Consider this an investment in yourself. Learning from others who are already successful in their field. The intrinsic value of this practical education can't be found in books or MBA's. In fact, Josh Kaufman, author of "The Personal MBA," highly endorses the practice of mentoring. He advises to find a few people who are already successfully doing what you want to do, then find or arrange some way to learn from them directly.
American Corporate Partners (ACP) will make that connection for you - matching a corporate volunteer with a veteran. ACP is dedicated to helping veterans, those who have served in the military since 2001, transition from military to civilian careers. In person or web connection, the program exists in Raleigh/Durham, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, New York and others. They serve a number of veterans in the Charlotte area through the E-Mentoring program. Some Charlotte-based veterans travel to Raleigh/Durham for an in-person match.
A Raleigh/Durham Match
"The process of separating from the military is excruciating," says Erik Grimsgaard, a former Fort Bragg Special Forces Intelligence Officer and Demolition Engineer. "It's an administrative nightmare - office after office, stamp after stamp." Grimsgaard was a financial advisor until September 11, 2001. He picked up his sword to be a part of the Global War on Terror. After seven years of dodging bullets on the battlefield, he was ready to settle down. During his military separation process, he was matched with mentor Dr. Michael Spano, Sr., an IBM Executive Consultant. Spano has Ph.D's in Computer Science and Industrial Engineering. He has taught classes at Duke University, North Carolina State University and spent countless flight hours globetrotting.
"Run, Don't Walk"
Spano's sentiments about the mentoring opportunity. "I have benefitted far more than Erik," he says. "Meeting Erik, listening to his stories - it is energizing." During a series of lunches and discussions, Spano says, we found a roadmap for Erik. "Starting at point A, he didn't quite know where point B was." Grimsgaard likened it to stepping into a dark room. "You didn't know what you're getting into.
Through question and answer sessions and mind mapping, Spano applied his business skills in developing a career path for Grimsgaard. "Eventually," Spano says, "it came down to leveraging his military skill sets, with a personal portfolio and translating them into corporate skills." He says, "Learning to shoot is no different than troubleshooting."
Pubs, Cafeterias and Coffee Shops
Grimsgaard attended a Veterans Edge Conference in Raleigh, featuring a corporate executive panel and transitioning veterans. He initiated a conversation with a panel member, who happened to like his questions and asked for his resume. What followed was a series of dress-down meetings with company executives at pubs, cafeterias and coffee shops. "Pure networking," says Grimsgaard. "Every single lunch, every single coffee, was networking. I can't speak more highly about it," he adds.
Career Advancement Advise
Spano's take-action plan for transitioning veterans: Seek out a mentor. Work with the mentor. Don't change what made you the best at something. Don't change "x" to become a "y."
What's the price of gaining a life-long friend and career advancement? It will cost your time.
For more information on the ACP Mentoring Program, see http://www.acp-usa.org.
