TANGOALPHA3 IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE A NEW CONTENT SERIES FOCUSED ON HIGHLIGHTING THE MANY EXCELLENT VETERANS WE’VE ASSISTED IN FINDING JOB PLACEMENTS.
The Veteran Spotlight series is a chance for us to catch up with our community of veteran talent. We discuss things like how their current job placement is going, what it was like while on the job hunt, as well as any challenges they may have faced while transitioning from the military to the private sector. In the end, it’s a great way to highlight excellent people and provide an inside vantage point into some of the services we provide and industries we serve.
We recently sat down with Kristen to catch up and ask her about her experience on the job hunt and what it’s been like since she started working with us as a Recruiting Consultant.
Kristen Williams
Kristen served as a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy starting in 2006, and continued to serve the military in some capacity until 2017. It is hard to imagine a profession that better trains humans to care for other humans than the military does a Hospital Corpsman, so Kristen was the perfect fit to run TangoAlpha3’s VetRaaS (Veteran Recruiting as a Service) initiative when the offering matured earlier this year. Kristen epitomizes our philosophy that a business has the wherewithal to train in their industry and there is no better building block than a military veteran.
What is a typical day at work like for you?
There are no typical days. Part of the challenge and excitement with recruiting is that every day is different.
Did you face any challenges when you first transitioned from the military into the private sector?
I faced several! I had so many skills, so much training, practical knowledge and I had the hardest time transferring that into a career. So much so, that at one point we were homeless. I loved working in the healthcare industry but civilian employers didn’t recognize or understand everything that a Hospital Corpsman could do.
What was your initial job search experience like?
To sum it up in one word: frustrating. In addition to being a veteran, I was a new mom and divorcee. I had no time or energy to go back to school, in that moment. That initial job search was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done to date, but it definitely helps me be a better recruiter.
How has your military training and experience helped you in the private sector?
The Hospital Corps is the most highly decorated enlisted corps in the Navy for a reason! I learned to be patient, kind, persistent and professional. I learned to advocate for those in my care and to learn from the front (set a good example). Most importantly my NCOs instilled in me to take pride in my work and execute to the best of my ability every single time.
What advice would you give to transitioning veterans looking for their first job after leaving the military?
Research everything! At least one year prior to your EAS, start researching the job market, calculate how much money you’ll need to meet your obligations and save as much as possible. It will probably take longer than you imagine to get that new job. Pursue any relevant civilian certifications prior to getting out. Use ALL of your resources and don’t be apprehensive about asking for help. Consider staying in the reserves for a little while to help you transition. That way you can build a community
What has your experience been like working with TangoAlpha3?
Working with TA3 has been equally rewarding and challenging. As we navigate through these unprecedented times, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to offer support, resources, and most importantly career opportunities to my fellow veterans. We are a uniquely resilient, highly trained and capable population. Any time that I can help an employer see the value in hiring veterans I get so excited. I’m passionate about this work and look forward to continued growth as the job market begins to recover.
