Optimize and Elevate

“My biggest expectation,” said Grimes as he started his mentorship, “is [to learn] how to make myself marketable in ways that are meaningful to potential employers.” Cortright, who was impressed with Grimes’s CV, helped him approach the job search from a “marketing perspective,” cutting down his résumé from five pages to a more approachable two. The pair explored different industries and roles, identifying which ones appealed most to Grimes and were aligned with his experience. Coming out of the military, with its clear hierarchy and linear career progression, Grimes often wasn’t sure what a job title actually entailed – a common challenge for career Service Members. Cortright’s 25+ years of corporate experience gave him the insight Grimes needed. For example, Grimes was interested in real estate careers, and Cortright helped him understand the difference between property management and asset
management.

Over and over, the lived experience of job-seekers proves that success is tied to who you know. Cortright introduced Grimes to friends and colleagues who each had a unique perspective. “Craig put me in direct contact with professionals from other industries that further developed my understanding of the job market and what exactly I was looking for in my next role,” Grimes says. “He taught me how to build my own network” from pre-existing and new relationships, which gave Grimes greater knowledge and confidence going into interviews.

Though less commonly discussed in the professional development context, personal psychology plays a significant role in our ability to progress. ACP’s customized, supported mentorships facilitate lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect. “I am blown away by the tremendous effort ACP put into finding the perfect Mentor for me,” Grimes says. He encourages fellow Protégés to capitalize on this unique model by bringing your authentic self to the meetings – even if you have a lot of uncertainty about your next chapter. “Be open and honest,” and carve out time for self-reflection, so you can show up to meetings with greater focus and clarity. The strategy paid off for Grimes, who recently started as a shift supervisor with Lineage, a cold-storage supply chain company. “I feel that Craig truly cares about me as an individual,” Grimes says of their year together. “It was easy to open up to him, because I felt like he saw and accepted me for who I am.” Thanks to Cortright’s support, Grimes is on track for a new role as operations manager in early 2026.

ACP is committed to providing Veterans with the support, resources, and relationships they need to build lasting civilian careers. Post-9/11 Veterans can apply here to connect with an ACP Associate and begin their mentorship journey, while professionals with meaningful civilian experience can volunteer just an hour a month as a Mentor.