FourBlock

Four Block - CareerRecon

FourBlock is a non-profit organization that helps service members and military spouses transition into successful civilian careers.

“Our mission is to equip veterans and military spouses to successfully transition to meaningful civilian careers. Our vision is to build a national professional network where transitioning veterans and military spouses can connect locally and attain the skills, resources, and relationship-building opportunities necessary to reach their career potential.”

FourBlock started in 2010 with 16 transitioning service members in the organization’s first class. Since then, their alumni network numbers in the thousands and they have been hired at over 500 companies around the world.

Quick Facts

Best ForActive Military, Military Spouses
IndustryAdministration, Communications and Public Relations, Customer Service, Design, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Operations, Sales, Technology
EmploymentFull-Time, Part-Time, Remote, Combination Remote and Office, Contract
Job LevelEntry-Level
Military or Veteran Focus?Yes
Veteran or Spouse-Owned?Yes
Where do they place people?Local
ServicesCareer Readiness program, self-paced online career transition program, Military Spouse Career Readiness Program
SkillbridgeNo
ContactContact
WebsiteWebsite

Military & Veteran Focus

Who would FourBlock be best for?

FourBlock is ideally suited for service members transitioning from active duty, veterans, and military spouses who are looking for assistance finding their next career.

Does the company offer specialized service(s) to transitioning military, veterans, or military spouses?

Yes! FourBlock has a number of programs designed specifically for the military community.

Career Readiness Program

The Career Readiness Program equips transitioning veterans “with the tools they need to develop professional knowledge and build the relationships necessary to successfully transition to meaningful civilian careers.”

FourBlock’s program has been developed in partnership with Columbia University. The Career Readiness Program runs twice a year during spring and fall academic semesters and the program covers the latest in career learning and research.

Military Spouse Career Readiness Program

In partnership with Prepare To Launch U, FourBlock offers a comprehensive transition program called the Military Spouse Career Readiness Program. This program features live video coaching, online learning modules, and other tools to help spouses find great careers.

The first run of the Military Spouse Career Readiness program happened in 2020 with 22 military spouses. Stay up-to-date with program information and future offerings of this initiative.

FourBlock’s program offering generally run in the fall and spring semesters.

Does the company offer discounts to military or veterans?

There is no indication that FourBlock assesses a fee for their services, so a discount is not applicable.

Is the company veteran owned?

Yes. FourBlock was founded by Michael Abrams, a Marine Corps veteran who started the non-profit while attending business school.

 

Job Types & Locations

What areas of the country do they place people?

FourBlock has helped members of the military community land jobs in great companies all over the world.

What kinds of jobs does FourBlock place people in?

  • Customer Service
  • Human resources
  • Finance
  • Sales
  • Adminstration
  • Marketing
  • Technology
  • Operations

What types of jobs do they recruit for?

  • Full-Time
  • Part-Time
  • Remote
  • Combination Remote and Office
  • Contract
  • Permanent
  • Temporary to Permanent

Job Levels

  • Junior
  • Mid-Level
  • Senior

What companies does FourBlock company work with?

Some of FourBlock’s employer partners are:

  • Accenture
  • ADP
  • Bob Woodruff Foundation
  • Boeing
  • Citi
  • Comcast NBCUniversal
  • Delta
  • General Dynamics
  • LinkedIn
  • Lockheed Martin
  • News Corp
  • QBE
  • Raytheon Missiles & Defense
  • SMBC
  • T-Mobile
  • Tableau Foundation
  • The Coca-Cola Foundation
  • Truist Foundation
  • USAA
  • Verizon
  • Vertex
  • Wells Fargo

 

Unique Services & Programs

In addition to transition programs specifically for the military community, FourBlock has created a nationwide community of veterans and employers that help veterans and military spouses find great careers. This network is facilitated by initiatives like FourBlock Connect.

FourBlock partnered with Mission Hire Me, a donor-funded service that helps veterans and their spouses find employment through mentorship and interview training.

Grow With Google is another partnership that allows transitioning veterans learn Applied Digital Skills lessons. This video curriculum is free.

About

Where is the company located?

FourBlock appears to be headquartered in New York, New York.

Do they have offices around the country?

Yes. FourBlock maintains regional offices in the following locations:

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Boston, MA
  • Charlotte, NC
  • New York, NY
  • Orlando, FL
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Tampa, FL
  • Washinton, DC

Company Review and Testimonials

FourBlock is a great resource for transitioning veterans and their spouses. While they do not have a job board like other services, they focus on the training and networking necessary to successful career placement. Many veterans do not know what they want to do after the military. Additionally, they often face challenges when tranlating their experiences to civilian employers. FourBlock’s programs help veterans overcome those challenges.

The organization also hosts the weekly FourBlock Podcast which focuses on the veteran transition experience and the “military-civilian divide” that is common in the workplace. The show is available on Spotify, Apple, and Google podcasts.

The website is easy to navigate, allowing veterans and military spouses to easily find information about FourBlock’s programs and resources. Beyond the great courses that they offer, I am most excited about their partnerships with Mission Hire Me and Grow With Google. I think these initiatives are timely and will greatly benefit job seekers from the military community.

Company Testimonials

Here are a few testimonials from members of the military community who have gone through one of FourBlock’s programs:

“FourBlock has created a comprehensive transition program that is engaging, insightful, and effective. They are essential for veterans seeking new career opportunities.” – Michael, FourBlock Alumni

“Other programs just seem to repeat the same information but FourBlock contains a vast array of information designed to better market yourself to employers.” – Evan, FourBlock Alumni

FourBlock puts veterans in front of the right people and is designed to give veterans willing to put forth the extra effort an opportunity.” -Chase, FourBlock Alumni