Mission Next : Successfully Transitioning from the Military to the Civilian Workforce

Transitioning service members should read Mission Next because it will increase their chances at achieving a smooth transition and finding a job that fits. It's a resource that covers every aspect of the transition from the military to the civilian workforce. Mission Next provides checklists and tips to make the journey easier. It also uses plain English to explain complicated concepts, such as civilian pay and benefits, so service members can make informed decisions about their civilian employment options.

When we talked to veterans about their transition, they commented, "It's like I was the first person to ever leave." Joining the service is easy. Leaving is a whole lot harder. During their first year, service members spend months learning their first military occupational skill - and spend years refining and expanding those skills. Becoming an expert doesn't happen overnight; it takes time and hard work. This next transition requires a similar level of dedication and commitment.

Close to 65% of active-duty veterans leave their first civilian jobs within 24 months. Our research showed that veterans leave because they struggle to conform to the culture of their organization and simply abandon their new civilian job. Mission Next will help transitioning service members avoid being part of that statistic.

Mission Next will help transitioning service members rediscover who they are, write a resume that civilians can understand, find a job that fits, and learn how to operate in this new civilian work environment.

How the Book Evolved
The Mission Next consultants spent two years intensely researching why veterans leave their first jobs. We read the books, articles, and research so our clients don't have to. We even did a formal research study to gather first-hand accounts about why veterans leave. At the end of 2021, John defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic of why military officers leave their civilian jobs. The process was the culmination of almost six years of doctoral studies, document reviews, research, and formally presenting and defending the work. That led to our desire to publish a book to help transitioning veterans by providing a toolkit that can be referenced during each phase of the transition.

Mission Next encourages service members to create a vision for their post-military life by providing thought-provoking exercises, such as revisiting personal values and drafting a vision statement. There are also chapters dedicated to Learning the Civilian Language, Answering Your Resume Questions, and Using Culture to Your Advantage.

John J. Wojcik, JD, DBA

Dr. John Wojcik has 32 years of military service and retired at the rank of Colonel. His service includes service as a reservist with the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Michigan National Guard. After the September 11th attacks, he left private practice and went on active duty with the Michigan Army National Guard. He served as Judge Advocate and general counsel on active duty for 20 years. In addition to Dr. Wojcik's deployment to Afghanistan, he also served in Liberia and Latvia, where he worked alongside international stakeholders to help the Department of Defense meet its national security objectives. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.

Dr. Wojcik was instrumental in forming the Ingham County Veterans Treatment Court in East Lansing, Michigan and served as Board Chair for both the State of Michigan Retirement Board and Military Law Section for the State Bar of Michigan. He has been an adjunct faculty member at Thomas M. Cooley Law School since 2004. Dr. Wojcik received his BS from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, JD from Thomas Cooley Law School, and Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College. He earned his Doctor of Business Administration degree from Baker College where, after 18 months of research, he defended his dissertation on the hurdles that service members face when they transition from active duty to their first civilian job. Kimberlie K England, MBA

Kimberlie England spent 12 years as a Principal for a regional business consulting firm. She founded Blue Feather Consulting to use her 20+ years of Human Capital consulting experience to drive strategic change initiatives within varying industries, cultures, and structures.

Kimberlie specializes in leadership coaching, strategic planning, and communication. Her mindful approach to individual and organizational change leads to sustainability. She has successfully led clients into new leadership roles and supported organizations through culture transformations, mergers and acquisitions, and new HR strategies.

Kimberlie received her Executive Coaching certificate from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and holds her Board Certified Coach (BCC) certification. She also earned multiple HR certifications including her Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). She received her MBA from the University of Findlay and her BBA from the University of Toledo.

Kimberlie also volunteers extensively in her community, including serving for over 10 years as the Chair of the Human Resources Committee for the Board of Directors of The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. She was instrumental in merging the Assistance Dogs of America into a program of The Ability Center. She is currently a member of the Naval Academy Garden Club, the Naval Academy Spouse's Club, and the Annapolis Rotary Club.