TDNet Discover

This qualitative study examines how Post-9/11 veterans experience career transitions during an 11-week program from Elite 9 Talent Solutions. Many of these veterans, who have served long deployments and faced asymmetric warfare, have a 4.74% employment gap compared to civilians, highlighting ongoing challenges in their transitions. Researchers collected data through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, focusing on three main parts of the program: personality assessments for career fit, translating military skills to civilian jobs, and structured mentorship. Unlike earlier studies that mainly measured employment numbers, this research highlights veterans’ personal experiences with identity changes, adapting to new cultures, and finding meaning during their transitions. The findings show that long-term employment success depends more on well-rounded support that helps veterans grow personally and professionally, rather than just on job placement. The study uses theories like Career Construction, Social Cognitive Career Theory, Social Support, and Symbolic Interactionism to better understand these transitions. These findings can help shape national workforce policies, guide corporate HR strategies, and improve how organizations support and retain veterans. The study also offers practical, evidence-based suggestions to strengthen career programs, improve hiring, and inform workforce policies.