Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

Robert Stewart MBA, GCDFCareer Development

Specialist &U.S. NAVY Veteran

Western Michigan University

Utilizing Transition Theory in Order to Maximize Student Veteran Support

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

Veterans Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP99qL2Ww0c

N.K. Schlossberg Overwhelmed: Coping with life’s ups and downs. Lexington, KY: Lexington Press, 1989.

Transition Nancy Schlossberg defines transition as “an event or nonevent that results in change.” (1989) (roles, daily routines and/or personal relationships)

Event• Something that happens; being

accepted into school, getting married, being promoted

Nonevent• Something that was expected to happen

but did not; graduating from college, divorce, losing job due to downsize

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

The 4 S Model

Veteran

Situation

Self

Support

Strategy

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

The 4 S Model cont.

Move In• Situation

Move Through• Self• Support

Move Out• Strategy

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

Table ExerciseSituation:• Severity/Amount of Change • Timing – Expected or Unexpected• Control/Options• Other Factors

Self:• General Outlook on Life• Veterans Locus of Control• Stress

Management/Assertiveness• Resilience/Adaptability

Support:• Family/Friends• Money & Material Resources• Other Agencies & Referrals

Strategy:• Different Perspective• Inner Development of Resources • Additional Support/Agencies• Next Steps• Time Frame

4 S Model

• Read & discuss the scenario of **** in a group.

• Utilize the 4 S model. Take notes with the worksheet provided. Follow this order:

1. Situation2. Self3. Support4. Strategy

• Share group findings

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

Table Exercise

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

Partner Exercise Partner up for roleplay!

One person will play the role of the veteran:• Read the scenario before you begin. • When you are ready, read the script aloud to your

partner. • Try to remain true to the script.

The other person will play the role of the facilitator:• Listen carefully to the statements being made by the

veteran.• Use the 4 S Model worksheet to assist the veteran to

move in, move through, and move out of the transition.

Both roles be ready to share your observations with the group.

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

Closing Thoughts

Situation Self

Support Strategy

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

Questions?

Thank You!

Copyright: The Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University

References• Military Transition To Civilian Life (2014, May 5). Retrieved

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP99qL2Ww0c

• Schlossberg, N.K. (1989). Overwhelmed: Coping with life’s ups and downs. Lexington, KY: Lexington Press