“Finding a job after military service isn’t just about employment, it’s about rediscovering who you are.” —Brian Papakie, HOPE’s Director of Transition Services & Life Roles
As we prepare for National Hire a Veteran Day this July, Hope For The Warriors is shining a spotlight on the transformative Warriors Compass program that HOPE offers.
In the latest episode of the Hope For The Warriors Podcast, host Kate Dudley sits down with Brian Papakie and Kristy Warren, two dedicated voices helping veterans, military spouses, and caregivers navigate one of life’s most critical transitions: moving from military service to civilian employment.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking a new purpose, a spouse looking to reenter the workforce, or an employer hoping to hire military talent, this conversation offers real-world insights and practical tools to get you there.
What Is Warrior’s Compass?
- Personalized career coaching
- Resume writing & interview prep
- Employer connections
- Emotional support & peer mentorship
“We’re not just helping people find jobs—we’re helping them find their identity outside the uniform,” Kristy Warren, Career Transition Manage/Scholarship Program Manager.
Built on lived experience and professional expertise, Warrior’s Compass uses a holistic approach to help clients set goals, build confidence, and align their military skills with meaningful careers.
Why Veteran Transition Is So Difficult
After 24 years in the Marine Corps, Brian knows the road to civilian life isn’t a straight one. “No one teaches you how to reintegrate,” he shared. “You go from a tight-knit military culture to suddenly navigating a new world alone.”
For spouses, the shift is just as jarring. Kristy knows first-hand. “I went from base housing to a new city thinking, ‘How do I make friends? How do I fit in?’”
The loss of identity, routine, and community often leads to anxiety and underemployment, especially when employers don’t understand how to interpret military experience.
Translating Military Experience Into Civilian Careers
Through tools like JobScan and career change matchers, the Warrior’s Compass team helps veterans identify transferable skills like:
- Leadership
- Team building
- Project management
- Administrative expertise
- Logistics & operations
“Even a Machine Gunner has valuable skills that fit into roles like management or supply chain,” Kristy emphasized.
Networking: The #1 Secret to Landing a Job
📉 70% of jobs are found through networking, not job boards.
That’s why Warrior’s Compass places heavy focus on:
- LinkedIn optimization
- Career fairs (in-person & virtual)
- Quarterly employer webinars with companies like Amazon, SourceAmerica, and Navy Federal
“Finding a job is like dating,” Kristy joked. “You put yourself out there. You’ll face rejection. But the right match is worth the effort.”
The Power of Community: A Real Client Story
One of the most powerful stories from the podcast was about a Navy veteran facing addiction, unemployment, and near-homelessness.
After rehab, he was denied re-employment, but HOPE stepped in. “We paid his mortgage and car payment, helped him prep for interviews, and today, he’s thriving in peer support, helping others just like him,” Kate shared.
This is the power of a whole-person approach. HOPE’s intake team, critical needs assistance, career services, and wellbeing support all work together to help veterans rebuild their lives.
Employers: What You Need to Know
“Veterans bring unmatched adaptability, leadership, and grit,” Brian emphasized. Yet, many employers misunderstand their resumes, or worse, overlook them entirely. “Retention is also an issue,” Kristy added. “Veterans leave jobs early if their roles lack meaning or alignment with their values.”
That’s why Warrior’s Compass collaborates with companies to:
- Build veteran hiring pages
- Host virtual info sessions
- Educate hiring managers
- Create internal support systems
And let’s not forget about military spouses, whose unemployment rate hovers at 20–25%, nearly 5x the national average. Despite being highly educated and experienced, many military spouses face unique challenges like frequent relocations, resume gaps, and the need for flexible or remote work environments.
To support this underserved population, Hope For The Warriors offers a Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program, empowering recipients to pursue higher education and professional development. Applications for Spring Semester scholarships open this fall, offering an incredible opportunity for spouses and caregivers to advance their careers and find renewed purpose.
For Veterans, Spouses & Employers: How to Get Involved
📅 Veterans or military spouses:
Connect to Services on our website.
🚀 Employers or community partners:
Email warriorscompass@hopeforthewarriors.org to:
- Join our workshop series
- Learn best practices
- Find qualified candidates
📆 Register for our next career transition webinar:
Robert Half | August 14
Watch below to catch up on the first webinar of the series:
Final Thoughts: HOPE Is the Bridge
This National Hire a Veteran Day, remember:
💡 It’s not about checking a box. It’s about opening a door.
Whether you’re seeking employment or offering it, Hope For The Warriors is here to help.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode and take the first step toward building something new.
Because at HOPE, we don’t just talk about transition; we walk it with you.
