“84.

I counted the other day just to make sure. I have 84 rejection emails from companies I had applied to and not been granted an interview.

But let me rewind…”

The Marine Corps

From 2001 to 2005, I served as a rifleman with the 3rd BN, 8th Marines based out of Camp Lejeune, NC. Needless to say, it was a busy 4 years.

Following 9/11, 3/8 was re-designated as the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism). Our unit would go on to reopen the US Embassy in Kabul, cross-train with numerous foreign forces around Southeast Asia, re-establish order during the social unrest of 2004 in Haiti, and oversee an AO in Iraq stretching from Abu Gharib prison to Fallujah.

I led teams ranging from 4 to 30+, conducted numerous stability and direct action operations, and became proficient with various weapons systems. I learned land navigation, jungle warfare, and survival, close-quarters battle principles, M.O.U.T., helicopter operations, mechanized tactics, etc. I left active duty an E-4 with (2) decorations for composure under fire and a Purple Heart.

Here is perimeter camera footage from 2005 during the Abu Gharib prison break out. Kilo Company were in the towers, India (us) were on the ground:

And yet…I couldn’t get a job.

Maybe you can relate. Now, I know you’ve probably seen the same “veteran hiring programs” I have: “Wanted: Navy SEAL who was also a Fighter Pilot.” As if hiring managers knew what either of those things means aside from the last time they saw “Tears of the Sun”.

Deep down, I knew I had skills and abilities that could translate to the civilian workforce, but I was just not finding success in doing so.

Enter Tech Qualled.

Tech Qualled is a great option for those of you out there struggling as I did, but it is also not a handout. You need to be ready to work. A lot. Much like Recruit Training, they are going to tear you down to the studs in order to equip you with the essential skills required to land a JOB.

They are going to ask you to invest in the program as much as they invest in you, which is a lot. Heavy hitters are going to volunteer their time to coach how on how to be better. The team will connect and advocate for you to employers. Online training, live forums, and “boot camps” will reinforce key concepts and knowledge areas you need to be successful in tech sales.

If you’re willing to hustle, listen, and apply, good things can happen.

For me, the 84 doesn’t matter anymore. Just the 1 – the offer letter I signed last week with Nutanix.