From Guidance to Gratitude

Transitioning out of the military is an exciting step for many service members who are eager to embark on the next phase of their career. But the leap into civilian life, in its speed and uncertainty, can also resemble a heart-pounding trip through whitewater rapids. Whether you have been in for four years or 24, having a Mentor rowing beside you can offer safe passage through choppy waters.

That’s been true for Adam Creel, a Gunnery Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps with 20 years of service. Like many Veterans, he had an impressive game plan: finish his Bachelor’s degree; enroll in a Master’s program; complete his PMP certification. The missing ingredient was wisdom from someone who had achieved civilian success and could help him maximize his transition time.

Over the past eight months, longtime American Corporate Partners Mentor Dave Hollander has filled that role for Adam. Dave, a digital transformation executive with 40 years of experience, is now in his eighth ACP mentorship and still connects regularly with previous Proteges. His time with Adam has been rewarding, and even a little surprising, for both men.

When they initially connected, Adam wasn’t sure of his goals for the mentorship program. Dave noted that while Adam was participating in a SkillBridge internship with First Command Bank, his priorities and passions were curiously unclear.

Dave started off by helping Adam organize the many tasks ahead of him. Adam is now pursuing licensure as a Financial Advisor in California. He still doesn’t know exactly what his professional future holds, but his conversations with Dave have bolstered Adam’s faith in his own ability to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

As a seasoned Mentor, Dave recognized that Adam needed more than a linear approach to getting a job.