Designed to provide support, encouragement and guidance to our veterans as they search for and begin employment in the private sector.

ConnectVETS mentors are selected based on their understanding of the hiring, training and supervisory aspects of private sector employment. Our mentoring program is intended to support each veteran not only in securing employment, but also in achieving maximum success through the first three to six months on the job. Thus, ConnectVETS mentors are asked to commit to the program for twelve consecutive months, allowing no less than two hours per month to work one-on-one with their paired veteran.

Throughout the program, mentors work with veterans to help overcome the unique challenges faced during the transition from military to civilian life. Communication is one common example: through their military service many veterans naturally come to use military jargon in their daily speech. Our mentors work with veterans to shift from military jargon to vocabulary that is more business-appropriate.

We also focus on developing interview skills, specifically helping veterans translate how their skills, training and education are applicable to the skills required for a job in the private sector.

As the relationship develops, veterans will define their employment goals. With the benefit of their professional experience, our mentors help each veteran assess whether these goals are realistic, and develop a plan to achieve those that are. This plan will set out a course of action with accountability and follow-through on the part of the veteran.

If significant skill gaps are identified, programs and resources will be identified to provide training and education to fill in these gaps.

Mentors are encouraged to continue working with each veteran through the first three to six months after employment to help navigate the “on-board” experience and maximize success.

• To volunteer to be a ConnectVETS mentor, please click here.
• If you are a veteran and would like apply to work with a ConnectVETS mentor, please click here.