Military Career Transition Program

New Program Gets Retiring Military Ready for New Leadership Career

While sitting at my desk 10 years ago, I witnessed a former Lt. Colonel and a member of my Chamber's board of directors "have at it." Basically, they couldn't agree on anything and one called the other one out into the parking lot. If I could have slid under the desk and managed to get out of the room, I would have.

Oddly, this was not the first type of "tangle" that I've seen between civilian leaders and recently retired military officers.

On another occasion, an Air Force Colonel was asked to "step down" from his appointed position on a local tourism board, as he had voted against the wishes of the organization that appointed him as their representative. He resigned, claiming disagreement with the organization's direction.

A former Marine Corps Chief of Staff tendered his resignation following a local board meeting when he could no longer stomach the "consensus" approach to doing business. Twice, I've seen retired Generals struggle to fit into new work situations or create their own.

This is not a healthy process for such talented and intelligent leaders. There is no one to fault, either. Military training promotes a certain mindset, a certain way of processing in order to get things accomplished, and, most certainly, a different way of life. No surprise then, that there is a huge transition when it's time to figure out where and how to establish their talents and energies after retirement.

I get it!

My own husband is a former officer of the USMC and my son, a career Marine. I spent years working with Generals, Chiefs of Staff, Colonels and on down the ranks during my tenure as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce that sits outside the gates to the world's largest Marine Corps Air Station (Cherry Point.) Proud to say that I even received a commendation from the CG of Cherry Point upon my departure of the Chamber.

I'd like to help the retiring military leader transition into civilian life - find a career path that suits, and prepare for securing that career.

So, I've decided to put to use my two years of training as a personal coach and my many years as a resume writer and career consultant. I'm offering a 5-week program for the retiring military leader that is serious about securing an executive level position in the corporate world. This program can be conducted in person, if local, or by telephone or Internet call.

There will be 5 1-hour sessions, where we will work on:

• your career path interests

• community leveraging

• developing online visibility (almost every corporate employer "Googles" now to check out candidates, and I will be hands on with this)

• preparation of your executive resume (I will actually prepare for you)

• Interview skills (lots of problem-solving role plays)

• differences to expect and how to manage them

• next steps (pointing you in the career direction)

Now, while I do not promise any actual leads, it should be noted that I work with clients in the corporate world (networking for leads to appropriate contacts) and it couldn't hurt to have you, as a "program graduate," on my radar.

So, if you're still reading, here's the deal: I will only take on leader material. We don't want to waste each other's time. You must have some killer people skills, management experience, project successes, and have proven creative thinking.

The 5-week program fee is $1,700 if you break it into two payments and $1,600 if you pay in full. This is non-refundable, and I do accept credit cards. Once you start - you need to complete. I'm fanatical about follow-through.

If interested, you must e-mail either a resume or a couple of paragraphs outlining your military highlights (include standout accomplishments) and also indicate if you have a particular career path interest.

If I feel we'd be a good match, I'll ask for a brief telephone interview. If that goes well, we're off and running as soon as payment is made and agreement signed.

I'm including below a few of my credentials regarding military involvements to hopefully make you feel a bit more comfortable, but if you have questions, feel free to shoot them to me at mary@marykurek.com

Member in good standing of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. Founder of the Havelock Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. Founding member of the Allies in Defense of Cherry Point. Volunteer Publicist for Cycling Team, Wounded Warrior Battalion East. Photo here