Title:Combating underemployment: How ACP fuels average starting salary of $90K
Author:Hailey Brindamour
Date:December 2024
Source:U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs © 2024, Reprinted with permission
Volume:Volume 3 Issue 218
Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.
When Army Veteran Shameka Howell first learned about American Corporate Partners (ACP), she had been out of the Army for over 10 years. Howell, a former multi-systems operator specialist, had been working her way up the corporate ladder since 2013 but found herself underemployed after an unexpected layoff.
Just a few months into her mentorship, Howell found a new job paying $20,000 more than her previous role and was ecstatic about her experience. "By following [my Mentor's] advice on networking, I was able to land a new, higher paying position at a company that will be paying for me to learn new skills!" she shared. "I am so grateful for [my Mentor's] guidance and for the connection to her through ACP."
ACP is a national nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 Veterans find meaningful employment with a mentor's assistance. The average starting salary was $90,000.
Since 2010, more than 35,000 Veterans and military spouses have found success through ACP.
How to get started
Visit ACP's Website and fill out a brief application. Answer questions about your career goals, military experience and mentoring preferences.
What to expect after applying?
- ACP will reach out within 24 hours and schedule a 15-minute phone call to ask a few more questions to match each Veteran with the right Mentor.
- ACP will introduce you to a Mentor within several weeks of your application to the program and will check in throughout the year to provide customized resources and ensure positive outcomes. 98% of Veterans would recommend ACP.
- All post-9/11 Veterans who have served at least 180 days of active duty since 9/11 are eligible.
- ACP's weekly LinkedIn Live series connects Veterans directly to partner companies and hiring managers.
- ACP's LinkedIn Group, ACP Connects, offers employment opportunities from military-ready employers and professional development resources.
- ACP's Small Business program, ACP Ventures, offers resources, support and community for Veterans interested in entrepreneurship.
Jonelle Hatt, another Army Veteran who separated in 2003, attests to how valuable ACP's services have been in her career development. "I remember reading [my Mentor's] bio and thinking, 'This lady is amazing, I'd like to be just like her when I grow up!'" Hatt said. "I got the next best thing, which is her as my Mentor. It is such a huge addition to both my professional and personal life." This guidance has helped Hatt find a new role she's excited about and bolster her financial readiness for the next chapter of her life.
Apply Now at ACP online.
Senior executives from America's top companies provide volunteer mentors to ACP, including Amazon, Disney, Lockheed Martin, MLB and more. ACP will hand-pick a mentor based on your career interests and professional history. You and your mentor will create a tailored action plan for the mentorship and speak monthly to make progress on your goals. ACP staff will help guide you through the mentorship experience to ensure success.
Typical mentorship topics include:
Resume review and interview preparation
Career exploration
Work-life balance
Networking
Small business development
Leadership and professional communication
Man wearing collared blue business shirt.
Jake Gentile, who transitioned out of the Air Force in 2021, is pursuing a new career path with the support of his ACP Mentor. "It's definitely nice to get connected to someone in the field you want to transition to," said Gentile, who became interested in IT security after leaving the Air Force and accepted a technical support role during his mentorship. He appreciates ACP's personalized approach and encourages other Veterans to participate in the mentorship program for valuable career guidance.
Join ACP's free, personalized career mentorship program online at www.acp-usa.org and experience a year-long mentorship to assist you with your civilian career goals.
