not think of the money and effort that goes into the Quality of Training that soldiers in the US Military receive. While you may have certificates that are eligible for ACE College Credits, that is not something taken into mind.
As a married father of 2, and being 31 years of age, I look at the difficulty in starting over.
Could I start, like you said, by pushing a broom, yes, but does that supply for a family of 4, highly unlikely. So, I am currently working on courses online and going other routes. The main thing is, I am doing what is best for my family. Could we move back to the States, where live would be "easier" for me finding employment, yes. Would it be best for my family....no. All and all, I will adapt and overcome over time.
Back to Mentors and mentorship programs, can these help veterans overseas? In light of different life situations, where social norms, education, and the economy are different, what help can Mentors provide to veterans overseas?
Additionally, my post might sound wrong, I admit. By no means am I wanting to have the attitude of "Look at me, I am a veteran." I never want that to be the only thing I stand on when finding employment.
However, using your military background (which you spent almost 10 years doing) and trying to leverage your (hard and soft) skills on your CV that you have obtained over the year can be difficult, But trying to leverage such skills in a country where they don't think to much on Military Service, that can be a little more difficult. With this I mean, they might not think of the money and effort that goes into the Quality of Training that soldiers in the US Military receive. While you may have certificates that are eligible for ACE College Credits, that is not something taken into mind.
As a married father of 2, and being 31 years of age, I look at the difficulty in starting over.
Could I start, like you said, by pushing a broom, yes, but does that supply for a family of 4, highly unlikely. So, I am currently working on courses online and going other routes. The main thing is, I am doing what is best for my family. Could we move back to the States, where live would be "easier" for me finding employment, yes. Would it be best for my family....no. All and all, I will adapt and overcome over time.
Back to Mentors and mentorship programs, can these help veterans overseas? In light of different life situations, where social norms, education, and the economy are different, what help can Mentors provide to veterans overseas?
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1SG Nick Baker
Build a network. Seek out people that have the job you want and get their advice. Are you looking on the Germany economy? Training is available and I see people of other languages and backgrounds making it there. If your looking for a government position then network with people in management and human resources.
You need to find a mentor over there and build a network. I know it's hard.
Where are you located in Germany?
You need to find a mentor over there and build a network. I know it's hard.
Where are you located in Germany?
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Suspended Profile
Nick's answer was pretty good. Nobody needs to know about your education and if you're not above starting small and working your way up you'll be fine.
Add that you can continue your education while working (I don't know about in Germany...) you should still be able to make strong career gains.
You also had a lot of information packed into your question. Finding and hiring a professional resume/curriculum vitae writer and interview coach is a good idea. If you're worried about the military angle then about the military career coaches. There should be no shortage of civilians available on LinkedIn or in your area.
Also, once your hired find a mentor who is either successful in your career field or highly succeeding in their own right to mentor you into success. There should be plenty available online. I mentor professionals through an online platform and receive mentorship and grooming myself. It's out there!
Hope this helps.
Add that you can continue your education while working (I don't know about in Germany...) you should still be able to make strong career gains.
You also had a lot of information packed into your question. Finding and hiring a professional resume/curriculum vitae writer and interview coach is a good idea. If you're worried about the military angle then about the military career coaches. There should be no shortage of civilians available on LinkedIn or in your area.
Also, once your hired find a mentor who is either successful in your career field or highly succeeding in their own right to mentor you into success. There should be plenty available online. I mentor professionals through an online platform and receive mentorship and grooming myself. It's out there!
Hope this helps.
SPC Brady Allen
yeah, I realize I did pack a-lot of information in there, which maybe for the future, I should keep it more directed. In reference to finding a mentor, I have been trying to find veterans that successfully made the transition to civilian life in Europe. With civilian, I mean on the German economy. Thanks for your input SSG Alan Pelletier
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Suspended Profile
I meant to say"avoid" military coaches and career advisors. Check out Everwise online, I mentor through them. Plenty available so keep an eye out!
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