Today we are joined by Michael Bate, a veteran who served 21 years in the Marine Corps and is now a EDSI (Educational Data Assist Incorporated) veteran career coach. After a remarkable career in the military, Mike discovered the challenges of transitioning to civilian life firsthand.
He's here to share his story, from his personal struggle with this transition to finding support through a veterans career program. Join us as Mike discusses the challenges many veterans face in finding post-service purpose and shares valuable advice and resources for those going through this major life change.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 - Intro
1:24 – Mike’s time in the service + becoming a veteran career coach
6:49 – Finding purpose after the military
9:31 - Translating military skills to civilian skills + reaching out for help
11:37 – The EDSI process
14:08 – Don’t devalue your accomplishments and forget who you are
Mike Bate
Mike joined the Marine Corps in 1997 and retired as a Master Sergeant (Operation Chief) after 21 years of honorable service. During his career, he served in various infantry units while leading and mentoring over 2,500 Marines.
Following retirement, Mike faced a challenging transition to civilian life, which took nearly two years to navigate. However, his life transformed after going through a veterans career program in California. He realized his difficulty stemmed from not marketing himself effectively in the civilian job market.
Upon completing the program, Mike regained a sense of purpose. He recently moved to New Jersey with his son and joined EDSI as a veterans career coach. EDSI's mission to "Show up, Smile, and Support" resonates with him, understanding the positive impact a program like this can have on veterans. Today, he is dedicated to helping veterans in Delco County find employment and successfully transition from military service to the civilian workforce.
EPISODE LINKS
Get in touch with Mike: michaelbate@edsi.com
EDSI: https://bit.ly/3FFwFVW
EDSI Instagram: https://bit.ly/40qBVWX
EDSI Website: https://bit.ly/3QjZ491
Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
PA Careerlink: https://bit.ly/40hBY7w
Veteran Suicide Prevention: https://bit.ly/40jLtD6
VMC Center: https://www.vmcenter.org/
RESOURCES
Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg
Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
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