Updated 10-9-2024: Navy Federal Careers link.
Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be a challenging journey. Christopher “CJ” Kane, a veteran and current talent scout supervisor at Navy Federal Credit Union, offers a compelling narrative on how he completed the transition and is now helping others do the same. In an in-depth conversation, Kane shares insights into his position at the credit union, the importance of veteran support in the workforce, and Navy Federal’s commitment to military communities.
From Military Service to Talent Acquisition
Kane’s journey is marked by a blend of military discipline and a passion for human resources. An Air Force veteran who currently resides in New York, Kane has now been a talent scout manager at Navy Federal for a year and a half. The path that led him here, however, was unique. Kane initially intended to pursue a career in advertising, but found his calling in the Air Force as an intelligence analyst from 2011 to 2015, an experience which provided invaluable mission planning and threat analysis skills. This role, Kane says, reshaped his professional ambitions and led him to his current role in talent acquisition.
Finding Fulfillment
Kane finds particular gratification in developing new avenues to engage with potential candidates, especially within the military community. “One of the things I find most rewarding is developing new avenues to reach candidates,” he said. His team focuses on sourcing jobseekers and enhancing candidate engagement, helping military personnel understand and leverage available opportunities along the way. Kane’s dedication is evident as he works tirelessly to provide resources and support to those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Transitioning to Civilian Life
For Kane, this process of transition was far from straightforward. “When I transitioned out, I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he reflected. “Luckily, I had some really good mentors.” These advisors helped Kane fine-tune his career path, leading him to roles in higher education, with nonprofit agencies and, eventually, into corporate recruiting at Navy Federal. His experience underscores the importance of mentorship and the need for better resources for veterans during their transition.
The Impact of Military Experience
Kane’s military background significantly shapes his role at Navy Federal. “Understanding the culture that veterans experience, and being a member of the credit union myself, has really helped me to understand the importance of customer service,” he added. Alongside his firsthand experience with veterans’ challenges, Kane has enhanced his ability to connect with military candidates and support their career transitions. Today, Kane and his team actively engage veteran communities, providing resources and assistance to help them find professional success, however that might look.
Initiatives for Veterans at Navy Federal
Navy Federal Credit Union is recognized as one of U.S. Veterans Magazine’s Top Veteran-Friendly Employers for 2024, a testament to its commitment to hiring former military personnel and assisting in a transition that is often filled with numerous unique challenges and complications. “One of the things specifically within talent acquisition that my team does is partner closely with external organizations to help bring awareness to our hiring process,” Kane noted. Through relationships with Hiring Our Heroes, Wounded Warrior Project and the Honor Foundation, among others, Kane’s team is able to help enhance Navy Federal’s support of military members and their families.
Navy Federal also leverages resources from the SkillBridge Program, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program and the Military Spouse Career Continuity Program to provide additional assistance to current credit union employees. These initiatives aim to provide career continuity for military spouses and ensure smooth transitions for service members from military into civilian roles.
Future Goals and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Navy Federal aims to increase military hiring and employer brand awareness, with Kane specifically noting his team’s plans to attend the Military Influencer Conference and the Service Academy Career Conference later in 2024. Navy Federal is also focusing on expanding its SkillBridge Program and exploring new partnerships with likeminded nonprofit and veteran organizations.
Kane emphasized the importance of preparation for those attending career fairs and conferences. “Do your homework and research who is attending and who you might want to connect with,” he said. A clear understanding of potential employers and a prepared elevator pitch can significantly impact networking success, Kane added.
Kane’s journey from military service to talent acquisition at Navy Federal highlights the importance of support and resources for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. His passion for helping others is evident, and his insights offer valuable guidance for both veterans and employers looking to enhance their veteran hiring initiatives. As Kane and his team continue to develop and expand their programs, Navy Federal Credit Union remains a leading example of dedication to military service members and their successful integration into the civilian workforce.
At Navy Federal Credit Union, we’re guided by one strong focus: our mission to serve our members. View career page.
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