11 Things I figured Out About the Civilian Workforce

It took eight years, but now I'm happier than a hog in a mud hole. I found a position as a contractor for the Army. To tell the truth, only another Vet (my former NCOIC) helped me get the position. The young captain that reviewed my resume stated, "He's way too over qualified for this position." They initially hired a young person with no clue about military life or operations. Never made it to work on time, forged time cards, etc. A month later, my former NCOIC dropped a line for me and now the command says they're happy as hell I'm there.

Things I finally figured out:
1. Understand where you "fit in." Don't try to fit in where you definitely won't. It'll make you a miserable vet!! (If a Ranger tried to be a "ballet dancer," I don't think the pink tutu would work.)

2. As stated many times before, get your education. BNCOC -- isn't "education" by civilian standards.

3. Research the civilian world. You wouldn't plan a patrol through Baghdad without intel.

4. Maintain contact with those who you've worked with. You'll definitely need references or an ear to vent into.

5. In the same thought as above, some of those references have knowledge of openings and hiring practices.

6. Understand that you may be looked upon as an alien. Folks don't have a clue about military service - and don't want to, for the most part.

7. Get dressed like you want the position. You may work in a "casual dress" environment - don't dress like it for the interview.

8. Ditch the cadence calling in the hallways -- it annoys "normal" people. :)

9. Learn to pick your battles. In Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Somalia, or wherever, we didn't always have that luxury.

10. Don't lose your personality, just maintain a level exposure. Uncle Sam didn't take it away, why let another employer do it?

11. Last, but not least -- do something you enjoy. Enjoy your work and your off time. You didn't stay in the military because you hated it. Why stay with a civilian employer that you absolutely hate?

(Submitted by Mr. Ray Inabnitt)

Show That You Can Move on From Military

As a veteran who benefited from the jump start that the military gave my career, I too would advocate maximizing your service and experience for all it's worth.

That being said, I would also advise getting past your military background as soon as possible. Advance yourself with a college degree and private-sector experience -- because not only will a military background only get you so far, but it may also end up working against you.

What I mean by this is that the the higher you get on the corporate ladder, the more the progression of your career path becomes important. Employers look to see a steady advancement in job scope and responsibilities. Yes, starting in the military and advancing is good, but in order to show that you've moved on (to an extent that really makes you qualified for taking on a truly challenging role) you need to show that you've moved way past a stint in the military that likely came right after high school.

On a final note, as much nice as it is to think that veterans should get special status in the private sector, but the fact is, what truly makes a candidate qualified in the private sector is just that, qualifications. If you're no longer on active duty, you better start acting like it and move on.

(Submitted by Jim Krushnick)

Lack of Preparation Led to Living in a Garage

When I got out of the Marine Corps in 2005, I was heartbroken and lost. I had no idea what I was going to do. I had served 4 years -- two overseas -- and had done things I never thought I would in my modest life.

I felt that I was leaving "my family" to go back to the unfamiliar home I grew up in. I had no money when I got out. I spent it all during my time in and hadn't saved a dime. In addition, a screw up on my leave balance left me with an outstanding balance that came out of my last paycheck.

I didn't get a car until two months before I got out. I wasn't prepared at all. I went back to my native state of Ohio for  three months, and worked a few jobs that I hated. Then a friend of mine asked me to move back to North Carolina with her, where I stayed for six months in her garage with no heat.

I got a job on the base working at the convenience store almost immediately, making $5.15 an hour. Finally, after only searching for one month, I got a job with a government contractor with decent pay, and started going to school a year later.

Now, I'm halfway through my degree and still working. My advice to military personnel getting ready to transfer back to civilian life is be prepared.

Save as much as you can, get a car, get a computer, go to school while you're in, and don't waste time. Military life puts you on auto pilot, but in the real world you have to make your own decisions, and no one tells you what to do, where to go, or what to wear. Also, be yourself and remember who you're above what the military says you are, because one day you will not have the nametag to speak for you -- you'll have to speak for yourself.

God Bless all of you, active, reserve, veterans, etc....Thank You for all you have done to serve the United States.

Semper Fi,

(Submitted by Heather Williams; Corporal, USMC)

Disagree With Shelving Rank

I totally and respectfully disagree with the colonel about putting your rank away in a drawer. All veterans should use their status they earned while in the military.

Those who forget the veterans who made this country free should be ashamed of themselves. This country needs to hire veterans in all professions.

The training and professionalism is the best in the world. The veteran should be hired before all other status, especially the disabled veterans. Our country would not be in this mess if we had a veteran at the helm.

I'm a former staff sergeant and I lead by example and pride. One last thought: The war stories I have told have helped some of my co-workers join the military. Never forget where you came from and use your service experience to build a better world.

(Submitted by Mr. Rickey Baugh)

Don't Act Like You're Active Duty, Because You're Not

I was shocked when I found a recruiting company using veterans for candidates. The NCO's with TS's wanted to go home, not stay in the DC area -- the colonels wanted to start with companies at the VP or higher level.

I expanded our candidate pool to include job seekers from all sources.

Advice: Put your rank in the drawer and realize you not in the Army now -- it's a whole new world. You have attributes that companies need and want. But about 90 percent of what you have picked up culturally needs to be forgotten. Don't show up for meetings 30 minutes early. Don't come in at 0600. Don't share war stories around the coffee pot. Don't PT at noon time. Don't meet your carpool at 4 p.m. Watch your boss and your peers -- find out what works and emulate it.

You have loyalty and a good work ethic, max it out, but do not continue to act you're still on active duty, cause you aren't.

(Submitted by Col. James Hodges )

Going from Fired to Hired

After rotating out in 1974, I walked into a photo retail store hoping to use the skills I learned at Photo School in Pensacola., Fla. 

I was hired on the spot and worked my way to management but was let go just before our store was sold. No job and a wife in college two days after Christmas in 1978, I walked into our competitor's main store and spoke with the owner. The owner knew who I was and I informed him that I was no longer working for my former employer. I told him that I would continue to work in the same field in our city and he had the first opportunity to hire me.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in a strategy session to ultimately place me in a management position in my own store within 90 days. Go from fired to hired in 60 minutes. Without the confidence gained from the Marine Corps I couldn't have done it.

(Submitted by Glenn Shay)

Starting My Own Business

I redeployed from Iraq in September 2007 and departed the military two months later.

I had a vision of what I wanted to do and that was business ownership. I put together a business plan that centered around assisting people into business ownership, with veterans being the main focus.

I now own and operate a company called NG Enterprises, LLC. 

Along with NG Enterprises, LLC I created an organization called Veterans 2 Business. If you visit http://www.veterans2business.com you can find out how thousands of veterans are being guided into business ownership.

(Submitted by Nicholas Gray)

Find a Good Recruiting Firm to Help

Getting on board with the right recruiting firm is a crucial step in the transition process.

If you're a military officer prepared to make the transition into corporate America, you'll have plenty of options when it comes to selecting a recruiting firm. And just as you made informed decisions in the military, do the same as you consider recruiting firms. Inquire about the depth of each recruiting company’s preparation program. Speak with your fellow veterans to hear about his or her experiences. For example, I’m absolutely certain you  won't find another company that will coach, mentor, and partner with you as closely as the Cameron-Brooks Team does.

My experiences working with Cameron-Brooks were nothing short of outstanding. From day one my wife and I felt like the C-B Team put their arms around us, kept us well informed, and worked tirelessly to ensure I was given the opportunity to interview with industry leading companies that were a great career fit. By the time I completed the DPP, I felt comfortable and confident in my ability to communicate accomplishments that connected with the leadership competencies recruiters and companies are seeking. Without the help of this fantastic team and their comprehensive Development Preparation Program, there is no way I could have made the transition as effectively.

(Submitted by Chris Barlow)

Vets Stick Together at Any Company

I went from being responsible for a multimillion dollar aircraft to working at an office that did not trust me with the code for the copy machine. I got out in 1995, after serving in Desert Shield and Storm, and was not ready for the transition. The Air Force sent me to a couple of days of transition training that was a complete waste of time. The "trainer" basically said "buy a suit and find someplace to network...join a church, that is a good place to meet people and find a job."

I went to college, worked some crappy jobs, and took about 10 years to get my life together. For those serving now, enjoy every moment of your military time, get every ounce of education that is available. I noticed the Vets stick together at any company, we seem to find each other.

(Submitted by Mr. Eric Thomasson)

The Military is a Great Career

The military is a great career. The benefits, the retirement, the variety of jobs, the training is exceptional, especially for a recent college graduate.

However, about two years ago, my wife and I began having serious discussions about my professional future. I'd just PCSd to Nellis AFB, NV, and knew that I'd likely complete my service commitment while stationed here. The fundamental question became, "Do I PCS again and bring myself near that halfway-to-retirement point, or do I get out and do something else?"

Fortuitously, a couple days after having this discussion, we ran into a colleague, and got to talking. He mentioned that he was getting out of the Air Force, so I asked him what he was doing. He said he'd gotten on with a military recruiter, and he raved about the types of jobs he was going to have the opportunity to see. I'd already gotten emails from the Lucas Group, so I asked him what recruiter. He said it was Cameron-Brooks. I'd never heard of them, so he explained that they only worked with junior military officers, and that they were very selective.

That very day, I went to the website and submitted my application, and signed up for an information session taking place the next week in San Diego. At the session, I learned about the different types of careers available, the state of the economy, and many other things that I didn't know. The next day, I interviewed with Scott, the recruiter, and was accepted to the program. I was extremely proud of this accomplishment, since they only accept about 12 percent to 14 percent of who they interview.

From that point on, I received exceptional support. They provided me with study materials, lists of recommended reading, exercises, and numerous other resources to help me get ready for my transition. Within months, my knowledge of corporate America increased by leaps and bounds. About two months before my scheduled date of separation, I attended a Career Conference, which is the culmination of the entire program. Based upon my career aspirations, my skills, educational background and other factors, Cameron-Brooks matched me up with several job interviews with top companies. At the end of the weekend, I received multiple opportunities for follow-up interviews, which eventually resulted in my accepting a generous offer for a position in Chicago with one of the largest medical services/pharmaceutical/device companies in the world.

I can only say that my experience with Cameron-Brooks enabled me to see outstanding opportunities that matched my skill set and desires with companies' needs. I learned how valuable that good, focused preparation is before transitioning to the civilian world. I also found out how critical it is to have a reputable recruiting firm in place to support me (unless of course, you're lucky and have a family business or some other type of link to a good job). Cameron-Brooks exceeded all expectations in this regard, through all steps of the process. I encourage you to seek out a good recruiter to aid you in your job search, and if you're an officer, seriously consider Cameron-Brooks. I guarantee it will be the best step you can make in your post-military career.

(Submitted by Dan Moberly)