Hear From Past Participants

photos courtesy of Scott Breshears

What the military does extremely well is to define a mission and outline the steps required to accomplish that mission. This is significantly different in the civilian world, where you are solely responsible for defining your future and planning the steps required to accomplish it. In theory this doesn’t seem so difficult, but over the years you have been in the military, the professional world has changed, both in the scope and requirements of professions. What the Veterans Imagination Project can do for you is to provide space, resources, networking, and guidance to develop a plan to define and attain your desired profession. You will closely examine prospective professions to determine what being in that profession is really like. You will also learn skills for analyzing current forces and trends in your chosen field, so you will have the ability to create a professional path that puts you ahead of the field, not where it was when you started. Success is defined by preparation, and that is exactly what this class will offer you: proper preparation for your future success. Whether you know what you want to do or don’t have a clue, every veteran can benefit from taking this class.”

Scott Breshears, U.S. Marine Corps, 2015-2020
Photos courtesy of Erik Villegas

As a recently transitioned veteran, you face several significant lifestyle changes and must make pivotal life decisions. The military attempts to prepare active-duty service members with transitional programs before their end of service, though if you’re like me, you’ll undergo personal changes between active duty and when you’re taking the first steps toward your newly chosen career path. The Veterans Imagination Project encourages participants to be proactive in achieving their educational, career, and life goals. The class’s approach is unlike any other and is designed to be unique to each veteran’s chosen career field, motivating them to plan for the future by introducing new ways of thinking and planning. VIP can offer all veterans new and useful tools, and networking opportunities, without interfering with their already busy schedules.”

Erik Villegas, U.S. Marine Corps, 2015-2020
Photos courtesy of Bob Beard

The transition from military service to the civilian workplace is rife with possibility, but navigating this broad and undefined space can be daunting. Inviting veterans to think deeply about the future and imagine their place in it is a vital step in developing a post-service identity, and it sets the stage for a fulfilling and rewarding career.”

Bob Beard U.S. Marine Corps, 1995-1999