Veteran Transition Advocate Magazine (VTAM) Interviews Tim Stuart

VTAM recently had the opportunity to talk with CW3 Tim Stuart a US Army Chinook Pilot.

Tim is an Aviation Safety Officer that is currently on transition leave, 4 months from official retirement. He is participating in a 12-week “skillbridge” program with Tesla as a Military Fellow, in Logistics Project Management.

Tim has spent 25 years, 4 months, and 13 days on Active Duty.

He was an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Aviator, and prior to that, he spent 15 years enlisted as a 19D Cavalry Scout and 19Z Armor Senior Sergeant (1SG/E8).

VTAM: What was your path to civilian employment, and how did you get into your prior career?

Tim believes that currently, DOD programs are much better than what existed for prior generations of service members, because of the lucky timing of my current service I was able to take advantage of DOD-sponsored programs that allow Active Duty and Reserve service members to “train with industry” prior to official discharge, the end goal of the programs is to ensure all service members have meaningful employment post service.

We asked Tim about Mentorship.

Tim: Mentorship is one of the core tasks required of an effective leader. We have a moral obligation as leaders to train and develop our subordinates to replace us. We also have a moral obligation to identify talent and ensure the best of the best are afforded the opportunities they want so the organization can thrive.

VTAM: Do you believe in building a network, and from where?

Tim: Our network is our net worth. Less than 10% of resumes submitted to job postings end in employment for job seekers. Relationships are the key to any successful endeavor.

VTAM: What Obstacles did you face? Personally, and professionally

“Starting over” professionally, and having to re-prove my value to an organization, have been the biggest obstacles I have faced professionally. With every career change, there must be expectation management from the individual. That is why a network is invaluable, having people that can vouch for your character and abilities, will get you an interview and leverage to not have to continuously start over at the “bottom” with every career change.

VTAM: Should you seek higher education?

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