Tim Hart ⋅ U.S. Air Force, Major ⋅ 20 years served

Hi Jared,
My approach may be somewhat unconventional but it really helped me and takes a mentoree through an important self assessment process that prepares them for the corporate world. I think this process helped me because I did not have a readily translatable career field, although many of the things I learned as a USAF officer were highly valued in the corporate world - I just didn't know it yet. Here's the plan:
1. Have them compile all their accomplishments in one place - medals/citations, performance reports, commenations, job descriptions -- and then have them concisely summarize (write) these accomplishements in very simple, laymens language which describes: what they did, how they did it (teams/technologies/leadership skills/training), field conditions when they did it, results, and how they grew from it (lessons learned). This should fit into several paragraphs but no more than a single page. Emphasize "laymens terms" -- no military jargon at all, or define the jargon. This is a great first step for them because it helps them see the vast experience they have, and they concisely articulate it at an time in their life when doubts about compatibility or value in civilian life may affecting them.
2. From this page of notes, have them develop their own "success stories". Key: when completed they should be able to verbally describe from memory key episodes from their military experience (including the what, how, conditions, results, lessons learned) that convey the most valuable and cherished memories from a personal perspective. I think this was critically important during my own transition, and I've seen how this exercise helps vet's I've counseled. These short stories help them gain confidence in themselves, clarify and highlight the uniqueness of their character, service, and experience, and it prepares them to talk about themselves to a non-military forum in a way that's comfortable, confident, and understandable.
Good luck

Sean Butler ⋅ Keller, TX Thought Ensemble ⋅ 6 years experience

Jared,

What was extremely beneficial to me was having the mentor set up a "take your protoge to work day". He was able to get me to meet people in his organization who worked in various roles related to what I wanted to do and spend time meeting with them, as well as an executive and a person from HR. Of course his/her working conditions may not allow this, but in our case it worked and I think it was a very valuable experience.

Sean

Paula P. ⋅ Gaithersburg, MD IBM ⋅ 12 years experience

Don't forget to celebrate your successes. A mentor once told me to "keep track of my achievements because no one else would" and I've found that to be true. Even the best manager can't keep track of all that you do, so help them to help you by keeping track of your accomplishments and review them with your mentor to see how they might be further exploited as learning experiences.

Sid Goodfriend ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 25 years experience

Jared: Hi, If you haven't done so, I would suggest that you develop a game plan as to what you would like to achieve through your mentorship. ACP Resource section provides a Career Assessment Questionnaire and a sample of a year long game plan. I would complete this with your Mentor and see if the two of you can agree on a plan.

Sarah Mandell ⋅ Pittsburgh, PA formerly with IBM ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Jared, I would follow Kamran's advice about interviewing your mentor. This gives you practice in asking questions/seeking clarification as well as getting to know your mentor better. My protege is long distance so a day at the office isn't possible...but you can follow your mentor's company on the internet, via LinkiedIn, etc. This gives you something to talk about and helps imerse you in the business world. Please let em know if I can be of any further help.