Solving Veteran Underemployment: A Bridge My Return Talk with Bob Hogan
Imagine serving your country, then returning home without clear expectations for your career. It's more than tough; it's unfair to those who've risked their lives for a free world. Veterans often face unique challenges in finding work after their service, a problem that Bridge My Return (BMR) is working to solve. Their mission to close this employment gap matches perfectly with our goals at Liberty Ventures – we aim to empower people and create a future where everyone can succeed.
We're honored to bring you an enlightening conversation with Bob Hogan, Founder and CEO of Bridge My Return conducted by our Marketing Manager, Laura Ferraz. BMR is leading the way to solve veteran underemployment, and this interview sheds light on their creative solutions and strong commitment to this important issue.
Laura: Bob, it's great to have you with us. Can you start by telling us about the problem BMR aims to solve?
Bob Hogan: Thank you for having me. At BMR, we're tackling Veteran Underemployment, a significant issue that’s more severe than what the general population faces. It impacts around 250 thousand service members transitioning from the military annually and 5 million veteran jobseekers. It's crucial because it has national security implications too. If unfavorable conditions await service members post-service, it could deter people from enrolling in an all-volunteer military.
Laura: That sounds quite challenging. What are the main factors driving this underemployment?
Bob Hogan: We've identified three key dynamics. First is Stereotyping and Pigeonholing, where veterans are often advised to continue in roles similar to what they did in the military, which doesn’t account for their broader aspirations or skills. Then, there's Skills Misunderstanding. Both service members and private sector employers struggle to translate military skills into a language that each other understands. Lastly, Acclimation Difficulty, which is a universal challenge irrespective of background or rank.
Bob Hogan has dedicated his career to meaningful impact, particularly for military veterans. After a successful career in the insurance industry and running his own consulting firm, he shifted his focus to the critical issue of veteran underemployment.
Laura: Interesting insights. What core beliefs are driving the development of BMR?
Bob Hogan: BMR is built on two fundamental beliefs. First, addressing military hiring challenges requires a holistic approach – catering to both jobseekers and talent seekers. Second, technology plays a crucial role in making this process efficient and stress-free. However, it's not just about technology; we also need to pair it with personal support.
Laura: That leads us to the product itself. Can you elaborate on what BMR offers?
Bob Hogan: Sure. We've developed a tech-enabled military hiring platform. This includes a military skills translator, an auto-generated resume from a completed BMR profile, and a unique skills-to-skills matching algorithm. We also offer coaching and mentoring support, along with military learning opportunities for employers to better understand the value of hiring military talent.
Laura: With such an ambitious project, how critical is timing?
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Bob Hogan: Timing is crucial. While our mission is vital, it’s not enough on its own. We need traction and the right timing. Fortunately, the current labor market’s demand for untapped talent pools and the Future of Work trends align perfectly with our mission. Military members, who are trained to adapt and learn, fit seamlessly into this evolving landscape.
Laura: Thank you, Bob, for dedicating your time to develop solutions that will positively impact numerous veterans. Their significant role in preserving the freedom of the United States, and consequently, the world, is undeniable.
They truly deserve all the care and support we can give.
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