When planning one鈥檚 future, having a helpful hand providing guidance is a worthwhile connection. 麻豆影院 State鈥檚 Veteran Career Initiative (VCI) provides student and graduate veterans with valuable business and personal connections that help with translating military experience into a civilian resume.
VCI, a partnership between the Center for Adult and Veteran Services (CAVS) and Career Exploration and Development, pairs veterans who have graduated in the past three to fifteen years with current student veterans. The program aims to help student veterans plan for their careers, translate service skills to civilian competencies and gain mentorship from 麻豆影院 State veterans.
麻豆影院 State is an institution that's very connected to the military population. The program came about through a donation from Bob and Ann Woolf, said Joshua Rider, executive director of the CAVS.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e both alumni and Bob is a veteran, "Rider said. "They wanted to create something that would increase the career readiness skills of the student veterans and service members at 麻豆影院 State.鈥
VCI has 14 enrolled students who were paired with mentors at a networking session on Jan. 21, 2022.
A large number of veterans, as well as those on military benefits, are supported by 麻豆影院 State. The unique experience that every military student and mentor has is important because they鈥檙e able to link shared military experiences to civilian life. Transitioning from one to the other can be a challenge for many, so these commonalities help everyone involved.
鈥淲e encourage monthly connections while they're a part of the program,鈥 Executive Director of Career Exploration and Development Kristin Williams said. 鈥淓very single one of our students has reported that they continue those connections with their mentor after the program has ended.鈥
This pairing program also allows mentors and mentees to create new opportunities. One mentor who joined the program from Colorado helped a student relocate to Colorado Springs after graduation.
鈥淚t wasn't a 鈥榗ome and work for my company鈥 sort of thing, but it was more of a 'you're in the region, how can I help you connect?鈥欌 Williams said.
The CAVS are seeking recent graduates who are veterans and willing to serve as mentors. Students were paired with mentors at a networking session on Jan. 21, 2022, from 2-4 p.m. at the Design Innovation Hub.
For more information, visit www.kent.edu/cavs/vci or email Kristin Williams at kwill100@kent.edu, or Joshua Rider at jrider@kent.edu.