Find Your Calling: Career Transition Principles for Returning Veterans from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

Practical tips and strategies for making a successful military-to-civilian career transition.
A framework for how to begin thinking about and exploring new career opportunities.

Model behaviors exhibited by veterans who have successfully started new careers.

Practical tips and strategies for making a successful military-to-civilian career transition.
A framework for how to begin thinking about and exploring new career opportunities.
Model behaviors exhibited by veterans who have successfully started new careers.

Syllabus

Pietas (Citizenship)

Prudentia (Critical Thinking)

Veritas (Authenticity)

Gravitas (Passion)

Humanitas (Choice and Creativity)

Nosce Te Ipsum (Emotional Intelligence)

polls so you can see where you stand in relation to other students;

discussion threads so that other students can learn from your input and experiences;

feedback surveys so that we can continue to refine and improve the curriculum;

and voices from real life industry experts and veterans in transition.

The most important thing that we have learned working with veterans in transition is that if you do not think critically about who you are as a person, what you value, what your ambitions are, and discuss these things with your tribe, you will not be able to perform the basic skills of your career search very well, like resume writing and interviewing. This course focuses first on identifying the character strengths that veterans need to exhibit in order to make a successful career transition. As we explored the latest research and best practices in career transitions, we discovered that the most effective strategies are similar for all people seeking to change careers, not just veterans. These similarities transcend generations. There was a book written in 1945 called Good-Bye to G.I. that provided career transition advice to returning WWII veterans. We also read Marcus Aurelius’ personal writings called Meditations and explored the formation of character through Greek and Roman teachings. We found direct similarities between the virtues that Aurelius wrote about and the behaviors that veterans need to exhibit today to make a successful transition. Each character strength has the Latin and English translation. This emphasizes that these are timeless principles that have guided dozens of generations to live purpose driven lives. The character strengths are:

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Curriculum emphasizes development of intellectual and interpersonal skills related to career transitions, especially for veterans

Utilizes a comprehensive framework to help learners explore and identify career opportunities

Emphasizes hands-on learning and practical strategies to ease military-to-civilian transitions

Provides access to industry experts and veterans in transition, offering valuable insights and perspectives

Course materials include diverse media formats (discussions, polls, feedback surveys) to enhance learner engagement

Taught by highly respected experts in their respective fields, such as William Deresiewicz and Simon Sinek

Reviews summary

Inspirational career tools

According to students, this course offers inspirational tools to help returning veterans manage their career transition. Learners say the course content provides practical skills and self-reflection exercises based on research. The course is said to be delivered by experts in their fields. Overall, learners say the course is grounded in research and engaging.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Find Your Calling: Career Transition Principles for Returning Veterans with these activities:

Review military career and experiences

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Reflects on your military career and experiences to identify transferable skills and values that are valuable in a civilian career.

Browse courses on Career Exploration

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List your military roles and responsibilities.
Identify key skills and abilities you developed in each role.
Consider how these skills and abilities translate to civilian careers.

Read 'What Color Is Your Parachute?'

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Gain insights into career exploration, self-assessment, and job search strategies.

View What Color Is Your Parachute? Job-Hunter's... on Amazon

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Read through the book's exercises and self-assessment tools.
Reflect on your own career goals and values.
Identify potential career paths that align with your interests.

Develop a personal branding statement

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Create a concise and compelling statement that summarizes your unique value proposition and career aspirations.

Browse courses on Personal Branding

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Identify your key skills, strengths, and values.
Craft a statement that highlights your unique combination of skills and experience.
Get feedback and refine your statement.

Six other activities

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Attend career fairs and industry events

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Expand your professional network and explore job opportunities by attending career fairs and industry events.

Browse courses on Career Fairs

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Research upcoming career fairs and industry events.
Prepare your resume and elevator pitch.
Attend the events and connect with potential employers and industry professionals.

Conduct mock interviews

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Practice your interviewing skills by conducting mock interviews with a career counselor, mentor, or friend.

Browse courses on Interview Preparation

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Prepare for the interview by researching the company and position.
Practice answering common interview questions.
Get feedback on your performance and areas for improvement.

Volunteer in a field related to your career interests

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Gain practical experience, build your network, and explore potential career paths by volunteering in a field that aligns with your interests.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Identify organizations that align with your career goals.
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and orientations.
Participate in volunteer activities and contribute to the organization's mission.

Develop a resume and cover letter

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Craft professional and tailored resume and cover letter that highlight your skills and experience for potential employers.

Browse courses on Resume Writing

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Gather your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job applications.
Get feedback on your resume and cover letter from a career counselor or mentor.

Start a personal project that aligns with your career goals

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Embark on a personal project that allows you to develop new skills, showcase your abilities, and explore your career interests.

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Identify a project idea that aligns with your career goals.
Research and plan your project.
Execute your project and document your progress.
Share your project with potential employers or industry professionals.

Mentor other veterans or transitioning service members

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Share your knowledge, skills, and experience by mentoring other veterans or transitioning service members.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify organizations that offer mentorship programs for veterans or transitioning service members.
Sign up to be a mentor and share your skills and expertise.
Provide guidance, support, and encouragement to your mentees.
Reflect on your own career journey and how it can benefit your mentees.

Career center

Learners who complete Find Your Calling: Career Transition Principles for Returning Veterans will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Career Counselor

Career Counselors use many of the same principles as those covered in this course. What should you do next, how to explore new career opportunities, and behaviors you can model after veterans who have successfully started new careers are all topics that will provide invaluable support no matter where you are in your working life. The course can be used to determine fit for a particular career or to advance within one. It would be a particularly good tool when entering the field for the first time.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

Human Resource Manager

Human Resource Managers are often responsible for helping new hires transition into a company. This course offers guidance and strategy that can improve your recruiting and onboarding practices. It does so while focusing on the ways veterans in particular can be better supported as they transition from military to civilian employment. This course may be useful whether you want to enter or advance as a Human Resource Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resource Manager

Recruiter

Recruiters can use some of the same strategies as this course to help find the best candidates for a position. Recruiters may also work with veterans to help them find new careers, so it can be particularly helpful for finding the right path in a new industry. The course can be useful for someone looking to enter or advance in the field.

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Talent Acquisition Manager

A key responsibility of Talent Acquisition Managers is to develop recruiting strategies to attract and hire the best talent. They can use some of the same principles as this course to identify top-tier veteran candidates. They may also work directly with veterans to help them smoothly transition into civilian roles. This course may be useful for entering or advancing within this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Acquisition Manager

Employment Counselor

Employment Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals who are seeking employment. They may also help individuals develop job search skills and prepare for interviews. This course can provide you with a deeper understanding of the challenges that veterans face in their job search and strategies to help them overcome these challenges. It may be useful for entering or advancing in this field, particularly for those who will be working with veterans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employment Counselor

Talent Management Specialist

Talent Management Specialists help employees to develop their skills and careers within a company. This course can provide you with valuable insights into the unique needs of veterans as they transition to civilian employment. It may be useful for entering or advancing in this field, especially for those who will be working with veteran employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Management Specialist

Veterans Advocate

Veterans Advocates provide specialized support and assistance to veterans. They may help to identify potential veteran candidates for employment and work closely with them through the hiring and onboarding process. This course can help you better understand the unique needs of veterans and improve the support you provide. It may be useful whether you want to enter or advance in this field.

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Transition Support Specialist

Transition Support Specialists help veterans transition to civilian life. They may provide a variety of services, including career counseling and job placement assistance. This course can help you understand the specific areas in which veterans may need support. It can also provide you with strategies to help them identify and achieve their career goals. It may be useful for entering or advancing in this field.

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Career Services Advisor

Career Services Advisors help college students and alumni find jobs and pursue their career goals. This course can help Advisors identify veterans and provide additional support as they transition from military to civilian careers. It may be useful for entering or advancing in this field, especially for those who will be working with veteran students.

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Veteran Employment Representative

Veteran Employment Representatives assist veterans with their job search and career development. They may also help connect veterans with employers. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills to effectively support veterans in their career transitions. It may be useful for entering or advancing in this field.

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High School Counselor

High School Counselors help students plan for their future, including their education and career. This course can help you identify veteran students and provide additional support as they prepare for their transition to college and careers. It may be useful for entering or advancing in this field, especially for those who will be working with veteran students.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide a variety of services to individuals and families, including counseling, crisis intervention, and resource referral. This course can help you understand the challenges that veterans face and provide additional support as they transition to civilian life. It may be particularly useful for Social Workers who are working with veterans.

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Guidance Counselor

Guidance Counselors help students make decisions about their education and career paths. They may also provide counseling and support to students. This course can help you identify veteran students and provide additional support as they prepare for their transition to college and careers. It may be useful for entering or advancing in this field, especially for those who will be working with veteran students.

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Psychologist

Psychologists provide counseling and therapy to individuals and families. They may also help individuals manage mental health conditions. This course can help you understand the unique mental health challenges that veterans face and provide additional support as they transition to civilian life. It may be particularly useful for Psychologists who are working with veterans.

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Life Coach

Life Coaches help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. They may also provide guidance and support to individuals as they make major life decisions. This course can help you understand the challenges that veterans face and provide additional support as they transition to civilian life. It may be particularly useful for Life Coaches who are working with veterans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Life Coach