To:
From:
Re:
Date:
Prospective Bunker Transition Fellowship Applicants
Todd Connor, CEO, Bunker Labs
Michael Hubbard, President, Veterans Leadership Council of Chicago
Applying to the Bunker Transition Fellowship
October 12, 2015
In September 2015, we created a Fellowship program in order to realize a unique opportunity.
The Department of Defense (DoD) recognized that by allowing veterans to work at civilian
internships before they are formally separated from the military, the service members have the
time they need to build a professional network, develop a professional skill set and
experience, evaluate potential careers, relocate to their desired post-military residence, and
ultimately begin to acclimate to post-military life. We also saw ourselves in a unique position
here in Chicago to realize the potential to place military service members in corporate
internships. Through the Veterans Leadership Council, we have more than 80 leading
companies represented by veterans who lead each company’s Veteran Affinity Group /
Business Resource Group – including your company.
Through the creation of a Fellowship program, we hope to capitalize on the opportunity to
connect transitioning service members with internships at our member-companies.
Additionally, by hosting professional development and networking events at the Bunker Labs
(a veteran lead innovation organization housed at 1871 in downtown Chicago), we knew that
we could positively impact veterans post-service best-opportunity employment by allowing
them to integrate with relevant networks here in Chicago. In short, we are creating a unique
opportunity in Chicago for the veteran, for our corporate partners, and for the DoD to support
their strategic transition goals.
Attached please find the application to be considered for the program. Candidates need to be
approved through their chain of command for participation. Each of the branches created
different guidance for how to operationalize each transition programs so candidates need to
work with their respective Commanders to determine how they can participate in this
program. To that end, we require an indication of a candidate’s approval / authorization to
participate in this program. Additionally, we require a letter of recommendation from a
candidate’s commanding officer as well as a headshot and resume. Upon receipt and
acceptance, we will share your package with corporate partners for placement at a firm /
industry of the candidates’ preference. In each case, the candidate will be paired with a
military veteran who works for the company as a mentor. Additionally, an additional veteran
at a different company will be assigned as an additional mentor. Our goal is to equip each
Bunker Labs Fellow with a robust, thriving network here in Chicago that exposes him/her to
opportunities that would not otherwise be available.
Todd Connor (USN)
CEO, Bunker Labs
INSPIRE. EDUCATE. CONNECT.
Michael Hubbard (USMC)
President, Veterans Leadership Council
Name: ___________________________________________
Branch of Service: _________________________________
Rank / MOS: ______________________________________
Current Assignment: _______________________________
Personal Email: ___________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________________
Address: _________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Questions (attach separately – no longer than 3 pages total).
1) How did you learn about the Bunker Transition Fellowship Program?
2) Why are you interested in the program?
3) What are your future career aspirations?
4) Why do you think this Fellowship program will get you there?
5) What contributions do you think you bring into a corporate work environment?
Attach:
☐ Headshot
☐ Letter of Recommendation (Current or Former Supervisor)
☐ Evidence of Authorization to Participate (i.e. letter from HR, Commanding Officer)
☐ Resume and last Evaluation / Fitness Report
Send completed application to [email protected].
INSPIRE. EDUCATE. CONNECT.