Education and Technology Join Forces for Veterans
Innovative Training Program for Veterans in Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life
The transition from military service to civilian life is often fraught with challenges, not the least of which are the demands placed on veterans to conform to workplace and social environments vastly different from those in the service. Job interviews, workplace, social situations, and daily life all place unique demand on veterans to dress appropriately, a daunting task that includes updating their wardrobe.
CIBU Professor, Admissions Director and Registrar, and StyleSeek / MyTasteBud Co-Founder, Brian Hawkins has been donating his time for more than a year to REBOOT Workshops, a San Diego-based program that assists members of the military in making the social and career transition from years of service by addressing their fears and “re-booting” their skills, is joining forces with technology and education. The ‘technology’ in this cause equation is StyleSeek, a Chicago-based recommendation platform that delivers a customized stream of clothing, sportswear and accessories based upon the inputs of an individual’s tastes, styles and preferences. The ‘Education’ includes a collaborative between the California International Business University (CIBU) and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), with training focused on job search training, resume building, and dressing for success.
The workshop features 3 weeks of education designed to enhance and build upon their training, experience, and skills to prepare them for life after the military.StyleSeek, CIBU and FIDM have developed a curriculum and training program that, when integrated with the existing REBOOT Workshop and StyleSeek website user experience, will provide veterans with “guidance and inspiration that will assist in their transition from service to civilian life”says REBOOT co-founder Maurice Wilson.
NVTSI’s REBOOT Workshop (www.rebootworkshop.org) is a free three-week intensive military-to-civilian transition workshop that provides extensive training focused on three areas: Personal Transition, Lifestyle Transition & Career Transition. REBOOT addresses the personal and social aspects of transitioning to civilian life by using research-based, outcome-driven methods drawn from best practices in career planning and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Workshop training is supplemented with extended follow-up that enhances career opportunities, promotes social networking, and leverages peer support. REBOOT is available to military active duty, veterans of all wars, and spouses.
