Equipping Alumni Beyond Graduation: WSP Announces New Workforce Development Services

Since 2011, Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) has been committed to ensuring that every degree-seeking enlisted veteran and transitioning service member succeeds in higher education and beyond. Since the program began, more than 2,000 enlisted veterans have completed an academic boot camp, with 88% of alumni having earned or on track to earn a college degree. Recognizing a need to serve WSP alumni who are interested in pursuing graduate degree programs, WSP began offering graduate school support in 2022.

But what happens once alumni walk the stage and begin to search for fulfilling careers? Navigating the post-graduation job market can be both exciting and daunting, requiring thoughtful consideration. That is why WSP is excited to launch its new Career Pathways Initiative, designed to help alumni answer the question “What’s next?” after graduation. Funded generously by a grant from the Truist Foundation, the Career Pathways Initiative sits at the intersection of education and professional development and builds on WSP’s commitment to alumni development.

“WSP is really good at boot camps to support veterans in higher education, but when we think about what community will grow the most, it’s our alumni community. We’ve reached a stage where enough alumni are graduating, so we started looking at ways to continue to nurture our alumni community and serve them beyond the classroom,” said Tabatha Renz, WSP’s director of alumni programs. As part of the Truist Foundation grant, WSP created this role specifically to develop the Career Pathways Initiative, which Renz leads.

“While the veteran unemployment rate has decreased, the prevailing need for employment support hasn’t changed. WSP is well positioned to assist veteran alumni with professional development, including guidance in helping them find a well-matched career that offers a sense of purpose post-military,” said Renz.

Unveiling WSP’s Career Pathways Initiative

The Career Pathways Initiative is a multifaceted workforce development program designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. Unlike traditional job placement services, the initiative equips alumni with the knowledge needed to make informed career decisions and navigate the transition to a new profession.

“I see this contributing to the alumni community by being a one-stop shop for all the transitions veterans might face. Everyone will have access to something useful as they explore this next phase,” said Renz.

The Career Pathways Initiative features recurring on-demand programming, including panels, workshops, a speaker series, and more. Scheduled to launch later this year, the initiative aims to cater to the diverse interests and career stages within the WSP alumni community while fostering continuous learning and networking opportunities. Veterans can choose a la carte from the suite of professional development opportunities based on their current needs and goals.

Programming includes:

Speaker Series featuring leaders and change-makers in a variety of industries.
Workshops and Panels featuring career development experts. Coming fall 2024.
Networking Events. Coming spring 2025.
Resource List highlighting the internship, fellowship, apprenticeship, and scholarship opportunities available to alumni. Coming spring 2025.

Career Pathways Initiative Scholars

Culture and identity change during the transition out of the military is often rooted in finding a sense of purpose and work that leverages one’s skills to fulfill that purpose. Those looking to receive more detailed instruction can apply to Career Pathways Initiative Scholars, an in-depth curriculum-based program. Scholars will receive mentorship and professional advice, including structured programming aimed at career exploration and one-on-one support based on their unique needs and goals.

Members of the Career Pathways Initiative Scholars cohort will have access to a five-month career development course and targeted programming, including:

Custom five-month career development course designed to provide in-depth instruction through which participants will explore different types of professions, understand the application process, and develop an individualized development plan. Each month, participants will learn about pre-professional opportunities and discuss career fit across various industries, including medicine, law, business, finance, education, public service, and more.
WSPConnect, an online learning platform to support participant engagement by providing resources and community forums.
Mentorship opportunities with professionals across multiple sectors.
Workshops and panels featuring industry experts.
One-on-one consultations with independent contractors in a variety of industries.
Networking opportunities to help alumni build connections while navigating their career pathways.

Each cohort will be open to 15 alumni, with WSP initially offering one cohort per year. Those interested in participating in Career Pathways Initiative Scholars will need to complete the application linked on the Career Pathways Initiative page.

“We aren’t concerned with where alumni are in their academic journey; it doesn’t matter if they’re currently in school, have graduated, or are taking time off. Career Pathways Initiative Scholars is more about where veterans are in their professional journey and safe exploration of other options,” said Renz. “We’re looking for opportunities where intentional intervention would be the most valuable, and how individuals are able to articulate what they would be getting out of the program.”

Redefining Career Support for Enlisted Veterans

As the Career Pathways Initiative gears up for launch, WSP alumni can anticipate further details and application timelines in the coming months. With plans to roll out comprehensive and custom programming, WSP is poised to redefine what career support looks like for veterans.

“Having a department specifically focused on career development is almost unheard of in the veterans service organization space; these services typically fall under programs. It’s exciting that WSP has established the Alumni Programs department, and it shows an intentional commitment to serving our alumni community well after boot camps end,” said Renz. “Career Pathways will allow us to build an organizational ecosystem that bridges tools to navigate higher education and career development for the enlisted veteran population.”

Renz encourages WSP alumni interested in applying for Career Pathways Initiative Scholars to contact her directly at trenz@warrior-scholar.org with any questions.