Karl Kandt has experience providing veterans and service members with impactful assistance in the search for meaningful employment. He engages as an employment representative within the state of Kansas . Karl Kandt provides disabled veterans outreach efforts and delivers services related to resume writing, career planning, and coaching for job interviews.
As a former Department of Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation counselor, Mr. Kandt assisted veterans and active military members. His efforts ensured that participants earned benefits during the training process, as well as subsistence allowance. Mr. Kandt has engaged closely with various agencies in developing and refining outreach initiatives, and regularly attends job fairs and other employer-sponsored events.
Knowledgeable in the agricultural sector, Mr. Kandt has managed cattle and farming operations. Also involved in his community, he contributes time and effort to the Manhattan Solar Kiwanis Club, with a particular focus on programs that benefit children. He is also a member of the Alumni and Veteran Clubs of Emporia State University, where he earned degrees in communication and counselor education.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A day consists of a mix of individual scheduled, walk-in appointments and group briefings. Also, responding to client emails, maintaining records, and preparing materials. Providing job search resources, resume reviews, and mock interviews. Establish a to-do list, conduct individual career counseling appointments, present during transition briefings, and attend online meetings and staff trainings.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Helping clients identify their knowledge, skills, interests, and values to identify with future career paths. Also, helping clients create job goals and employment plans. Being responsive, creative thinking, and communicating effectively with other stakeholders.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Incorporate digital tools and platforms like online counseling sessions, webinars, and virtual job fairs to enhance their career exploration and job search. Receiving positive outcomes and feedback from assisting clients.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
To be a good manager of time, stay organized, and communicate effectively with clients online and in person. Volunteer in ways to reach more clients and community members.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To have a good work-life balance. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burn out. In addition, implementing positive strategies for managing stress. Learn and embrace computer technology in a more aggressive and creative way.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
There are a lot of workers who are capable, but only a few workers are willing to give extra effort in the workplace. You need to be good at something before you can expect a good job.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
To continue developing soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and various forms of communication. Networking is better than not working. It takes a village.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Take a short break and possibly exercise. It is important to understand the value of balancing worktime with personal life and hobbies. Write down a priority list of items to accomplish and remain calm.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Developing clear goals and creating action plans to achieve those goals and to communicate clearly with clients. Identifying a mentor l can reach out to for guidance.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Not being computer savvy using technology, trying to learn more each year to build confidence, and find ways to get help when needed. Utilizing online resources and tools for career exploration and job search and establishing a professional mentor for assistance with career resources.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Utilizing information from the American Job Centers, ONET, and Bureau of Labor Statistics websites when researching various careers and employment options. Using Microsoft Outlook and Teams.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Discover What You’re Best At by Linda Gale (a complete career system that lets you test yourself to discover your own true career abilities). So Good They Can’t Ignore You; book by author Cal Newport.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Dead Poets Society. This film features a teacher who inspires his students to find their own voices and to seize the day, understanding the importance of mentorship and helping individuals pursue their true passions. National Treasure movie series.
Key learnings
- Maintaining a good work-life balance and utilizing positive stress-management strategies helps prevent burn out and overwhelm.
- Bringing ideas to life requires creativity, effective communication, and strategic execution.
- Strong relationships, continued soft-skills development, and networking are crucial for career and business growth.