In this insightful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn and Mark sit down
with Kimberly Hessler, a dedicated Training Manager with over 30 years
of experience supporting the military and veteran community. Kimberly is
a military spouse, career coach, and founder of the First Family
Support Center in Colorado Springs, where she facilitated the Transition
Assistance Program (TAP) for 20 years. Her mission is to help veterans
and military spouses overcome barriers to career success, navigate
transitions, and build strong professional networks.
🔥 Key Topics Covered in the Episode:
✅ Challenges Facing Military Spouses:
Kimberly
addresses the struggles military spouses face, including 30%
unemployment rates post-pandemic. She offers advice on overcoming these
challenges through certifications, networking, and involvement in
professional organizations.
✅ The Importance of Networking:
Learn
about the success of First Fridays, a cybersecurity-focused networking
event in Colorado Springs, and the Veterans Beer Club, which connects
veterans and spouses to career opportunities in an informal setting.
Kimberly highlights how these initiatives foster a sense of community
and support.
✅ Certifications vs. Degrees:
Kimberly breaks down
the difference between certifications and degrees. Certifications, like
Security+ (Sec+), are key for landing jobs, while degrees impact
long-term earning potential. She also emphasizes the Army COOL program,
which offers free certification opportunities to active-duty military
members.
✅ Professional Associations and Mentorship:
Kimberly
explains the benefits of joining organizations like ISSA (Information
Systems Security Association), including access to free resources like
test prep, mentoring programs, and symposiums. She encourages military
members and spouses to stay active in these communities for career
growth.
✅ Soft Skills and Salesmanship:
Discover how Kimberly
teaches veterans and transitioning service members to build confidence,
communicate effectively, and showcase their skills in interviews and
networking events. She provides practical tips for introverts and
extroverts alike.
✅ Building Supportive Communities:
Kimberly
highlights the incredible support network available in Colorado Springs
for veterans and military families, emphasizing the importance of
community involvement and starting similar initiatives in other regions.
✅ Veterans Beer Club:
Learn
how this unique group connects veterans and military spouses with
employers and career mentors over informal gatherings, promoting
camaraderie and job opportunities.
📌 Action Items for Viewers:
- Explore virtual networking events for cybersecurity professionals to broaden accessibility.
- Investigate starting a Veterans Beer Club chapter in your community.
- Encourage active-duty military members to leverage free certification programs like COOL to prepare for post-service careers.
- Support initiatives like Hire Military and American Corporate Partners (ACP) to empower veterans and military spouses.
💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you attended a Veterans Beer Club or
First Fridays event? What certifications or resources helped you during
your transition? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments
below!
📢 Don’t Forget to Subscribe:
Stay connected with VET
S.O.S. for more episodes packed with actionable advice, success stories,
and valuable resources to support the military community. Hit the
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#MilitaryTransition
#Veterans #CareerDevelopment #Networking #MilitarySpouses #VETSOS
#CybersecurityCareers #VeteranSupport #CommunityBuilding #Certifications
