By Kaitlyn Lassiter, ACP
Are you ready to kick off the New Year and make a resolution that actually sticks? By signing up for an American Corporate Partners (ACP) Mentorship, you’ll head into January feeling refreshed, focused and ahead of the game in your career search. Instead of falling into the post-holiday slump, take action and set the tone for a productive and fulfilling year.
US Army National Guard Veteran & ACP Protégé Anne DiResta says, “I love New Year’s resolutions, and any way to benefit yourself is always positive! In thinking of the New Year and starting fresh or wanting to make changes, starting up with ACP is another great way to continue on such a journey.”
Staying on the Right Track to Success
An ACP Mentor can help you stay focused on your professional goals. By setting aside time each month to meet, you’ll build steady progress and set yourself up for a successful mentorship experience by the end of the year.
David Inman, a Business System Specialist at GAF who volunteers as an ACP Mentor, describes how he helps his ACP Protégé stay on track: “I ensure focus with a clear, documented Mentorship Action Plan that transforms significant career goals into manageable, monthly milestones. This isn’t a static document; we treat it as a ‘living strategy’,” Inman adds.
“At the start of every meeting, we review the progress against the plan, ensuring that the larger objective remains in focus,” Inman explains. “For motivation, I focus on the power of ‘small wins.’ Acknowledging every piece of progress—from updating a resume to securing a networking contact—is the best fuel for sustained focus. It allows them to see and maintain concrete momentum.”
Tom Yezzi, a Customer Partner at Kyndryl and an ACP Mentor,explains how he and his Protégé maintain a relationship rooted in common personal and professional values. “We begin each call by catching up on how things are going in our lives, with our families, and in our careers,” Yezzi says. “There’s a strong mutual respect between us—I’m deeply appreciative of his extraordinary accomplishments in his military career, and he’s expressed the same respect for my experiences in business.”
It’s comforting to know you have someone in your corner who both advocates for you and understands your experiences, so you don’t feel alone in the process. Yezzi explains, “[My Protégé and I] share a common value of putting family first, which helps strengthen our connection. He is highly motivated, driven by his life and military experiences, and clear about his goals as he transitions into the private sector. When he faces obstacles, I share examples from my own career—challenges I’ve encountered and how I overcame them—to encourage and reassure him that every setback can become a learning opportunity.”
The Power of a Mentorship
ACP takes a tailored approach to finding your Mentor match, ensuring you get the help and guidance you need to achieve your New Year’s resolution.
Anne DiResta, who wanted to learn more about opportunities to work professionally with animals, was matched with a Mentor who had extensive experience in that field. She states, “Her advice has made me consider [specific] jobs…and follow up through networking, as well as pursue continuing education to add more tools to my belt!”
David Inman shares, “I’ve had several incredible moments, but a recent success stands out above all. My mentee, a Navy Veteran with deep logistical expertise, initially struggled to translate that into a civilian job title. We pivoted to focus on powerful storytelling—showing, not just telling, their impact. After refining their resume to showcase their quantifiable achievements, they landed their ideal role in a Skillbridge Program as a Project Manager for the City of Norfolk, VA.”
Inman explains the impact of this achievement: “My proudest moment wasn’t the Skillbridge offer itself; it was witnessing their confidence soar after they completed the Skillbridge Program and were made a full-time offer of employment. That realization of their actual market value—that shift in self-perception—is the most significant progress a Mentor can hope to see.”
The Main Takeaway
Support during the pivotal moments of your career can make all the difference in achieving success.
Anne DiResta reflects on her mentorship: “I’m continuing to learn more about the field I want to work in. I’ve been incorporating that in my full-time job and with my future goals…My Mentor is a great source of information, and I love how much feedback she has been providing for me.”
Tom Yezzi adds, “I’m extremely proud of my Protégé. Every time we meet, he shares meaningful updates—both personal and professional—and each month brings new progress.”
ACP’s free, yearlong mentorships are open to post-9/11 Veterans, Active-Duty and surviving Military Spouses, and Spouses of Veterans who transitioned within the past 12 months. If you want to finally nail your resolutions this year, applying for a mentorship with ACP is the first step!
Telephone No.212-752-0700