Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so. - Noam Chomsky
VetsinTech team at the White House. Thanks for sharing Craig.
Two weeks ago I was invited to the White House’s workshop on Veterans Entrepreneurship. Including White house staff, there were 90 people who worked together in this workshop. We were all gathered on the edge of what’s possible for transitioning Veterans.
Participants included non-profits, government organizations, private companies and public companies. As readers of this blog know, I have been involved in bridging the gap between technical military veterans and the tech sector through Incline which is now the New York City chapter of VetsinTech.
I didn’t know what to expect but I was excited to be welcomed beyond the White House gates. Upon arrival, we were assigned to one of 9 tables with different topics. I was part of the ‘Tech entrepreneurship’ table, our goal was to brainstorm all of the issues we felt Veterans were still facing in this area.
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Veterans Day one year later
Last December I was invited by Tech Cocktail and Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project in Las Vegas to share some thoughts about Veterans, education, and the future. I wanted to share this talk today, on Veterans Day, because the answers still ring true.
What hasn’t changed:
1) There is a demand for skills-based talent in the Tech Sector that reflects a lack of relevant education not a lack of motivation to learn.
2) There is a large gap for transitioning military veterans who leave the service. They have the skills but not the know-how on how to sell it into the marketplace.
3) The marketplace is still slow to adopt their processes to accept non-traditional educational backgrounds - both military service and non-credentialed education.
4) “Just-in-time training” will only become more important as educational institutions fail to build skillsets that the market demands.
5) I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to work with military veterans. The Americans who choose to serve in harms way for the great good are heroes. The families who support them on that journey are too.
What has changed:
1) The tech sector is recognizing the natural leadership abilities and strong skill sets of military veterans and working to recruit them. Hat tip to Hirepurpose and Microsoft.
2) The mission at Incline, build a bridge between returning veterans and the technology industry, has found a new home. We joined forces with SF-based Vets In Tech to launch six new chapters: New York, DC, Austin, San Diego, Seattle, and Portland. We’re working with ViT to deliver opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship within the technology sector.
3) The NYC organization WeAreNYTech is honoring Veterans this November by profiling NYC Tech community members who have US military service. If you know someone who fits that criteria, encourage them to sign up. You can help support others by sharing the stories of those who’ve made the transition.
Today, we remember those we’ve lost, those on active duty and those who have come back. We’ve lost a lot of amazing men and women on the battlefield, let’s make sure those who return are not also lost.
Get involved:
- If you work in technology, subscribe to the ViT newsletter to find out about upcoming opportunities to teach, mentor or hack alongside military veterans looking to join the tech community.
- Even if you’re not in tech, you can volunteer through Give An Hour. Sharing one hour might just change your life.
Thank you to all who have served and are bravely serving today.
Thank you to my Grandfathers and Father who have served in the US military. Thank you to my younger Brother who is starting active duty now. Thank you to the spouses, parents and families who support them in their service. You’ve all inspired me to find ways to serve those who’ve served. I’m grateful to all who’ve put their lives on the line to protect my freedom. Thank you.
Happy Veterans Day.