Birkman International Provides Personality Assessment Tool to F7 Group for Skills Training, Mentoring Programs and Career Resource to Assist Female Veterans

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--1.8 million female military veterans in the U.S. have a higher divorce rate than their male counterparts and are four times more likely to be homeless than women who are not veterans. Yet the female vets who chose to follow a career path are found to be four times more likely to become highly successful – if they have the resources and support system they need.

“It’s a way we can tangibly show our gratitude to those who have truly earned it.”

F7 Group of Dallas, Texas, founded by USAF Veteran, Cassaundra StJohn, is an organization of businesswomen dedicated to helping female veterans re-enter an enriching and productive civilian life through business and entrepreneurial careers. Birkman International, Inc. is boosting F7 Group’s efforts by donating 250 personality assessment testing tools to be used at the F7 Group skills training retreats, Entrepreneurial Boot Camps and mentoring programs as a career resource. The female vets will be given The Birkman Method®, a unique personality assessment tool that measures internal needs, behaviors, occupational preferences, strengths and stressors and a Birkman-Certified consultant will help users maximize their full potential through coaching and career management assistance.

“The Birkman Method® is founded on the belief that when people match their dreams with actions, they can achieve more personal satisfaction than they ever thought possible,” says Sharon Birkman Fink, CEO of Birkman International. “Female veterans who have served in demanding, high stress positions will be better equipped to re-establish successful civilian lives when they better understand their fears, hopes, strengths and talents. We are proud to work with F7 Group to make Birkman testing available,” added Birkman Fink. “It’s a way we can tangibly show our gratitude to those who have truly earned it.”

“When I first learned about the F7 Group I wondered how I could support the re-entry of women veterans into positive productive lives, and realized that The Birkman Method® could be a very powerful and empowering tool that would directly aid these women in securing confidence in and expression of their unique gifts and talents,” said Vikki Loving, founder of The InterSource Companies and Birkman Consultant. “Through the empowerment of powerful Birkman language each of these women can explain who they are and what they can do in a manner that any civilian can understand. It gives these engaged, resilient productive women a real advantage in building meaningful careers.”

The Birkman Method® was initially used at an F7 Group career retreat attended by more than 200 female veterans. Ms. Loving provided each female vet a copy of her assessment and a personal interpretation of the results.

Initial response to the testing was extremely positive. After taking the Birkman test, veteran Gail Schnell said, “During the F7 Group Retreat, I was honored to be chosen to take the Birkman Method, which is a great business tool that gives you insight about yourself and others. Vikki Loving helped us interpret and understand what our results mean. I learned a lot, and because I think anything is possible I liked how it told me that I can do the impossible!”

“The Birkman Method® testing will help female vets gain insights to better integrate their core capabilities into a successful career and life. It’s a win-win for these enormously capable female vets and those organizations that employ them.”

The Birkman Method® has been used for 60 years by close to 3 million people and 5,000 organizations worldwide to guide their hiring, retention, motivational and organizational development activities. www.birkman.com.