Are you a veteran looking for a career in higher education? Finding a trusted mentor has a variety of benefits. A mentor can help your professional development by asking thoughtful questions, provide guidance, and offer a different perspective that expands intellect. A mentor is usually someone who has been in their particular field or industry for a long period of time and is considered an expert. If you want to learn more about an industry or secure employment in a specific field, a mentor in that field can be a game changer.

Benefits of a Mentor in Higher Education

A mentor in the field of higher education can be instrumental in networking and introducing you to people who are good to know and with whom you may have common interests. If you're interested in teaching, a professor can provide expertise in engaging students, asking thought-provoking questions, and offering career advice specifically on teaching at the college level. If administration is the goal, a mentor who is a dean or college president could offer suggestions on policies and incorporating a long-term strategic plan towards an administrative position.

Throughout your college career, a mentor can help refine your vision of what you plan to do with your degree. Your mentor can suggest alternatives or point out obstacles you may not have considered. Your mentor can also relate to personal experiences and offer solutions that can be helpful. One of the best parts of having a mentor is networking. When you develop a relationship with a mentor, they get to know you, your personality, and the way you think and interact. Your mentor can then introduce you to others who may open a door to a new position, interview opportunities, and link to others in your field, expanding your vision and possibilities.

Mentors Help Navigate from Military Service to Civilian Career

In the field of higher education, a mentor is almost vital to success, especially for veterans. Those of us with a full military career behind us are stepping into a new direction. The military mindset is hard to leave behind when entering the private sector for school and work. Many veterans are working through college online during their military career, plus completing military training, and caring for a family. We learned to adapt to a way of life that is always on the go and always meeting the next challenge head on. A mentor in a specific industry or career field can help bridge the gap between military service and a civilian career.

Learning how to carry your military experience into your next career in a positive resourceful way is where a mentor can provide guidance and the benefit of experience. A veteran with 20 years of military service usually doesn't want to start at an entry level position and work their way up again. We need mentors who can help us navigate the learning curve in a way that leads to a much better position. Veterans working in higher education can be positive role models for other veterans who want a career in higher education, whether faculty or administration.

Personal Experience with a Mentor

One of the best things I did during and after finishing my doctorate was connect with a mentor.

In the last few months of completing my doctorate, I knew I needed a mentor who could help me navigate through the next phase of my career. I connected with a mentor through the American Corporate Partners Mentoring Program. The ACP mentoring program connects post 9/11 veterans or spouses with a customized mentor toward long-term career goals. ACP mentors can assist with resumes, long-term goals, work-life balance, and networking. The program is designed to match mentees with subject matter experts who can help guide, encourage, and develop a successful path in a career outside the military.

As someone who spent 20 years in the military, I knew it would be difficult to navigate through the hiring process and transition to a civilian career. I also wanted to pivot to an entirely new field of work, which is difficult without networking and the benefit of experience that others can share. My mentor through the program also provides a source of accountability, in the sense that she reminds me of my strengths and goals, plus helps me stay on task in preparation for our next meeting.

For 20 years of military service, my career path was planned and executed through the military's training programs. Now, my career path is up to me, what I want to do, and how well I execute my plan. Having a mentor is helping me set up a second rewarding career. The best part is I can volunteer as mentor and share my experiences with others as they journey on their path to success.

For Staff, Faculty, and Leadership in Higher Ed

Some things to consider when developing or enhancing a mentor program for veterans: Does your college or university include a mentorship program specifically for veterans? Does your already established mentorship program have an understanding of the military community so they can serve better as mentors? Do you encourage your staff and faculty to volunteer to mentor veterans and provide knowledge and expertise in ways that help make a positive impact? Mentoring others allows you to share a wealth of information and guide them on the path to success. Effective mentoring may lead to better graduation rates, better career placement, better alumni engagement, and better retention for your military-affiliated students.

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Working as a Veteran in HigherEd

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