Travelers is home to more than 1,000 veterans and former service members in various roles directly related to the skills and knowledge gained during their military careers. This blog is a part of a series that showcases our military employees and their career stories.
As U.S. Navy veteran Zack Maxey approached the end of his 20-year military career, he participated in two veteran programs that afforded him the time and the stability to establish connections and gain valuable civilian work experience. This ultimately led him to employment at Travelers.
Read on to discover how Zack, now a Business Systems Analyst, navigated his transition and the advice he offers those who are approaching or beginning the process of bridging the gap between military service and civilian work.
What is your military background?
“I served just over 20 years in the U.S. Navy as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Throughout my career, I worked on aircraft and personnel-mounted survival gear for five type/model/series aircraft across three platforms at six different duty stations. Additionally, I completed six deployments on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.”
Describe your current role at Travelers and how the work of you and your team answers the Travelers Promise.
“I am a Business Systems Analyst, currently supporting an Agile team, aligned to the Work Orchestration Circle within the Business Capabilities Office. We deliver key functionality in task management and support to customers, stakeholders and end users, while communicating with business units to ensure a smooth and effective product flow throughout the lifecycle.”
What are some of the skills that you gained in the military that continue to help you in your role at Travelers?
“Some of the easy answers are communication, time management, adaptability, and accountability, but there are many others. Collaboration is one. The military includes people from vastly different backgrounds working closely together. The ability to collaborate effectively, while still accomplishing the larger mission is vital in the military and in any workplace.
Another one is attention-to-detail. Understanding and following instructions and procedures we bring an added dynamic to the team.”
Why do you think insurance is a good career path following military service?
“Insurance is a good career path following the military for many reasons. It offers stability and great benefits for people and their families. Despite being perceived as a ‘hard pivot,’ there are numerous transferable skills from the military to the insurance industry, making the transition smoother.”
Describe your transition from military to civilian workforce.
“During my retirement process, I received approval to enrol in the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program. The program, designed to facilitate gap coverage as service members transition, allows them to partner with approved host companies for their last six months of active-duty service. It is a win-win because the military member continues to receive their normal pay and health benefits while getting acclimated with a host company to determine if it’s a good career fit. After I was approved for SkillBridge, I enrolled in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Program Office for the Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Corporate Fellowship Program.”
What’s the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program?
“The Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program partners with transitioning service members through the DoD Skillbridge program, it expands the resources available to members during the separation process. They offer services such as resume writing, interview preparation and assistance in connecting service members with potential host companies in the civilian sector as they prepare to separate.”
How did you learn about working at Travelers and land on a Travelers fellowship role?
“During the screening process, HOH does a mass resume release to potential host companies. I was contacted by the head military recruiter at Travelers who wanted to discuss the possibility of partnering up with me. His first question to me was, “Have you ever considered working in the insurance industry, and what do you know about Travelers?”
Truthfully, I hadn’t considered it. Given my training and experience, I thought that I would end up working as a civilian in the defense industry, but my wife and I knew we wanted to retire to Connecticut, so learning more about Travelers opportunities made sense.
My Travelers recruiter really went above and beyond for me. He reviewed my resume, discussed what I hoped to gain from my second career and then provided me a high-level overview of various positions within the company. I then interviewed with three different Travelers departments to get an idea of what would be interesting and beneficial to my career.”
What’s working at Travelers like? Describe the workplace culture.
Everyone that I have encountered at Travelers, both during my fellowship and since becoming a full-time employee generally cares about the personal well-being of the people at work. There seems to be a collective understanding that we are all important and that we play a part in a much bigger system, but it begins and ends with the individual and how they are feeling.
From wellness programs to financial benefits and adequate time off, people in managerial roles seem to be concerned with the people instead of the bottom-line.
What is your favorite part about working at Travelers?
“The work life balance. This is something that all service members understand and probably seek when it comes to employment after the military. It was extremely high on my list of what I valued when starting another career, and Travelers has more than delivered. Starting with the hybrid work schedule and resources afforded to employees and ending with engaged and caring leadership, this company has gone above and beyond to help me realize what I’ve always known in the back of my mind: that work life balance is an important aspect of professional life.
Additionally, Travelers places a high value on the skills and determination acquired through military service. Our leaders recognize and celebrate the distinct perspectives that veterans bring, appreciating their invaluable contributions to the team.”
What advice would you give to transitioning or currently serving military members thinking about their next career?
“Start planning early. The process to join the military took a lot of paperwork, and leaving the military can seem just as daunting. Fortunately, you can have the time to do it all, but you have to plan ahead. Different branches may have different requirements for members that are separating, but with advanced planning, identifying what needs to happen and working to align your schedule with any personal goals will make the entire process (and all the paperwork, screenings, and physicals) that much easier.”
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The Latin “dūcimus,” which means “we lead, we guide,” is Andrew Palmer’s mantra.
“Dūcimus” became part of Andrew’s life when he served in the Canadian Armed Forces – it was his infantry company’s slogan. Over his eight years in the “Forces armées canadiennes,” he worked on developing his leadership skills.
Now, at Travelers, he is free to let his “dūcimus” spirit shine at work – leading, networking and building people up every day. The ability to put his military experience into practice at work (he’s a member of the Military/Veterans & Allies Diversity Network), and Travelers’ strong focus on attracting and retaining veterans, brought Andrew to Travelers nearly two years ago.
As he considered the next step in his career back then, Andrew had a wide range of options, given his military experience and 20 years in the financial, insurance, technology and government sectors.
“What really made me choose Travelers was finding a great opportunity at a world-class organization that has a really strong military experience background. Knowing about the strong military community here, I felt that Travelers aligned with my ethics and experience. Military people stick together.”
As Business Information Security Officer/Technology Risk Director, Andrew says, “My role is to monitor, guide and protect Travelers Canada’s cybersecurity posture. New technology-focused regulations come through me as well. It’s a big role – I manage impacts in Canada from a cybersecurity side, a technology risk side and a technology business continuity side.” Andrew addresses both external and internal risks, assessing vendors and ensuring that employees are adhering to the right controls and processes.
“This role is always evolving. There’s no such thing as a quiet day, as there’s always something new happening within the cybersecurity industry.”
One of Andrew’s favorite moments at Travelers was participating in a diversity and inclusion talk at the Canadian Leadership Conference. He also cherishes the ongoing opportunity to serve as a cybersecurity subject matter expert for the Canada Senior Leadership Team.
“There’s a lot of camaraderie surrounding my role – not just within Travelers, but externally, working with cybersecurity centers of excellence and industry experts, working out what’s happening and creating valuable extensive networks.”
Outside of the office, Andrew is into animation, video games, indulging his “foodie” side at new restaurants, experiencing different cultures through travel (he recently vacationed in Greece) and comedy. He volunteers with non-profits, including an organization focused on ethical IT guidelines, and credits the military for instilling in him the desire to give back to the community.
Another way Andrew gives back is by inspiring and coaching colleagues to become the best version of themselves. “On my team, we work together to accomplish greatness together. I always want to improve and support others. Seeing my team members being successful? That’s what makes me happy.”
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Travelers is home to more than 1,000 veterans and former service members in various roles directly related to the skills and knowledge gained during their military careers.
Veterans like Christian Beisel, whose experience in the U.S. Navy Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program eventually led him to a civilian career as a Forensic Specialist and Boiler Liaison in Travelers Risk Control.
Read on to hear how the skills Christian acquired in the Navy have helped him in his roles at Travelers and how his military experience and values align with our workplace culture.
Describe your current role at Travelers and your career journey at Travelers.
“I am a Forensic Specialist and Boiler Liaison at the Risk Control Lab. I shifted to this role in March 2023 from my previous role as the Northeast Field Manager for Boiler and Machinery Risk Control.”
Describe some of your team’s roles and work in Forensics in the Risk Control Lab.
“Forensic Engineering helps bring science to claims. We bring investigative support to better understand the facts of a claim and determine the “why.” The collaborative nature of working with claims and subrogation as an internal expert is appealing to me because it offers a new set of challenges and the ability to continue to learn and grow.
I am still amazed by the lab’s capabilities to provide large loss, investigative support to the Claim organization on behalf of our customers.”
What is your military and career background?
“I enlisted in the Navy as an Electronics Technician in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in 1995 during my third semester at Virginia Tech. I went through the nuclear training pipeline and served as a Reactor Operator on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) until I was selected for a commissioning program in 2000. I returned to Virginia Tech and was commissioned in 2003. I went back through the nuclear training pipeline and became a Submarine Warfare Officer, serving on USS Nevada (SSBN-733), USS Providence (SSN-719), and PCU Vermont (SSN-792). I also served on several shore tours, including as the Submarine Group 2 Engineer, the Naval Submarine School Navigator and Director of Pipeline Technical Training, Submarine Development Squadron Twelve Tactical Analysis Group, and the Executive Officer of Naval Submarine Base New London. I joined Travelers upon retiring from the Navy in 2019.”
Can you describe your transition into the civilian workforce? What ultimately led you to apply at Travelers?
“As I approached my retirement from the Navy, I decided to focus my search for a new career outside the defense industry. Headhunters were focused on opportunities outside of my geographic area, but my kids were in the same town and school for most of their childhood, and my wife and I had no desire to relocate. One of my friends I mountain bike with also worked for Travelers and suggested I look into Risk Control based on my background. I contacted the Director of Military Sourcing at Travelers, who connected me with Boiler and Machinery Risk Control, where I ultimately started my Travelers journey.”
What are some of the military skills that translate into your current role and the roles you have held?
“Some skills that translate from the military into my roles at Travelers include communication, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking, decision-making, adaptability, resiliency, and the ability to learn. There are certainly technical and specific skills that translate as well. Still, my Navy career offered broad experience and developed me into a lifelong learner, which best translates into my current role.”
What is the overall workplace culture at Travelers?
“The overall workplace culture at Travelers is collaborative and focused on the customer and the team. It was a smooth transition because of the similarities between the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment to our Travelers’ core values of Honesty, Integrity, and Accountability.
It was also important to me that Travelers demonstrated that in addition to claims, our customers, communities, and employees are also key stakeholders. Support towards charitable giving and volunteerism were also important aspects that paralleled the commitment to service that became a part of me in the Navy.
How does Travelers support the greater military community?
“Travelers supports partnerships and programs that provide a variety of outreach to veterans, transitioning service members and their families. Mentoring through American Corporate Partners (ACP) is one of the ways that I have been able to give back. I didn’t know about ACP when I was transitioning from the Navy. After more than a year of involvement with the program, I’ve found that mentoring servicemembers transitioning from the military to the private sector not only provides my mentees with support and advice through a pivotal part of their life but it allows me to better self-reflect on my own transition and what I value about my career at Travelers.”
What advice would you give transitioning or serving military members looking for civilian careers?
“Be confident in how your military experience translates to applicable skills. Be open to what opportunities are out there. Determine what’s most important to you and your family in a post-military career.”
What is your favorite part about working at Travelers?
“My favorite part about working at Travelers is the collaborative environment and working with a group of intelligent and dedicated professionals. Including our customers, communities, and employees as stakeholders bring a sense of pride in being a part of the organization. This was important to me as I transitioned from a career in the Navy.”
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) recently announced it has once again been named a Best for Vets Employer by Military Times, as well as a Military Friendly® Employer and Military Friendly® Spouse Employer by VIQTORY.
“These recognitions demonstrate our steadfast commitment to creating a welcoming environment for the military community,” said Diane Kurtzman, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Travelers. “Service members and their families add incredible value to our workforce, and we’re proud to support them.”
Travelers offers a robust suite of military-friendly programs and benefits, including:
The company has also signed the Statement of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at both state and national levels and is part of the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership. In addition, Travelers was named a 2021 Employer for Outstanding Support by the U.S. Navy Reserve.
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Travelers has a long-standing history of honoring and supporting its military employees. While we understand the unique skillset and experience that our service members bring to careers at Travelers, those who hire, manage and support military employees rarely get to see their military skills in action.
Recently, two Travelers leaders got the chance to view some of the capabilities and tasks our Reserve Component Service Members perform while on duty with the Connecticut National Guard (CTNG) through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Bosslift Program.
The Bosslift Program, also referred to as “Employer Day” by the CTNG, allows civilian employers to understand the missions, skills, experience, education and knowledge that service members bring to the defense of our nation and our civilian workforce. Ricky Jones, Regional President, Enterprise Distribution Management, and James Forshey, Senior Vice President, Field Management, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and a group of other employers toured Connecticut Army and Air National Guard facilities in Windsor Locks and East Granby, Connecticut, where Travelers employees proudly serve.
While some Bosslift transportation took place on a military bus, an anticipated UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter flight over downtown Hartford treated the Travelers team to another unique perspective for the day: the sky view of the iconic Travelers tower.
“Hiring from this community of people strengthens our reputation as a military and veteran-friendly company as well as extending our commitment to diversity in our workforce,” James said.
“The people we met have diverse backgrounds, experiences, viewpoints and knowledge representing all dimensions of diversity. We are a better company when we incorporate those multiple dimensions into our workforce.”
“I’ve always had a tremendous respect for the men and women who serve our country and make sacrifices to keep us free,” Ricky said.
“The Bosslift not only showcased the multiple talents of the service members we met, but it also reinforced pride in one’s country over oneself in work performed each and every day.”
The ESGR is an office of the Department of Defense that promotes understanding and cooperation between reservists and their employers. Travelers signed a Statement of Support with ESGR in 2016, further solidifying our company’s commitment to supporting our nation’s National Guard and Reserve units through providing employment opportunities, advocacy and awareness.
“I feel proud and fortunate to be a Travelers employee and I’m struck by how our company values align with that of the military – ‘integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do’* sounds exactly like us,” said James. “And as much as we, as people and a company, appreciate the service of our armed forces, they appreciate us and our support as much.”
* “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do” are the core values of the U.S. Air Force.
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Tara Kennedy, Claim Customer Services Vice President, has been at Travelers for almost three decades strong. Starting out as a Claim professional trainee, Tara learned about all lines of business and had the opportunity to network and learn skills that she would adapt to work with anyone. After serving in several different roles at Travelers, Tara now leads the Claim Customer Services organization.
According to Tara, the learning didn’t end with her first role. “Through hard work, curiosity and taking risks, I continue to learn through roles with increased complexity and responsibility,” she says.
When asked to give her top three reasons why somebody should join the Claim Customer Services organization at Travelers, Tara says:
“I lead a group of diverse, talented professionals,” Tara said, “We look for hard working, customer-passionate people who want to help our customers after they experienced a personal or professional loss.” Tara says.
One of those talented professionals is Kim Tallard, who currently serves as a Claim Operations Specialist after starting her career at Travelers as a Claim Customer Service Representative.
“The role gave me the opportunity to grow my career within Travelers,” Kim says, “Applying my prior knowledge as a Claim Customer Service representative helped greatly with my transition to the Operations Specialist role I’m currently in.”
Tara and Kim both turned their passion for others into a career, finding growth and opportunity along the way. Their stories are another example of the Travelers Promise – taking care of our customers, communities and each other.
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Since 2018, Travelers has hosted more than a dozen military fellows through the Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Corporate Fellowship Program. HOH is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program devoted to connecting service members with career opportunities that lead to on-the-job experience and, in many cases, full-time employment.
We are excited to introduce you to one of our fellows, U.S. Army Col. Glen Chancellor, who participated in our 2021 fall HOH Fellowship Program cohort.
Glen is beginning a new chapter in the civilian corporate world after his 34-year career, serving in both the active and reserve components. While at Travelers, Glen split his time between Bond Underwriting and Talent Acquisition to create a hybrid experience that will tap into his human resources and recruiting background as well as his business and insurance experience.
“Because I enjoyed working in and had a good understanding of the insurance industry, I chose to look for opportunities that would incorporate my military and civilian work experience in a position that would be meaningful and rewarding,” said Glen.
During his military career, Glen served in many roles, most recently with the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky. There, he was the primary advisor responsible for all aspects of commissioning Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets into Army National Guard officers for all U.S. states and territories.
Previously, he served in the Army National Guard in a Reserve status and worked full-time in property and casualty insurance as a Loss Control Inspector and Premium Auditor.
Glen learned about Travelers by participating in the American Corporate Partners Mentorship Program. His positive mentee experience helped him learn about our inclusive workplace culture and provided networking opportunities that led him to his current HOH role.
“When the time came for me to apply for the Hiring Our Heroes Fellowship, Travelers was the first and only company that I requested to sponsor me as a military fellow.”
While on our team, Glen provided valuable insight into military recruiting efforts and engaged with military members and spouses during virtual career fairs. He shared various opportunities that suit those transitioning into civilian careers.
“Travelers is much more than insurance sales. While sales are vital to keeping the business opportunities growing, most current openings are in business operations and directly connect to military occupations and skills.”
In addition to helping make the transferable skill connection, identifying skills as a military member and matching them to a role is only part of the equation. According to Glen, marketing those specialized skills while connecting with employers is also key.
“Veterans have many skills that most non-veteran populations have never developed. Many employers desire that talent to enable their workforce to achieve the company goals. Learn to ask for help in connecting with employers and endorsing those talents that you bring to the table.”
If you are interested in connecting with a member of our team, join our military talent community.
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Video interviewing is becoming more common in the hiring process. Advanced technology and the accessibility of video chat apps and programs give job seekers and employers face-to-face interaction without having to meet in person.
Although your job interview may take place in a casual atmosphere, that doesn’t mean you should have a casual attitude about it. It is still a job interview, with the same implications as an in-person office meeting.
Preparation and set up for the video interview is crucial. Consider this advice as you set up, dress up and take on your next video interview.
Set the stage: Choose a quiet space where you can control the surroundings. If you can, try to avoid public places or spots with background activity. Ensure that your backdrop is simple, clean and well-lit. Face a window to take advantage of natural light or set up a lamp behind your camera. Facing the light will help eliminate distracting shadows from your face and background.
Avoid distractions by cleaning off your desk and keeping a glass of water, a pen and paper and a copy of your resume handy. Close applications that may be running on your computer or phone and set all notifications to “do not disturb.”
Tech check: Find out beforehand what app or video platform the employer would like to use and download if need be. Test the application with your internet, audio and video connections, to ensure its stability. It is a great idea to test with a friend to ensure that everything works properly.
Set up your camera at eye level, leaving 10-20% of the screen above your head empty. If your computer is too low, use books to prop it up. If using your phone or tablet, you can also use books or something stable to prop it up.
Using headphones will help prevent echos in the audio and a microphone will help your voice come through clearly.
Dress the part: You may be in your bedroom or kitchen, but you still need to look like a professional. Wear what you would wear to an in-person interview at the company, from head to toe. You will feel and act more professionally if you look the part.
Steer clear of very bright, distracting colors or prints, like stripes, that may cause a visual glitch on camera. Avoid jewelry that makes noise or causes a glare.
During the interview: Similar to an office interview, you want to convey optimism and positive body language. Maintain good posture with your feet on the floor and your back straight, with arms rested on your desk or lap.
Eye contact is essential. When you are talking, make sure you are looking at the camera and not the screen. When listening, smile and nod to show you are engaged. Use hand gestures when it feels appropriate, keeping your movements small and close to your body. Avoid fidgeting, touching your face or looking away from your device.
At the end of the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and follow up the next day with a thank you email.
If things don’t go to plan: Make sure you have a secondary way to contact your interviewer. If you lose audio, video, or internet connection, call your interviewer and see if you can continue by phone or reschedule.
If an unexpected noise or disruption occurs, simply apologize for the interruption, ask for a moment to step away, or wait for the noise to subside. Mute your microphone and secure the space before beginning the interview again.
With these tips, along with your traditional interview prep, you will be well on your way to making a great first impression.
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A career pause for family obligations, military commitments, or relocation can be challenging to overcome, even for the most qualified and experienced professional.
When faced with this very issue after two career breaks, Ginny Brzezinski found herself ready to reboot her career but was unsure how to do so, especially at the age of 52. Ginny reached out to her sister-in-law, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brzezinski, founder of the women’s empowerment community, Know Your Value. The two dug deep into the topic and, in January 2020, published “Comeback Careers: Rethink, Refresh, Reinvent Your Success – At 40, 50, and Beyond.”
Crafting Your Comeback: An Interview with Ginny Brzezinski, moderated by Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute, was featured on the Wednesdays With Woodward Travelers Institute Webinar Series.
Joined by Comeback Careers co-author Mika Brzezinski and Ashley Wilson, creator of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Women Taking the Lead,” the team shared insights from their research and job market trends for professionals thinking about revaluating, reinventing, or relaunching their careers.
The three women shared a wealth of career advice to empower the job-seeker, even amidst a pandemic. Key points focused on personal assessments, updating social media accounts, reaching out to former colleagues to up your network game and adapting to the new norm – video meetings and interviews.
Watch the full webinar to learn more about Ginny and how her career and life experiences encouraged her to educate and inspire women and men looking to relaunch their careers.
Wednesdays With Woodward Travelers Institute Webinar Series interviews thought leaders about topics that impact us both personally and professionally. Travelers created the Travelers Institute to engage in public policy dialogue on issues relevant to the insurance market.
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For the past ten years, more than 200 Travelers employees have upheld the Travelers Promise to take care of our customers, our community and each other by mentoring veterans through American Corporate Partners (ACP).
ACP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping transitioning veterans and active-duty spouses find civilian careers by matching them with mentors from a broad range of industries. Travelers Community Relations signed on with ACP as its thirteenth corporate partner in 2010 as a way to expand leaders’ and managers’ mentoring options.
Since 2010, more than 200 Travelers employees have engaged in about 600 mentoring relationships with veterans, transitioning military members and active duty military spouses through ACP. To celebrate the partnership’s 10-year milestone, read the first-hand experiences of seven Travelers employees who accepted the mentoring challenge.
Hina, Senior Director, B.I. Technology Analytics, St. Paul, MN
“I’m working with my fifth protégé. One of those protégés served 20 years in the U.S. Army and already had an MBA. During his transition, I helped him gain knowledge about skills he could acquire for the current job market in his field. He was very driven and rapidly was Certified as a Scrum Master and received his Scaled Agile (SAFe) certification. Within six months, he was offered a program management position at a Fortune 500 technology company in Seattle. I get immense satisfaction from sharing my knowledge and experience with others. I help my mentees translate and map their skills from their military background – organizing and executing, dealing with conflicts, evaluating risks, etc. – to the corporate world. I take them through the journey of writing effective resumes and preparing them for interviews. I’ve become a big advocate of hiring veterans. They’re resilient, strong, rigorous and in some ways, I learn from them as much as they learn from me. It’s a truly rewarding experience.”
Daniel, Field Director, BI Construction Risk Control, Chicago, IL
“Having 13 U.S. Marines in my family – including my younger brother – compels me to help veterans. I’ve completed five mentoring relationships through ACP. What all my protégés have had in common is a feeling of uncertainty that their transition to civilian life is really happening. I put myself in their shoes and do a lot of listening. The greatest barrier they learn to work through is adapting to a civilian world that can be ambiguous and full of uncertainty. Their military careers were more ‘black and white’ and involved receiving and following orders. Once they figure that part out, the rest is easier.
I focus on building trust and a personal connection before progressing to giving advice or developing action plans. There’s no better opportunity to give back to the military. It’s very meaningful and provides
opportunities for me to learn something from them.”
Al, Associate Group General Counsel, Hartford CT
“I never served, so this provides me an opportunity to give back to the military. I’ve mentored three protégés so far. I bring them plenty of luck, with two out of the three securing jobs within months. The ACP pairs me with veterans who are interested in attending law school or seeking legal careers. I help with their resumes, letters of intent, how to study in law school, career options and preparing for the bar exam.
I’ve learned it’s helpful to research before meeting with my protégés to understand what they’ve done in the military that can contribute to a successful transition. Helping a military member transition is very satisfying; you’re doing a good deed for someone who has sacrificed so much for our country. Given veterans’ discipline and attributes, you know they’re likely to succeed in whatever career they choose.”
Rob, CAT Team Unit Manager, Denver, CO; U.S. Army & Army National Guard Veteran
“When I got out of the military, I had to assimilate how I acted and how I led others and I also needed to learn a whole new vernacular. It took me a while to adjust to civilian work, so I understand how to help vets, which allows me to continue my contribution to the military.
One of my protégés was a Command Sergeant Major. He had multiple Bronze Stars, but he was fearful about getting out of the military. I helped him build confidence and understand how his resourcefulness, knowledge and experience would serve him. He ended up getting a job in his hometown as the head of recreational tourism.
I invite each of my protégés to be a part of the process, which helps them gain a broader perspective about their own development while transitioning. ACP has been a great way for me to help veterans and to be a part of something bigger.”
Chris, BI Middle Market Business Architect, Hartford, CT; U.S. Air Force Veteran
“ACP’s ‘secret sauce’ is their hands-on engagement; they stay engaged, so that
mentors get as much, or more, out of the experience than protégés do. I’ve mentored at least ten protégés, who have had a wide range of skills and needs. One protégé was an Air Force Academy graduate who was attending the University of Chicago School of Business. I helped him evaluate several offers for summer internships, including one at a large retail chain. I helped him to think about the company behind the scenes, that any large corporation is about data and analytics. It opened his eyes to how many possibilities exist behind the company and job title.
Mentoring has also helped me grow in my career. As I’ve learned more about how large organizations work, I’ve become more confident in understanding what other companies might be looking for in candidates.”
Lisa, Senior Paralegal, Law Office of William J. Ferren & Assoc., Blue Bell, PA
“I’ve mentored eight ACP protégés since 2013. My most memorable was in the military for eight years. She had ‘Ivy League intelligence,’ but still needed encouragement to learn not to settle, to stop doubting herself and to understand her first job didn’t have to be her last. She took that advice and has succeeded in many ways. She earned a scholarship and went on to work on her doctorate. Another protégé had 20 years in the Navy but had never experienced civilian work. She was used to being given and acting on orders. Through mentoring, she learned an enormous amount about herself and how to find a setting that fit her mindset and task-orientation. As a mentor, I listen first and speak second. I try to understand where they are coming from, then guide them into the civilian world in a way that makes sense to them.”
Eric, PI Cloud Architect, Hartford, CT; U.S. Navy Veteran
“I wish ACP had been available when I got out of the military in 1998. I’m currently engaged in my fourth mentorship. My first protégé was a fascinating guy. He came out of the Army and was working on a Ph.D. in computer science. I was able to help him out personally and professionally.
My second protégé needed more help when he got out of the Navy. We did a lot of mock interviews, and I threw him curveball questions. He moved along to a position in computer science support.
As a mentor, I’ve also learned things, like the importance of setting ground rules during the initial meeting. ACP is a fantastic program and lets me give back. It’s a good feeling. I’d advise anyone interested in mentoring to go for it.”
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