TAP In With Tako: Recent Episodes
Takato Watanabe
Not sure what to do after your life in the military? Transitioning and leaving the military can be a stressful time trying to navigate the different options available to you. My goal is to bridge the gap between the end of your military career to the start of your civilian career. The guests I bring on will provide some insight into their military transition. If you want to hear about a specific industry or role, feel free to provide that feedback. Remember you're not alone in your journey!
Today is my first episode where I bring on two guests! Matthew and Shanon are both military veterans and entrepreneurs and have a ton of knowledge to share. We talk about ways to tap into your creative side, tips on setting yourself up when applying to a Skillbridge, and of course, we talk about their platform: Hop on and hold on. There’s a ton of good career advice in this episode, but we also tap into some deeper topics like how your identity is not defined by what you did in uniform.
If you’re interested in learning how to overcome challenges during your entrepreneurial journey, or you’re looking to reinvent yourself after getting out of the military, this episode is for you.
Topics we discussed:
- What is Hop On and Hold On?
- Overcoming challenges during the entrepreneurial journey
- How a values exercise can benefit you
- Tips on submitting a successful Skillbridge request
- Watching out for red flags when looking for Skillbridge opportunities
- How to reach and communicate with your audience
- “Your identity is not defined by what you did in uniform”
Checkout Hop On and Hold On: https://www.hoponandholdon.com/blog
hoponandholdon@gmail.com
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today I bring on Alexiss, who works in HR but is a multi-talented veteran, parent, and content creator. Alexiss shares her insights into how to find a skillbridge opportunity in a non-traditional route, how to leverage LinkedIn during your job hunt, how to choose between multiple job opportunities, the importance of maintaining your physical health and so much more.
If you’re interested in learning how to build an audience on LinkedIn, how to grow your analytics skills, or learn more about how to combine multiple skill sets into your role this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy it!
Topics we covered:
- Ways to make skillbridge work for you
- How to take advantage your activity on LinkedIn
- How to find your niche community on LinkedIn
- Free certifications to take advantage during your military transition
- Day-to-day at a startup working in HR
- How to choose which company when receiving multiple job offers
- What parenting can teach you in a professional setting
- The importance of physical health when it comes to work
Connect with Alexiss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiss-tallant/
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today I bring on Danae, a leader in data analytics and a military spouse. We talk about why she chose data analytics, the importance of a brag sheet, and regaining your sense of community after a PCS.
If you're interested in Data Analytics or want to know how to navigate your career during a PCS move this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy it!
Topics we covered:
- Career conversations for a successful PCS
- Tips on building your brag sheet
- Joining communities
- Regaining your sense of community during a PCS
- Data Angels, Locally Optimistic
Connect with Danae on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaewhitten/
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today I bring on Nicu, a Senior Platform Product Manager. I often hear the question: “how do I get into Product Management?” If you have the same question, Nicu talks about his journey from an E-4 in the Army to his current role as a Senior Product Manager. We also talk about the 5 paths to product, how to acquire the necessary skills to break into Product Management, how his Filipino culture has helped him in his career, and so much more.
If you’re interested in Product Management after the military or just want to enjoy some laughs about karaoke this episode is for you. There are a bunch of insights that Nicu shares that apply to all Product Managers even outside of the military. Hope you enjoy it!
Topics we covered:
- Technical skills needed to be a Platform Product Manager
- The 5 Paths to Product
- Free resources to get into tech
- How to figure out what role to pursue after the military
- How his Filipino background has helped him in his career
- Technical skills needed for Product Management
Nicu's Website with Free Veteran's Resources for Tech: https://www.nicuparente.com/tech-transition-resources/
5 Paths to product: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicuparente_productmanager-productmanagement-activity-7033419996802277376-6Yta?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
LinkedIn: https://twitter.com/nicuparente
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicuparente
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today, we're excited to welcome back one of our most popular guests who is returning to discuss some new and important topics. As many of our listeners know, transitioning from military to civilian life can be a challenging experience. It requires adapting to a new culture, establishing new relationships, and learning new skills. In the last episode, we talked about entry-level roles to get into tech, why to always be interviewing, and healthy ways to address imposter syndrome. Today, we're going to explore some new and important topics such as building trust, asking for help, and achieving success in any role. We're thrilled to have Alex back and excited to dive into these new topics that will help you navigate your transition to your civilian career.
Reach out to Alex on LinkedIn
Check out LifeAt!
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today I bring on Abe, a passionate data analyst who has combined his analytic skills with his favorite martial art: jiu-jitsu. We talk about the lessons he learned while being a military recruiter, how he learned his data skills, and how he leverages LinkedIn to reach potential clients and employers.
If you’re interested in being a data analyst after the military or just want to hear a really cool story of how analytical you can get with jiujitsu, this episode is for you.
Topics we cover:
- How to translate your skills from being a military recruiter to the civilian world
- Why listening is so important
- How he got into data analytics
- Pivoting and shifting if a role doesn't fit
- What you a day in the life of a data analyst looks like
- How personal projects can intertwine with your career
- The importance of posting on LinkedIn
Get in contact with Abe on LinkedIn
Instagram: @__abruhham__Check out SubStats!
Instagram: @substats
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today I bring on Jeff, who is a decorated Army Special Operations veteran, a business owner, and now an author. We talk about his formula to overcome obstacles during the military transition, his book, how jiujitsu and the military intertwine, and so much more.
Check out the video version of the episode on YouTube!
If you’re an aspiring business owner and want a glimpse into the mind of a veteran business owner, this episode is for you.
Topics we cover:
- Building a business using your military experiences
- How to overcome challenges during the military transition
- The hardest part about Jeff's transition out of the military
- Jeff's personal formula for managing focus and emotions
- Ways to pivot from one role to another and find your passion
- Finding the right people for your business and teams
- Breaking the rule: Leaders eat last
- Why personalities differences matter
- Your military history is a part of your identity vs as your identity
- Jiujitsu is the world's best personality test
- Being a hobbyist vs a professional
Check out the book All The War They Want
Get in contact with Jeff on LinkedIn
Follow Jeff on Twitter
Conquest Cyber
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today I bring on Shaymon who served in the Airforce and is now a Salesforce Solution Consultant. He is a 6-time salesforce certified, 3-time trailhead ranger! On today’s episode, we talk about how to learn from failure, what resources are available to learn Salesforce and what the day-to-day might look like working as a solution consultant.
If you’re interested in learning more about salesforce or are about all the knowledge Shaymon has learned over the last couple of years, this episode is for you.
Reach out to Shaymon on LinkedIn
Links to what we talked about today:
Salesforce Military
Focus On Force
Tech Forward (HBCUforce)
VET TEC
VR&E
Syracuse - Onward To Opportunity
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
- Youtube
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Today I bring on Alex who served in the airforce and now is a Sire Reliability Engineer Senior Manager. Alex found an entry-level role after the military and has gained a ton of knowledge in his journey to a Senior manager.
In today’s episode, we talk about a bunch of different things:
- What is SRE (Site Reliability Engineering)?
- Healthy ways to address imposter syndrome
- Great entry-level roles after the military
- How to find ideal roles in your career
- Ways to find mentorship
- Should you pick working a FAANG vs other companies?
- Why you should always be interviewing
Technologies Alex mentioned:
Free BSD, PERL, MySQL, Apache, PHP, AWS
Check out Alex's woodworking art at mapsandboxes.com
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
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In today's episode, John and Sean go into the weeds of how to be a good leader, how to grow trust with your team, and how you can succeed even in situations with bad leaders. We’ll also take a deeper dive to learn more about the book On Mission and who it’s for, and dig into some of the content.
Check out On Mission at OnMissionBook.com and OnMissionLeaders.com
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
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In today's episode, I bring on Sean Georges and Dr. John Buford, who have combined over 80 years of leadership experience in the military and outside of the military.
In part 1 of our conversation, we talk about authentic leadership vs management, and tactical ways you can make adjustments during your military transition that will make you an even better leader outside of the military. We’ll also get a sneak peek into the book they recently published called On Mission.
Check out On Mission at OnMissionBook.com and OnMissionLeaders.com
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
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In today's episode, I bring on Cooper, who works in the Learning and Talent Development industry. We talk about how you can take your strengths and apply them in your career and military transition. Cooper has held roles in both the military and civilian sectors teaching people how to be their best and grow their skills. He is also a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and if you don’t know what it is, tune in to find out! Hope you enjoy it!
Strengths Based Leadership Book - Gallup
Strengths Based Leadership Book - Amazon
Email Cooper or Connect with Cooper on LinkedIn
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
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In today’s episode, I bring on Sasha, who works in the System and Cloud Admin space. We talk about how she found herself in the tech space, how she’s been successful in her roles, and a bunch of other things that give you insight into the sysadmin and cloud admin roles. Don't be afraid to take contracting gigs to find out what you enjoy. Hope you enjoy it!
Resources:
- acloud guru
- udemy
- O'Reilly - Free to the military at the MWR
- ATCTS (Army Training & Certification Tracking System
Email Sasha at: bowen.sasha@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
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In today’s episode, I bring on Sara, who transitioned from an MP (or military police) in the Army and now works in WorkPlace violence prevention and threat management. Sarah is also a military spouse and she talks about her experience during her family's multiple moves. It was really cool to hear her journey of how she navigated through multiple different roles after the military and is now working in her dream job. She shares an awesome tip you can apply for your next career fair. For those of you who are in combat arms or a military spouse, this episode is a must-listen! Hope you enjoy it!
Connect with Sara on LinkedIn
Contact Sara via Email
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
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There are so many corporate fellowships available to military veterans, but do you ever wonder how to set yourself apart from all the other candidates?
Are you curious what compensation looks like outside of the military?
We’re kicking off the new year with Francis, a military recruiter for Verizon. We talk about his perspective and insights as a recruiter and go in-depth about Verizon’s skill bridge program with Hiring our Heroes.
Francis shares a really cool story about how a paratrooper’s experience got them into marketing! Make sure you stick around until the end because we talk about compensation and how to position yourself best when you receive an offer from your future employer. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Connect with Francis on LinkedIn
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
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As a candidate for a job, have you ever wondered what it’s like being on the other side of the application? In today’s episode, I bring on Mike, the Senior Manager of Military Recruiting at Salesforce. I’m excited to share this episode because you’ll hear directly from a recruiter how to set yourself up for success when transitioning to a civilian role.
We dive into the details of Salesforce's military training program, what it takes to become a recruiter, and the tactical things you can do to set yourself apart from other candidates. Hope you enjoy it!
Resources:
- Salesforce Military Training Program
- Sign up for David's Military Trailblazer Office Hours
- Military Trailblazer Office Hours YouTube Channel
- Find Military friendly brands
Connect with Mike via Email
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
Episode Music, Episode Artwork
Do you want to know what it’s like to be a Product Manager or work in Cyber security? Have you applied to hundreds of jobs and are struggling to find a match?
On today’s episode, I bring on James, a Cloud Security Product Manager at a major tech company. We dive into how you can break into Product Management, Cyber Security and how you can overcome challenges during your military transition.
Resources:
- PM Book - Cracking the PM Interview
- Medium - PMology
- Grow with Google
- SANS VetSuccess Academy
- CompTIA Cyber Security
- GI Bill
Connect with James on LinkedIn
Connect with Takato and share your feedback:
- Website
Episode Music, Episode Artwork
Today's episode is a little different. It's a short episode focusing on mental health, physical fitness, and why it's still important prioritize yourself after the military. I share my journey and experience with mental health and physical fitness.
Connect with me and let your thoughts:
- Website
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On today’s episode, Galen, a Japanese American Army Special Forces Veteran joins me. We dive into the details of how he was able to navigate through the muddy waters into his role in the private sector (Operational Efficiency Program Manager).
The resilience you learn in the military goes a long way, especially during your transition into a new role. Galen shares his mindset, how he made his decision to enter the private sector and how he ultimately made his military transition successful. I didn’t have a chance to meet many Japanese Americans during my time in the Army so it was pretty cool hearing fellow Japanese Americans' success. If you’re on the fence about staying in or getting out you DEFINITELY need to listen to this episode!
Resources mentioned during the episode:
- Commit Foundation
- FourBlock
- Hire Heroes
- Hiring Our Heroes
- Onward to Opportunity (O2O)
- PMP, Agile, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certifications
- Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF)
- Veterati
- Galen's LinkedIn
Connect with me and let your thoughts:
- Website
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On today’s episode, Bryce joins me and we talk about his journey from being an Aviation Boatswain Equipment Mate for the Navy to a machine operator for Blue Origin. What really stood out to me during this episode was the journey he took to get to his role. Bryce also shares his experience to maximize your VA benefits and you’ll enjoy a nice laugh near the end of the episode. If you’ve had a tough time finding the right fit or culture at a company or just want to learn more about what benefits are available post military, this episode is definitely worth the listen.
Some of the topics we discussed:
- How he figured out what he wanted to do after the military
- Maximizing your benefits - VA disability rating, VA home loan, GI bill, etc
- Culture shock in his first job after he left the military
- What skills translated over from the Navy to the private sector
- Networking tips and tricks
- DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
- VA Benefits
Connect with Bryce
Connect with me and let your thoughts:
- Website
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On today’s episode I bring on Katherine, the founder and CEO of Vets In Tech. We talk about the three E’s - Education, Entrepreneurship and Employment. If you’ve listened to my previous episodes, you already know that a few guests have mentioned Vets in Tech as a great resource. If you’re looking to get into tech during your military transition, this episode is a must listen!
Topics we discussed:
- What is Vets in Tech?
- Who can participate?
- Which programs can you take advantage of?
- Success stories about veterans from the employment program into a company
- Military Spouse Tech Summit on September 8th! check out this tweet
- Much more!
Check out Vets In Tech!
Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
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On today’s episode I bring on Scot who went from being a criminal investigator for the coast guard to creating his own consulting and investigations business. We talk about his journey and some of his lessons learned when he was starting his business.
Topics we discussed:
- Resources for Veteran entrepreneurs
- Evolving as a business owner as you take on more responsibilities and learn new skills
- Obstacles you might need to overcome during your entrepreneurial journey
- Scot's recommendations when creating a business
- How to leverage your Veteran network
Connect with Scot on LinkedIn
Check out Scot's website!
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
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On today’s episode, I interview Nate, an Air Force pilot that started his own consulting firm while serving in the Reserves. We cover a variety of topics from what it takes to start a consulting firm to how networking can help you land your first job after the military.
Topics we covered:
- How he got his idea for his business
- Military skills the translated to his career/company
- Networking is the game! Get comfortable reaching out to people during your military transition
- Skills that translated from the military to the private sector
- Book - Never Eat Alone
- Book - Deep Work
Connect with Nate on LinkedIn
Check out Form 100 Consulting!
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
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On today’s episode, I interview Audrey, who recently retired from the Navy after 23 years and successfully transitioned into a new industry while carrying over her skills from her previous roles in the Navy. Not only did she completely change industries, but she successfully navigated her way through the peak of COVID.
Topics we covered:
- Being properly prepared for your retirement out of the military
- Planning at least a year in advance before you separate from the military
- Audrey's #1 thing she prepared for during her transition
- Leveraging your network, mentors and skill builders
- What it was like to go through hiring our heroes
- Hire heroes mentorship
- Skillsets that translated over from the military
Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
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On today's episode, I interviewed Rich who was a Coast Guard Commander while working in the tech industry in his civilian role. He has been a panel member for countless veteran events and has valuable knowledge to share. In this episode you will hear how to bridge the gap between the military and tech.
Topics we covered:
- How to highlight your military skills on your resume
- Debunk some common myths about careers tech after the military
- Stories of veterans that succeeded in the tech industry after the career in the military
- How to differentiate yourself as a military veteran versus civilians who have been in their careers for years
- The number one thing you need to focus on to get into tech
Connect with Rich on Linkedin
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
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On today's episode, I interviewed Monica who has helped countless veterans during their transition period into their civilian career. We talk about personal branding and career readiness
Topics we covered:
- What is career readiness and what does that look like for military veterans
- How to brand yourself for your next journey after your military career
- Rebranding and redefining who you are
- Where and how to start searching for your next role
- Be authentic!
Check out Veterati
Connect with Monica on LinkedIn
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
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On today's episode, I interviewed John, who was an infantryman in the Marine Corps and found his passion in the Artificial Industry space. We talk about how his ability to learn how to learn propelled him during his military career and how it still continues to drive his civilian career.
Topics we covered:
- Having a growth mindset
- Learning how to learn - the process of failing and learning
- Why he wanted to work in the private sector rather than staying working in federal positions
- Taking advantage of CLEP Tests (College Level Examination Program)
- How his MBA classes helped him find his passion in AI starting from sentiment analysis
As mentioned by John, Breakline is a great resource to tap into. Connect with John on Linkedin: John's LinkedIn
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
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On today's episode, I interviewed Will, who has experience in the Audit and Public Sector industry, in both Military (Marine Corps) and Civilian roles. We talk about his journey and unique transition out of Active Duty into the reserves while building his own business and having a full time career. How does he juggle all of that? Tune in and find out!
Topics we covered:
- How his two year transition period helped him have a successful military transition
- Balancing Marine Corps Reserves, building a business and working full time
- Skills that translated from the military to the civilian workforce
- 5 keys during your military transition
Let me know your thoughts! TapInWithTako.com, @TapInWithTakoPodcast
Check out Will's website if you want to get in contact with him! Wilco Comlpliance, Will's LinkedIn
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On today’s episode I interviewed Ben, who is a Program manager for the Onward To Opportunity Program with the IVMF (Institute for Veterans and Military Families). The program is free for military service members AND spouses! Tune in and find out more details. Some topics we cover:
- Resume writing tips
- How and when to sign up for the Onward to Opportunity Program
- Courses and certifications you can earn
- Time and Commitment of your classes
My favorite quote form this episode: "You can't have success without failure"
Onward to Opportunity Page
Ben's LinkedIn Page
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On today’s episode I interviewed Mark, who was a Combat Engineer and is now a Certified Financial Planner. We dive deep into finances, how to get into the finance industry and some real actionable things you can do to financially prepare for your transition out of the military. If you’re even a little worried about finances when getting out of the military, you've found the right place. Some of the topics we discussed:
- How to become a CFP or CFA
- Why to move your TSP into an IRA
- Optimal emergency fund
- The best post military Life Insurance
- Maximizing your VA Home Loan
- 60/20/20 rule
- "Roth-izing" your accounts!
My website is live!Tapinwithtako.com. I’ll be adding some additional content on there so go and check it out!
Mark's LinkedIn
On today’s episode I interviewed Johann, who was an Aviation Mechanic in the Navy. He shares his journey during his 5 year navy career and some tips on how you can save money and two years of your life when getting your A&P license:
- Airplane mechanics can still make good money without being a manager
- Record your hours you worked in the shop!
- How to skip going to college after the military and get your A&P License sooner
- Search for benefits while you're still in the military and tap into them
- Using your GI Bill to pay for your exams
- Plan as early as possible when you know you want to leave the military
A&P study guide books
My website is live!Tapinwithtako.com. I’ll be adding some additional content on there so go and check it out!
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On today’s episode I interview Mason, who was a 42A or Human Resources Specialist. He shares his journey and perspectives during his transition to Amazon. We talk about Human Resources and Higher Education:
- Free certification program through Syracuse University
- Tapping into your SLRP benefits
- Don't be afraid to ask for help!
- Push past obstacles
- How to seek answers on your own and come up with solutions
Check out Burger Madness in Seattle!
Email Mason
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In this episode of TAP In With Tako, I interview Bill, a former Army Engineer Officer (12A), who is now a leader in Talent Management. We talk about fundamental pieces you need to succeed in your post military career:
- Writing down a vision
- Networking
- Developing skills post military
- Setting expectations
- Being resilient
- Communication skills
Bill's LinkedIn Profile
If there's any topic you want me to cover in a later episode, you can email me at TAPInWithTako@gmail.com.
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In this episode of TAP In With Tako, I interview Wil who is a former Army Nurse who was able to quickly find a civilian job that directly translated from the military. We talk about what it takes to be prepared when leaving the military and how having a plan is critical. Some topics we cover in todays episode:
- Being financially ready
- VA medical benefits
- How to become a nurse after the military
- Tips to make your process smoother when leaving the military
Wil's LinkedIn Profile
If there's any topic you want me to cover in a later episode, you can email me at TAPInWithTako@gmail.com.
In this episode of TAP In With Tako, I interview Nick who is a former Airman turned Management Consultant. You'll get a glimpse into consulting, what military skills translate and platforms to guide you during your search.
If there's any topic you want me to cover in a later episode, you can email me at TAPInWithTako@gmail.com.
Check out Nick's LinkedIn Profile
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In this episode I'll be talking about my journey, why I wanted to start podcasting and my transition to the civilian workforce. I'll be sharing my story about how I was able to break into the tech industry as an enlisted soldier with a retail background without having a business or engineering degree. If you feel lost during your military transition, remember that you're not alone! I was in a similar situation and I want to help others who feel lost during their journey too.
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