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Michael Abrams, William Deresiewicz, Sheena Iyengar, Sebastian Junger, Lindsey Pollak, Simon Sinek, and Robin Stern














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.

Syllabus

Pietas (Citizenship)
Prudentia (Critical Thinking)
Veritas (Authenticity)
Gravitas (Passion)
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Career transition principles for veterans

According to students, this course offers highly relevant principles and a helpful framework specifically tailored for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Learners praise the quality of the content, noting it provides practical strategies and encourages valuable self-reflection. Many found the philosophical and historical context unique and impactful. While some reviews are older, the core principles taught appear to remain highly applicable. The course is generally seen as providing a strong foundation for navigating this significant life change.
Helps structure the career search process.
"It provided a solid framework for approaching my career search methodically."
"This course laid a strong foundation for understanding the transition journey."
"I feel like I have a clearer path forward after completing this."
Integrates historical and philosophical perspectives.
"I loved the integration of historical philosophy into career transition advice."
"Using ancient virtues to frame modern challenges was surprisingly effective."
"The course provided a unique perspective I hadn't encountered elsewhere."
Promotes deep thinking about personal values and goals.
"It really made me think deeply about my values and what I want in my next career."
"The self-reflection exercises were a key part of understanding myself better."
"This course isn't just about jobs; it's about understanding your purpose."
Offers actionable tips for the transition process.
"The course gave me practical tools and strategies I can use immediately."
"I appreciated the actionable advice provided for navigating the civilian job market."
"Beyond theory, this course delivered concrete steps I could take."
Provides essential principles for veteran transition.
"The content was incredibly relevant to my transition from military to civilian life."
"This course really spoke to the unique challenges veterans face when changing careers."
"I found the principles discussed to be highly applicable to my personal career journey."

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
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?'
Gain insights into career exploration, self-assessment, and job search strategies.
Show steps
  • 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
Create a concise and compelling statement that summarizes your unique value proposition and career aspirations.
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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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Attend career fairs and industry events
Expand your professional network and explore job opportunities by attending career fairs and industry events.
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Show steps
  • 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
Practice your interviewing skills by conducting mock interviews with a career counselor, mentor, or friend.
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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
Gain practical experience, build your network, and explore potential career paths by volunteering in a field that aligns with your interests.
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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
Craft professional and tailored resume and cover letter that highlight your skills and experience for potential employers.
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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
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
Share your knowledge, skills, and experience by mentoring other veterans or transitioning service members.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Find Your Calling: Career Transition Principles for Returning Veterans.
Provides a comprehensive guide to career planning, with advice on how to identify your strengths, explore different career options, and make a successful transition.
Provides practical advice on how to develop emotional intelligence, which is essential for success in any career.
Provides a step-by-step guide to career planning, with advice on how to set goals, research different careers, and make a successful transition.
Classic guide to job hunting and career change, with advice on how to identify your skills and interests, research different careers, and write a successful resume and cover letter.
Provides a personality assessment to help you identify your natural strengths and weaknesses, and provides career recommendations based on your personality type.
Provides advice on how to escape the traditional 9-to-5 job and create a lifestyle of freedom and flexibility.

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