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BY Brock Dudley
April 2025 Career Conference Review
April 2025 Career Conference: Thriving in Economic Uncertainty
Last week, we wrapped up the April 2025 Career Conference, and what a week it was! A huge thank you to the Junior Military Officers (JMOs) who placed their trust in us and to the client companies who showed up ready to hire top talent.
Navigating an Uncertain Economy
Right now, we’re operating in uncharted economic territory. Global markets are facing challenges like tariff wars, inflation swings, supply chain disruptions, and stock market volatility. Even so, the demand for strong leaders remains high. In fact, our client companies are proof of that. They are committed, engaged, and actively hiring for critical roles.
What Happened at the Conference
Over the course of just 4.5 days, we hosted nearly 40 company briefs and facilitated over 400 interviews. These briefs gave our officers the chance to learn about each company, understand the roles, and prepare to connect their unique leadership experiences to the needs of the business world.
Importantly, every company and position present was hiring. Thanks to our Development and Preparation Program, JMOs arrived well-prepared with the mindset, professionalism, and adaptability needed to succeed. Time and again, each conference reminds us of the impressive learning agility and drive these young leaders bring.
And the numbers back it up:
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Average interviews per candidate: 10.3
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Pursuit rate: 69% (equal to January’s conference and in line with historical trends)
What’s a “pursuit”? It means a company said “Yes” to moving forward after an interview. In other words, it’s a strong signal that the JMO effectively communicated their value and made a meaningful connection.
The Journey Continues: Now Entering the Follow-Up Phase
However, the journey doesn’t end there. Earning pursuits is just the beginning. The follow-up phase is where candidates must continue to demonstrate not just their qualifications, but also their genuine interest and cultural fit.
Our JMOs are now deep into follow-up interviews—virtually and in-person—all across the country. Ultimately, this is where offers are won.
This critical phase is led by our CEO, Chuck Alvarez, with support from Lauren Kordzik, Megan Miller, Candy Belcik, Mary Lou White, and Michelle Spisak. Joel Junker, our Senior VP, continues to play a key role throughout the process. At every step, Cameron-Brooks stands with our JMOs.
This is More Than Just Job Placement
Above all, this is more than just job placement. It’s a mission. Our guiding principles remain constant:
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Meet each moment with compassion
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See the individual in every interaction
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Meet people where they are
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Help candidates discover their potential
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Speak truth with love
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Respond with intention, not just react
Simply put, we are committed to doing high-quality work for our candidates and our client companies.
It All Comes Down to Mindset
“Don’t you have to start with what you want and figure out what you have to learn in order to get it?”
– Ray Dalio, renowned author and 2012 Times List of World’s 100 Most Influential People
This quote captures the heart of what we believe. After all, knowing what you want is the easy part. Developing the mindset to achieve it, that’s where the real work begins.
Just before the conference, I sent our candidates an email, not about their résumés or experience, but about their mindset. Here’s a quick recap:
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This access is rare. Ten interviews in two days doesn’t happen in the traditional job market.
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This isn’t just about interviewing. It’s about learning how to think, adapt, and lead in today’s volatile economy.
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Think like a problem solver. Shift your mindset from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”
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See yourself in the job. Don’t just be a candidate, be a future contributor.
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It’s about your career, not just a job offer. Lay the foundation for long-term growth.
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Control what you can. The economy, job openings, and market timing are out of your hands. But your preparation, attitude, and mindset? Those are 100% in your control.
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You are prepared. Whether you’ve been in the program for two months or two years, trust your preparation and keep showing up.
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Stay curious. Stay coachable. And yes, have some fun!
Most importantly: You don’t have to do this alone.
We’re With You Every Step of the Way
For over 50 years, Cameron-Brooks has helped JMOs transition with confidence from preparation and interviews to offers and career launches. This is your journey. And we’re here to support you in making the right decision for you.
There’s a lot packed into every phase of the career search, and we’re just getting started. So, stay tuned for our in-depth April 2025 Post-Conference Review. In the meantime, check out past recaps here and here to see the types of companies, roles, and success stories from fellow JMOs.
If you’re curious to learn more, reach out. I’d love to connect.
Brock Dudley
Associate Principal
