Silvia Prada’s Post

***4 YEARS A CIVI*** It was only at 2341hrs today that I realised that had been a veteran for 4 years. I mean, where has that time gone! Something I’ve been dwelling on for the last few weeks, randomly, is the things that we call ourselves: dad, husband, veteran, soldier, teenager, old, young and everything in between. It’s hard enough to figure out who you are let alone put these labels on yourself. If I’m honest I don’t know what I could title myself as but I know I’m a veteran. Being a soldier was first job, joining the army at 16 and 3 month. I learnt how to be motivated, disciplined and to fight as part of a team; after some time I learnt how to administrate that same team and how to deputise as part of leadership of that team. Finally I learnt how to lead that team. So, how has that benefited me on civi street? A lot of the time I don’t think it has as I come back to a question a friend asked me “who wants someone that can lead a section attack?” In some ways they were right, no civi employer is looking for the guy that can move hard, fast and aggressively across a battle space. But, what most employers are looking for is someone that can lead a team of people through difficulties, on a tight deadline in the most safe and efficient way. And that is exactly what this veteran has learnt over the last 4 years. As I was 4 years ago, I am in another period of transition. Having accepted an offer with another company, I am now looking to the future. What else can I learn? What more can I exploit from my experience in the military and civilian career? How can I benefit the people I engage with and the organisation I work for? Im not sure yet but I can’t wait for the ride. 4 years a civi and looking forward to the many years to come.

Empowering The "Veterans Spirit" is my inspiration. Veterans, you're too strong to despair, there is always a path forward. The pride and heart felt gratitude I have from years of serving with my hero's as a civilian, in multiple MWR positions around the world since 1986, is the greatest gift God has bestowed upon me. I recognized and decided to address an ongoing problem in an area I know much about, the USAJBOS process and how to use it to successfully apply for federal jobs. I've managed to patch together a career of 21 jobs in 25 yrs. some out of need, facing RIF's but mostly because of the endless opportunities to work and live overseas in a capacity to program Quality of Life programs. With a reservoir of knowledge and experience learned through yrs. working in the GS system, I saw the lack of knowledge federal employees have that were responsible for providing transition assistance to separating military. They could not or would not adequately explain in detail the necessary information needed to navigate the complex and confusing USAJOBS process in order to "Compete Fairly" in starting a federal career. Because of this I started a PT Fed. Job Consulting service 8yrs ago, working only with vets. each vet is a unique individual that has their own story to tell. They show humility, honor and sacrifice, never asking for anything more than the help to be self-reliant in understanding this corrupt and discriminatory federal hiring process. I am still a FT GS employee, preparing to retire at the end of the yr. So proud of the positive impact in improving the QOL of my communities. Today, I finished helping a vet compete. He's a current GS 6 employee, but not getting any traction in advancing his career, although he is a SME in Logistics with a 20 yr. Army career, retiring as an E7, w/2 BA degrees and 100% VA disability rating. His KSA's cannot be denied, but his ability to competed is. His resume was holding him back and basic lack of knowledge of how the federal hiring system works and his rights within the system with his preferences. This was an easy fix; it was his personal story that made me stop and reflect on exactly why I was doing this work. He had been referred a couple times but never interviewed. He was even found not qualified to be referred for promotions in his series. It's the same story, "I can't compete". This man should have long ago been moving his way up the career ladder but watched as co-worker (most w.no mil. exp) advance from his dept. Demoralized and full of self-doubt, what struck me was his lack of bitterness, but the feeling he was blaming himself for his failure to move up. after explaining the process and how to hold the process accountable for treating him fairly and reassuring him he wasn't alone, his spirit lifted, and his self-confidence restored. I believed in him, all I had to do was read his resume to do that. I listen to him. Now he can do the rest. He's empowered. #militarytransition

My friend is getting close to her potential transition from the military. She's spent the last 20 years in uniform and asked me when she should start prepping if she's not sure she's getting out yet. I said "right now." She said "but it's still two years away, and if I get promoted or get a particular position I've been hoping for then I will probably stay." I responded "but what if you don't?" One of the most common issues making #militarytransition difficult is there's often no "official" hard date on the calendar. Other than in rare circumstances, most service members really can't nail down an exact transition date. I mean we all have an amorphous date on a piece of paper, but we all know it tends to change situation dependent. In many cases, even those butting up against a mandatory transition date based off current rank still have the potential to be promoted prior to that date and choose to stay. So how do you start to seriously prepare for life after the military if you're still "in the fight?" Here's some tips: - You can go to your transition separation briefing and the transition assistance program workshop more than once. Why not go when you're two years out and pick up great information? Even if you don't leave the service, now you have some additional tools to share with your coworkers as they transition. - No matter how much of an optimist you are, that promotion may not come or that dream job may not materialize. If you're waiting for those very last promotion board results and they get released weeks before your scheduled transition and your name's not on them, you're really putting yourself and your family in danger. You have to plan as if it's not going to happen and if it does, then great; you've got the freedom to make choices. - Consider the dollar value of your time. Many service members transitioning may still want to work. The longer you're in, the less prime working years you'll have to give a new career. Many promotions require a service obligation, some as much as six years or so. If you've already been in uniform for 20, 22, 24 years, are you willing to give up six or more working years for an additional rank or position? The answer may be yes, or it may be no. I don't know. Only you can decide what is right for you. But make your decisions eyes wide open. - Finally, if you're not ready to get out, don't have a hard date coming up, still love what you do, and your family is still supportive, then don't get out. The worst thing you can do is leave feeling like you still had more left to prove or do. That gnawing in your gut will stay with you forever and you'll always wonder "what if." ***What ifs are brutal.*** When should you start preparing for transition? Right now. #veteranshelpingveterans #careeradvice #milspouse #jvknows

#whatshapppeningwednesday Well, I'll tell you what's happening. William Sullivan is crushing it and dropped some golden nuggets for you all below! Continuing on with our #dodskillbridge turned #fulltime #veteran employee spotlight, William has made a name for himself here rather quickly. Already being promoted a level above his initial #skillbridge role, he continues to make an impact for Cushman & Wakefield! Read below to learn more! 1. What interested you in accepting an opportunity with Cushman & Wakefield/C&W Services? My purpose in joining the #military was to earn my degree and then transition back to civilian life in my desired field of work, which is business. After discovering Cushman & Wakefield, even though it was an unfamiliar industry to me at the time, the industry, company, and culture resonated with me and aligned with the professional path I wanted to pursue. 2. What #skillsets and #experiences from the #military helped you #transition into your new role? What similarities or differences have you experienced? Similarities with qualities like punctuality, reliability, and attentiveness are constant requirements, at the very least. Additionally, a team-oriented attitude and a problem-solving mindset carry over to civilian life. The differences are significant. In the simplest terms, a Ferrari and a Toyota are two different vehicles. Although both are 'automobiles' and designed for driving, the way they function and operate is quite distinct from each other. This concept applies to the comparison between military and civilian work life. 3. What do you enjoy most about your position, team, and working for Cushman & Wakefield/C&W Services? I appreciate my team at my office and the broader C&W regional team. I value the company's commitment to facilitating monthly/quarterly networking meetings and training sessions. As an employee, I know that I can reach out to whomever I need for anything, akin to an open-door policy. I've had the opportunity to #network with others in the industry, both within and parallel to it. 4. What advice or suggestions would you give to other #transitioningservicemembers and #veterans ? Oh boy, where do I start! Most importantly, I would say to absolutely know your #purpose. There should be a reason or purpose behind every decision you make. Going into something without any purpose, reason, or goal behind it is a recipe for wasting your time. In short, know your 'why.' I would also say to be confident. Don't let the opinions of others affect your decisions or your ultimate goals. For example, don't say, 'Oh, well, so-and-so said I shouldn't get out, so I won't.' At the end of the day, it's imperative to remember that at some point in your military career, you will have to transition back to civilian life. Whether you decide to transition after one or four contracts, do your due diligence in preparation beforehand, and you will be fine! Matt Disher|Jamie McCall|Richard Cenkus|Bruce Mosler|Chip Wood

#veterans are neo pros - Not entry level. They're first-year professionals. They're ready to take it on for a company. They're already qualified to bring on future values. Most companies are not qualified to recruit and shape their veteran initiatives. More companies need Service 2 Software for recruiting the highest-performing neo pros in the world. #NeoPros #veterans #skillbridge

I think about what it means to be a veteran a lot, and I think what Military veterans go through on leaving is no different to that of any person who's had an immersive career, particularly in the public sector. And the more I think about this I alight on 3 things I must get right: 1. Identity - You are who you are because of what you've done, who you've known and what you've encountered. People, environments and events shape us and our identity, and this started when you were born, not when you joined up. But since then you've done and seen lots more things, things that others don't have to see or do. You must remember the good and the bad that you've encountered and embrace it for what you learned and how it's prepared you for other roles in the future. Don't turn your back on what you were, but remember the future will continue to develop your identity. 2. Community - When you leave make sure you retain or develop a community. It could be fellow veterans, it could be a new workplace or perhaps a hobby, occupation or association. We are not islands and having links with fellow humans is critical to future success. They might not understand you at first, but make it your task to help them understand who you are and why you're that way, rather than their task. And there is so much that needs doing in the World so volunteering, teaching others new skills or just joining in with local area events all help us to develop community. 3. Purpose - I think purpose is the most important of the 3. Make sure that you don't drift and find something to keep you motivated and fulfilled. There are so many opportunities out there and so many other people who need help, you should never be bored. It may be mowing the grass or it may be going to work at the new high flying job, but ensure you continue to live a life of purpose, one where every morning you have a reason to get out of bed. You'll notice I didn't mention money, although I'm totally aware that money lubricates life and enables decisions and opportunities. I read on here that real wealth is time, and I like that, time and fulfilment. I'm in the 4th quarter of my life now and I need to balance work and life much more carefully than I probably have in the past. And seek fulfilment through the purpose both give me. #community #identity #purpose #time #fulfilment