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As a retired Army veteran and soon to be college graduate at the age of 51.

Veteran

Bryant Thomas Edgewood, MD

With a Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain and Logistics Management; how do I find a mentor in my area of Edgewood, Maryland 21040 to assist me in obtaining a new career?

9 September 2013 7 replies Leadership & Management

Answers

Advisor

John Stevens Middletown, MD

Bryant,

I know a good many retires at Edgewood and APG. One specializes in mentoring veterans like yourself. I'll send you my contact info privately.

Thanks - John

17 September 2013 Helpful answer

Advisor

Loretta Carter Sugar Land, TX

Hi Bryant,

I work with supply chain for HCA and we have a large consolidated supply center in Richmond, Virginia. I don't know if they are looking right now, but if you are interested, send me your resume. I will send it to the right people. You can email me at loretta.carter@parallon.com.

Thanks,
Loretta Carter

17 September 2013 Helpful answer

Advisor

Carol Lindberg San Diego, CA

To achieve success in the Supply Chain sector, or any sector for that matter, mentorship can play an important role. However, it is vital to approach your search for someone to guide you in the right way, to make a good impression from the outset. Many people hesitate before getting in touch with a potential mentor, because they do not wish to appear desperate. Here are three key tips that will help you to find a great mentor, and make the most of what they can teach you.

Instead of Seeking Them out, Allow Yourself to be Found

Often, good mentoring occurs without any official arrangement. Therefore, rather than requesting mentorship, it is best to follow what a potential mentor does - and be positive and helpful. Show them how capable you are. Comment on their blog posts in a constructive manner, retweet their content, begin a LinkedIn discussion referring to their post, send new business or customers to them, share their work with others on social media, and so on. Essentially, you should use your original opinions, experiences, resources and perspective to promote the conversation and action that these thought leaders have generated. Realize that you can assist them, then get out there and prove it.

See Things From Your Mentor's Point of View

If you want to receive help from someone, start thinking like them. Consider what qualities you would look for in someone, if you were in their position and were approached for advice. From that observation, you will be able to develop the type of personality traits and communication skills that would make others want to support you.

Improve Communication Skills Resource: http://acuonline.acu.edu/resources/ohrd/ohrd-infographics/communication-between-men-and-women-in-the-workplace

Don't Forget Your Peers

Finally, it is crucial to take a positive attitude towards those who are at the same stage of their career as you. The guy sitting opposite you in your university seminar, or first job, might be the person who hires you a few years down the line. It is a small world, so striking a rapport with as many people as possible can only be a good thing.

Advisor

Paul Quinn Naperville, IL

Get involved with your local APICS chapter. This will provide invaluable networking opportunities with individuals already working in supply chain and operations functions.

In addition, I echo the comments made previously regarding professional certifications. They do give you an advantage over other candidates. Specifically, I would recommend those sponsored by organizations such as APICS and ISM.

Finally, I'd suggest conducting some research on "product-oriented" companies that are expanding and looking to support that growth with great people. For example, AMAZON would be looking for someone like you.

Good luck!

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

* What are your career goals?

* Make extensive use to the edge of excess of your college's career development resources - the career planning center, alumni networks, alumni clubs, access to teachers and staff, mock-interviews, etc.

Given your interest in Operations and Supply Chain Management, I think this information will be helpful to you:

* Learn about the PMP and CAPM certifications of PMI.org, and the supply and logistics related certifications of apics.org.

* The PMP, CAPM and other certifications are offered remotely 100% free (no GI Bill) at VCTP Syracuse. The next deadline for guided-track admission is Nov. 25, 2013. Definitely learn about it soon. These certifications have real value in the civilian world and you should learn about them.

see:
http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/

A PMP Checklist For Veterans: "How to Learn More About the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification"
https://acp-advisornet.org/question/927/a-checklist-for-veterans-how-to-learn-more-about-the-project-management-professional-pmp-cert./p1

* apics.org also offers certifications related to logistics and supply chain that you should learn about.

* Learn extensively about PMI.org . APICS.org and ISM.ws.
Find local chapters, reach out, attend meetings, request a mentor, network and meet people, volunteer, get involved. I believe these sorts of professional organizations and certifications can serve a useful role in helping Veterans integrate successfully into the civilian workforce.

Veteran

Terry Harper Broken Arrow, OK

I just wanted to say thanks for your service and congratulations on your graduation. Those are major accomplishments and best wishes to you.

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Bryant,

Congratulations on the graduation and retirement and thank you for your service.

I recommend considering various forms of mentoring - local, remote (phone, email, etc.), one-on-one, one to -many, etc.

A few resources for mentorship:
http://acp-usa.org/Mentoring_Program
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Veteran-Mentor-Network-4466143/about

I'd also reach out to individuals you know at L3 Communications and ask for their advice and mentoring.

Given your interest in Supply Chain and Logistics, I also recommend researching certifications that may enhance your resume and career. The Veterans Career Transition Program at Syracuse offers guidance, training and certifications 100% free to post 9/11 Veterans. You might be a good candidate for the PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM certifications, as well as other certifications.
https://acp-advisornet.org/question/927/a-checklist-for-veterans-how-to-learn-more-about-the-project-management-professional-pmp-cert./p1

http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/

Your local PMI chapter may be able to provide a mentor:
http://www.pmibaltimore.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=129

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