Pathways to Prosperity: Helping Veterans Build a Mindset for Success in Civilian Life

Career Level: Basic-, intermediate-, and advanced-level career services, university relations and recruiting, and business affiliate professionals
Competency: Working with diverse populations
Fee: FREE (member); $89 (nonmember);

Summary
Throughout this presentation, information will be shared to benefit both members of the military profession and those who support veterans and their community. To begin, insight into the cultural differences between the military and civilian sector will be examined followed by some of the most common hurdles veterans face when transitioning from “green to grey.” Additionally, there will be real-world examples and lessons learned by our veteran community. At the end of this presentation, attendees will be provided with resources to assist the military community on their pathway.

Following this program, you will be able to:
- Identifying resources available for veterans on college campuses;
- Identifying and engaging veteran-friendly employers; and
- Learning how veterans can have a successful experience transitioning to civilian life.
Presenters

Juan 'Rod' Rodriguez, Talent Advisor, The Cigna Group-Diversity
Juan "Rod" Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio, TX, commenced his military journey by joining the U.S. Army in August 1991 during his junior year of high school. As a combat medic, he served in various roles across the globe, including in Japan, Korea, and Germany, and with deployments to Kosovo and Iraq. During his 23-year military career, he earned accolades such as the Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Field Medical Badge, and Gold Recruiting Badge with three Sapphire Stars. Retiring in August 2015, Rodriguez transitioned to civilian life, starting at Express Scripts in October of the same year. He provided recruiting support to United BioSource Corporation before becoming a full-time employee in December 2015. Over the years, he progressed within Express Scripts and, following the 2018 merger with Cigna, joined the Cigna Early Careers Team. Currently serving as a diversity elations adviser, Rodriguez supports various leadership development programs and contributes to national diversity initiatives, particularly in military hiring. Actively involved in employee resource groups, Rodriguez co-leads the Employment Pillar and serves as co-lead for the NACE Individuals Serving/Recruiting Veterans Affinity Group. Additionally, he plays a key role in the veterans employee resource group, SALUTE, demonstrating his commitment to supporting veterans and promoting diversity initiatives at both local and national levels.