Session Title: Getting the Job Description Right and Understanding How to Understand Veterans

Presenter(s): Joshua Atkinson, PMP, DML, Prosci CM.  (USMC Veteran)

Session Description:

So often we ask for what we think is the right solution, without assessing the right requirements.  Intentionally or unintentionally we ask for multiple hard skills and forget to describe the character, personality, and soft skills we are really after. 

This is a problem for all job postings, but even worse for veterans who often lack many of the anticipated hard skills, but come with soft skills and leadership in spades. 

Many companies want to hire vets, but exclude them before the interview even happens.

Lets discuss to how better ask for what we want, and understand why hiring veterans is a good business decision.

Presenter(s) Description:

• Position: Partner/Chief Strategy Officer (PM-ProLearn)
• Josh Atkinson was born in Southern California and lived there until moving to Maryland to attend the United States Naval Academy in 2001. After graduating in 2005 he received a commission as a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated with a B.S. in Political science with a concentration in Government and Law. He started is USMC career in Aviation flying the AV-AB Harrier. In 2012 he transferred fields to ground logistics serving at numerous levels and ultimately finishing his active-duty career in 2016 as Logistics Future Plans Officer at 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune NC.  He has two combat deployments to Afghanistan. Once in 2011 as an Air Logistics Officer, and the second time in 2014 as a Human Intelligence Task Force Deputy Director.  While on active-duty Josh earned his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and his PMP certifications and began integrating industry processes to improve organizational performance.
• Since leaving Active duty in 2016 he has worked in multiple positions and industries to include as a Project Manager in the heavy rigging/construction industry, Acquisitions/Requirements management Consultant and change manager for the DoD, and as an Entrepreneur. His passion for organizational development, and process improvement fueled the foundation of his current company PM-ProLearn which specializes in Project Management training. 
• He has provided coaching and workshop facilitation nationally and internationally, and has worked with a number of organizations from IT, healthcare, federal and local government, real estate investing, and all branches of service to help optimize workforce development and integrate project management principles.
• He is currently working to help integrate certifications into formal learning programs, and working to help transitioning service members prepare earlier so they can be set up for success emotionally, financially, and professionally. He is also working to educate industry on the value of veterans so they can better onboard and integrate veterans into the traditional workforce model.
• He currently resides in Bristow VA with his wife and two daughters and is one of the founders/partners in PM-ProLearn.

Tickets

$20.00 Member Ticket

$30.00 Non-Member Ticket