Season 3, Episode 12: Don’t Stop Believing

How Veterans can leverage military skills to build networks and navigate civilian careers.

To the Veterans who never stopped believing — in themselves, in their brothers and sisters, and in the future. We’ve all been those “streetlights, people, livin’ just to find emotion, hidin’ somewhere in the…” well, usually the VFW or the local dive bar. May we carry the skills we earned in service into every new mission, building bridges, networks, and opportunities. Here’s to resilience, camaraderie, and never giving up on the journey ahead. Cheers!

This episode of The Common Veterans is brought to you by Mission: Communicate, a Veteran-owned marketing company that helps businesses and nonprofits share their story, and by Winter Oak Studios, founded by T.C. Miller, author of BlackStar Ops, with our own Jeff Schrock contributing as co-author. Their support keeps this conversation alive.

Veterans leave the service with powerful skills — leadership, discipline, adaptability, and teamwork — that translate directly into civilian careers. The real challenge is confidence: learning how to own your background, not downplay it. Many of us have seen how quick decision-making, problem solving, and grit gave us an edge in the civilian workplace. These qualities don’t just fade when the uniform comes off.

But resumes alone aren’t enough. Networking is what opens doors. For many Veterans, this can feel uncomfortable — the fear of being misunderstood or stigmatized is real. Too often, companies say they’re “Veteran Friendly” when really what we need are organizations that are “Veteran Ready.” Veteran Friendly means the welcome mat is out. Veteran Ready means there’s a real plan: mentorship, resources, and pathways for growth. The difference is everything.

LinkedIn is a great place to start. Build a profile that translates military service into civilian terms and join Veteran-specific groups to expand your circle. Local networking apps like Nextdoor can also open doors to jobs, services, and visibility for Veteran-owned businesses. Private communities matter too — FreedomSystem.org’s social site (currently on Facebook, soon moving to our website) offers a safe Veteran-only space. Platforms like Together We Served help you reconnect with old comrades and form new bonds. These networks work best when we don’t just log in, but actively show up and participate.

Navigating the civilian career landscape also requires strategy. Informational interviews are a great way to learn about industries before committing. Mentorship is huge. Every Veteran benefits from both having a mentor and becoming one. Research organizations before interviews, tailor your cover letters, and don’t forget to follow up. Balance humility with confidence — don’t minimize your value, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Pride comes before the fall.

And when it comes to mental health, remember that help isn’t limited to the VA. Programs like H.A.P.P.Y. provide independent psychological support without the red tape. Sometimes what we need most is someone outside the system who understands the challenges we face.

Stories like John Burk’s remind us that refusing to give up and continuing to network can lead to meaningful civilian careers. Our tenacity and resilience carry us through, proving we never stop believing in ourselves or in each other.

So here’s your call to action: reach out to IN Vets or similar organizations that focus on Veteran employment, and take a moment this week to update your LinkedIn profile. You already have the skills — it’s time to share them with the world.

We are The Common Veterans — and we don’t stop believing.

Next time, join us for Episode 13: Veterans in Entrepreneurship, where we highlight Veterans like Ty Bancroft and John Burk who’ve built their own businesses, and share tips to help you succeed as a Vet-preneur.