Technology as a Career Path: A Conversation with a Leading IT Recruiter
Release Date: 02/08/2021
How a U.S. Navy Veteran Transitioned from the Nuclear Power Program to a Successful Engineering Career
The FourBlock Podcast
Join us on the latest episode of the FourBlock Podcast as hosts Michael Abrams and Lindsey Pollak engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Tom Croff, the head of the Aviation Department at Matern Professional Engineering. With a rich background that transitions from serving as an Electrician's Mate in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power Program to spearheading critical projects in the aviation sector, Tom brings a unique perspective on navigating career shifts and leveraging military skills in the civilian workforce. In this episode, Tom reflects on his career path, sharing pivotal...
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Hiring Veterans in Aviation: Insights from an HR Expert
The FourBlock Podcast
On this episode of the FourBlock Podcast, discover why veterans' skills are in high demand in aviation and hear actionable advice on resume building, networking, and interview preparation from Britney Ratcliff, Director of Human Resources at ®. Britney brings her extensive experience in recruiting and human resources to the discussion along with a passion for supporting transitioning service members. In conversation with Lindsey Pollak and this week’s guest host Queta Rodriguez, Britney shares valuable insights into how veterans can navigate the job market successfully and...
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Follow Your Passion: How One U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Became a Battle-Tested Entrepreneur
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, it’s an honor to welcome two members of the leadership team from a company that provides innovative event solutions and proudly employs over 800 veterans: U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Founder and CEO Casey Holiday, and U.S. Army Veteran and VP of Military Strategic Partnerships Robert Cox. In a candid conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Casey shares how he went from feeling lost after transitioning out of active-duty service to founding a premiere live event security company that aims to improve the lives of veterans. Casey...
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Veteran LRS Architect Promotes Sustainability and Training in Pacific Northwest
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams sits down with Kevin Schneider, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who went on to become an architect and now works as a Project Architect at LRS Architects, Inc. As a veteran who successfully transitioned into the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, Kevin possesses invaluable advice for fellow veterans embarking on their own journeys into the civilian workforce. He generously shares his personal story, insights, and tips to help pave the way for others. In conversation with Mike, Kevin delves into what inspired...
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The Power of Relationships: Leadership Insights from a Military Affairs Expert
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome USAA’s* Military Affairs Relationship Director Charles “Chuck” Bunch, a 20+ year retired U.S. Air Force veteran who works alongside fellow retired officers and senior noncommissioned officers on USAA’s Military Affairs team to advocate for those who are currently serving in our military, all those who have honorably served in the past, and their families. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Chuck shares personal stories and lessons learned from his military experience, his transition into the private sector and...
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The Stoic Transition: How Veterans Can Thrive in their Next Adventure
The FourBlock Podcast
If you are in the military entering the civilian world or are you a veteran who has transitioned already but still struggling to find your path, this episode is a must-listen. This week, we welcome author and Founder of Mission Edge Ken Davenport. In conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Ken shares how his passion for helping people achieve greatness in their lives led him to starting a social enterprise to help nonprofits and small businesses grow and devoting much of his time to helping military veterans transition to the civilian world. Most...
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Air Force Veteran Allison Kruse Discusses Her Legal Career and the Importance of Giving Back
The FourBlock Podcast
"I want to give back to the community that gave me so much." This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Labor and Employment attorney Allison Kruse, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current associate at Stinson LLP, who serves as the chair of the firm's Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG). In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Allison shares what first inspired her to attend the Air Force Academy and join the military and details her experience transitioning from the Air Force into law school and then the private sector. ...
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Actionable Advice for Transitioning Into the IT & Cyber Industry
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran and Senior Program Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)* Gregory (Greg) Doubek. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Greg shares why he was called to serve and decided to join the Army, his personal military transition story, and some of the advice he received and lessons learned along the way. Greg also raises an important point for those in transition about taking the uniform all the way off and provides guidance on how veterans can adjust to their changing role in the civilian workforce and...
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Inside the Veteran Hiring Process at a Leading Global Aerospace Company
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome The Boeing Company’s* Shane R. Chapman and Devon Rumsey, who give us an in-depth look at Boeing’s commitment to supporting veterans in transition and share actionable advice for veterans and military spouses interested in beginning a new career with the company. A U.S. Army Veteran with 30 years of service, Shane now leads the Boeing Global Services Military and Veterans Program (BGS MVP), providing guidance and support to veterans and military spouse candidates and referring them to be seen by a hiring manager for interviews. After more...
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From CO to CEO: Transition Advice and Leadership Insights from a Retired U.S. Navy Captain
The FourBlock Podcast
Transitioning service members, do you know how to make the most of your military training once you transition into the civilian workforce? Corporate leaders, do know how to optimize your veteran employees’ potential for success? That’s why author and consultant Captain William Toti, US Navy (Retired) and former CEO of Sparton Corporation, wrote “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership.” With more than 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy and more than 40 years of experience in the defense industry,...
info_outlineThis week, host Mike Abrams welcomes private sector IT leader and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Bernard Beaullieu to the podcast. In this episode, Bernard shares his expertise about the staffing and recruiting industry, discusses the different approach his company takes when it comes to IT recruitment, and shares invaluable insights from his extensive work and volunteer experience with transitioning service members and veterans.
Bernard founded Beaullieu & Associates in 2007 to be the antithesis of today’s recruiting practices by offering a unique, high-end approach to IT staffing and recruiting. The vision is to leverage 20-plus years of successfully leading information technology organizations in the San Antonio area and apply this experience directly to identifying and engaging the best IT people.
Throughout his career, Bernard has been recognized for his success in leading large information technology teams serving vast geographic areas. Bernard has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston in electronics engineering technology. He started his career as an IT technician and has served the San Antonio area in many leadership roles successfully leading large IT organizations and serving the community.
Bernard is well versed in ITSM best practices, certified in ITIL Foundation 2 and 3, and connected to area IT organizations and their strategies. He serves the San Antonio community in a number of volunteer capacities, including as a Career Readiness Instructor for FourBlock.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
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Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.