MSEJ June 2015 | Page 10

VETERAN SUCCESS STORY

Did you know CASY was named best in class by the Call of Duty Endowment?

Congratulations, Kathy M., one of CASY & MSCCN's Newest Employment Specialists!

Hiring Challenge: My hiring challenge was getting out of my own way and back into the workforce. I had to reposition my thoughts and regain the confidence of returning to the workplace. I had isolated myself and created a mental barrier in my job search. I had begun to question my skill resulting from a termination so I had a lot of emotional healing to complete before I went to any interview.

Assistance Received: The assistance I received was mentoring, coaching, counseling, and cheerleading when I needed it the most.

I began to volunteer mentoring and coaching homeless veteran women back into the workplace. This volunteer time helped me to resolve who moved my cheese. I made a decision that I would not allow setback to define me any longer. I was forced out of my comfort zone which led me to get up every day; reconnected and connecting by doing something toward my job search. The volunteer position led me to two part time positions. This position forced me to network, attention job fairs, meet and greet employer, hiring managers and veterans at job fairs. This was done when I wanted a job myself and the coaching and counseling helped me to process the difficult setback while advocating for others veterans. The position I have at CASY was a result of a recommendations from my supervisor who assisted me in finding a more fulfilling position.

Result of Assistance: I was referred by someone who knew me and my work ethic. I applied and was offered the position. I’m feeling fulfilled in assisting service members, veterans’ dependents and caregivers in their employment search and career path. I’m developing and giving back to those that served in a tangible way.

Value of Experience: Thomas Alva Edison once said “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” This process helped me to be able to demonstrate what I have successfully done for others in the workplace.