My Nonprofit Reviews

I first heard about FourBlock while stationed at Camp Pendleton. During my transition from military service, I attended the mandatory Transition Readiness Seminar and participated in numerous job fairs between San Diego and Bakersfield, CA, including those on Camp Pendleton. It was at one of these job fairs in 2018 that I encountered a FourBlock information table, which immediately piqued my interest.

Earlier that year, I had also attended the Commit Foundation’s transition readiness course, which shares a similar mission of helping America’s top-tier service members and veterans find personal and professional purpose after military service. The knowledge I gained from Commit was invaluable, and I was eager to learn even more to prepare myself for civilian life. Signing up for FourBlock was an easy decision.

The experience with FourBlock was fantastic. I appreciated the introduction to numerous partner organizations and enjoyed learning about their operations and hearing the transition stories of veterans within those organizations. The coursework was thought-provoking and designed to build upon the skills learned each week, creating a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience.

After completing the FourBlock program, I had five meaningful interviews, three of which resulted in job offers. This process allowed me to evaluate potential employers through a different lens. Instead of focusing solely on the need for a job and income, I considered the culture and values of the organizations, as well as how the positions aligned with my interests and skills. This newfound confidence in knowing what I wanted and being able to articulate it set me apart from other candidates, including civilians.

Feedback from interviewers often highlighted the noticeable difference in my preparedness and storytelling ability. They could see that the skills I had honed through FourBlock were setting me up for success. As veterans, we are known for our confidence, teamwork, and ability to get the job done. However, employers also need to see that we understand their organization and can articulate the value we bring.

FourBlock taught me the importance of self-awareness, research, and storytelling. By picturing myself in the roles I applied for and discussing my skills, experiences, and how I overcame challenges, I was able to make a compelling case for why I was the right fit for the position. The beauty of FourBlock lies in the practice it provides in honing your story and crafting your message, with support from coaches, instructors, partner companies, and peers.

After working in Minnesota for a few years, I was thrilled to learn that FourBlock was expanding into the Midwest. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to be part of this expansion. It has been incredibly rewarding and one of the most beneficial experiences for transitioning veterans, helping them prepare for their next mission in the “fourth block.”