From Mentorship to Opportunity: How One Connection Helped a Soldier Start His Next Chapter

After more than a decade serving in the military, retired U.S. Army soldier Patrick Piedad knew transitioning out of the service would be a major change. What he didn’t fully expect was just how different life on the other side would feel.

Patrick began military college in 2012 and officially left the U.S. Army in 2025. After spending so much of his adult life in the military, he was suddenly navigating a new identity, a new career and a civilian workforce — all in a foreign country.

“It was the biggest change in my life in the last decade,” Patrick said. “After spending that much time in the military world, then making the transition into the civilian world, in a different country nonetheless, it was a huge culture shock and took a lot of adjusting.”

Then, laughing, he added: “If I’m being honest, I’m still adjusting and will probably be doing so for the next decade!”

For service members like Patrick, leaving the military can mean much more than finding a new job. After years of working within a familiar structure, transitioning service members must learn how to translate their military experience into a civilian career, navigate unfamiliar hiring practices and build professional networks outside the military community.

For those hoping to remain and live overseas, there can be even more questions.

Through USO Employment Career Support, Patrick found resources designed to help service members navigate those challenges, including opportunities to learn about the civilian workforce, connect with companies and build relationships with professionals who understand the employment landscape.

One of those connections would ultimately change the course of Patrick’s transition.

A Connection at the Right Time

Through a mentorship opportunity connected to the USO Transition Program, Patrick met Tatjana Bieker, Head of Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding Europe at Leadec.

Tatjana was more than just a mentor; she offered something particularly valuable: firsthand knowledge of the European and German employment markets.

“This fit exactly what I was looking for in a mentor, as usually mentors in the military community are more U.S.-specific in their knowledge set,” Patrick said.

At the beginning of their mentorship, Patrick was still exploring what his future in Germany might look like. With no opportunities at Leadec that matched his background, Tatjana became a resource for navigating the German job market and translating his military experience into a path toward civilian employment.

“We started with a more general chat about the work environment and job opportunities in Germany as well as the legal requirements, such as work and residence permits, and tips for building a proper resume,” Tatjana said.

Tatjana and Patrick stayed in touch and a few weeks later, that connection became something more. Tatjana learned of a position within Leadec’s IT Operations & Services department that could be a match for Patrick’s background and reached out to him.

“One thing led to another, and after Tatjana reached back out regarding a position within the IT Operations & Services department, I was more than happy to explore the opportunity,” Patrick said.

That opportunity turned into something great. Patrick completed an initial interview with Tatjana and the hiring manager, followed by a second interview. The impression he made was so positive that Leadec ultimately presented him with another potential position as well, allowing him to choose which role he preferred.

“It all worked out, and we are very happy to have him on the team,” Tatjana said.

For Patrick, the connection led to his first civilian job in Germany.

Through these programs, I was able to make contact with Tatjana early on in my transition out of the military,“ he said. "This contact proved to be the most valuable contact I made in my transition, as it was the one that led me to my first job in Germany.

Opening Doors Through Partnership

Leadec’s work with the USO highlights their shared commitment to helping service members successfully navigate life after military service.

Tatjana describes USO employment programs as a "door opener,” creating opportunities for companies to connect with the military community while giving transitioning service members access to professionals who can help them understand a new and sometimes unfamiliar employment landscape.

For Leadec, that support doesn’t always mean there is an immediate vacancy to fill. “Even if we do not have a job opening that matches the candidate’s requirements, we are happy to help and provide information and assistance,” Tatjana said.

Leadec also recognizes the experience veterans can bring to the civilian workforce, from leadership and adaptability to experience working in complex environments and alongside people from different backgrounds.

“We highly appreciate the skills and experience they bring along,” Tatjana said. “Specifically thinking about U.S. military service members, we are also convinced that they add great value to our international teams.”

That makes the partnership a “win-win situation for everyone involved,” she said. Leadec hopes to continue building those connections. While the company’s efforts have primarily focused on Germany, Tatjana has also connected with the USO in Poland and spoken with mentees in other European countries.

For Patrick, his experience offers a simple lesson for other service members approaching their own transition: don’t wait.

Start early,“ he said. "Time is always your friend in big changes. It gives you perspective and time to evaluate your options before proceeding down one path.

And perhaps even more importantly, find someone who understands where you want to go.

"Find a mentor,” Patrick said. “Someone that knows the market and location that you are targeting. There is nothing more valuable than first-hand knowledge from someone that is in the space.”

For Patrick, that mentor was Tatjana.

What began as a conversation about resumes, employment requirements and navigating the German workforce became a professional relationship. That relationship became an opportunity. And that opportunity became the beginning of Patrick’s civilian career in Germany.

“Who knows,” Patrick said. “That mentorship could turn into a career opportunity.”