The Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program was a real game-changer; it gave me the support I needed and set me on a clearer path professionally and personally
Mentoring program unlocks career success for Defence partners
Australian Defence Force spouse Kat Iverson-Blekic is no stranger to the challenges of military life, especially the impact frequent relocations have on maintaining employment and career progression. After moving to South Australia with her husband, Kat joined the Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program in 2024, which equipped her with the skills and support to take the next step in her career.
For several years, Kat has supported her husband’s service to the nation through his role in the Australian Army, both as a reservist and full-time service. It’s a commitment that has required the couple to move states twice.
While Kat has managed to build her own career in project management, she admits the instability and unpredictability of postings have made it challenging to maintain career momentum.
“Being part of a Defence family comes with its challenges. In particular moving frequently and having to switch jobs, can leave you feeling unsettled and stuck in limbo,” she said.
“I’ve always been an optimist and tried to make the best out of every situation, but sometimes it’s hard to stay focused on your personal and professional goals when everything around you is shifting.”
After relocating to Adelaide with her husband two years ago, Kat secured a remote position as a project coordinator, overseeing software development projects. However, the lack of opportunities for growth, left her feeling unsatisfied and seeking more fulfilment in her career.
Looking for support and guidance to develop her career goals and grow her connections within the South Australian community, Kat applied to join the 2024 Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program, which connects participants with leading business mentors in South Australia.
Running across eight months, the program sees pairs work together on career planning, skills translation, business planning and networking.
Through the program, Kat was matched with CEO and co-founder of cyber consulting firm Cygence, Amy Ormrod, who has extensive experience as a career mentor and is passionate about supporting veterans and their partners in their transition to new careers.
Like Kat, Amy is a long-term Defence partner with first-hand experience of successfully carving out a career independent of her husband’s military service.
“We got on like a house on fire,” Kat said. “Amy had a way of seeing my potential even when I couldn’t see it myself. Her encouragement, patience and honest feedback gave me the confidence to push outside my comfort zone again,” she said.
Kat said the skills and tools gained from the program empowered her to take the next step in her career and pursue a new role as associate project manager at BAE Systems Australia. She encourages other Defence partners to undertake the program as a valuable opportunity to grow and achieve their career goals.
“The Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program was a real game-changer; it gave me the support I needed and set me on a clearer path professionally and personally,” she said.
For Amy, being a mentor in the program was an opportunity to expand her professional network and give back to the veteran community.
“Defence spouses are often a forgotten group in the whole Defence ecosystem,” Amy said. “Deployments and isolation add an additional layer of complexity, making it challenging to develop their profession,” Amy said.
“I was fortunate to help Kat navigate some of those unique challenges and support her career growth and development.”
The free program, now in its fourth year, is open to transitioning and former ADF members, reservists, Defence partners and, for the first time, adult children of veterans.
Applications for the 2025 Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program close on 16 February 2025.
