'I'm Happy as a Civilian'

I worked hard while I was active duty to finish my Associate and bachelor's degrees so I would be ready and competitive with the job market when I finally separated after 11 1/2 years of active-duty service.

I saved up to 60 days of terminal leave so I could look for a job and interview, and still have a pay check while I searched for work.

I researched military-friendly companies and found a completely unlikely match for my experience. I thought outside of the box, and didn't keep my search limited to my military experience, which had been almost my entire adult work history.

I love the philosophy of and being a member of USAA. When I applied, I wasn't sure where it would lead. It ended up being my first official interview midway through my terminal leave. I separated on a Friday of a holiday weekend and accepted the job first thing Tuesday morning.

I was so excited and I am truly happy as a civilian, still having the opportunity to work with members that serve our country everyday. Best advice: Treat searching for your new job like a personal goal and even though you may be on leave, spend the same amount of time working on your job search as you would be spending at work. Marketing yourself and utilizing veterans workshops to help with resumes, etc...it's definitely worth the time and energy. Keep your military professionalism and future employers will recognize you have a unique edge over the competition.

(Submitted by Ms. M. Muir)

It's Sink or Swim Out Here

I have gone through and read the stories of people transitioning, and I think the reason it's so hard for former military to come out and work in the civilian world is due to not enough planning, and, really, a lack of life experience on one's own.

A lot of people join the military right out of high school. So, they go from being in the safety net of their parents to being in the safety net of the military -- never having to learn how to really survive in the real world where there is no one to tell you what to do every minute of your day.

It's almost like a handicap. I have been in the Coast Guard for two years and have another four to go. I didnt get in until after I was 21, so by that time I had lived on my own since high school and learned how to truly survive on my own. Coming to the military for me wasn't like an extension of my parents' security.

I have already started to p lan my future out of the military. I will have my degree at the end of my last year and I will apply to be a teacher in Atlanta before I even leave the Coast Guard. I want to have a job and a home waiting for me as soon as I get out. I believe the one thing anyone coming out of the military should know is how to be prepared, but I guess they don't really set it up were you have to think for yourself. No one is telling you what to do when you get out, it's basically like sink or swim.

(Submitted by Ms. Danielle Stewart)

The Long Road to a Good Job

It’s difficult to tell a transition story without first explaining what actions I took to prepare myself for the transition. A little background about my career field, I enlisted in the Air Force in 2002 as a 2E2X1, computer, networking, switching, and crypotgraphic technician. Two years into my career field, I lost the drive and passion for networking. An opportunity opened-up to perform personnel evaluations for Network Certifications.

The important thing is I knew I wanted to do something other than networking which required me to either pursue a degree in a related field, or seek certifications in the field of my interest. I chose to seek a degree in a field related to personnel evaluations; the closest I could get was a management degree, through distant learning. Two years later I was stationed in Korea. I completed my CCAF and was working on my management degree. I was also fortunate enough to land a position in the Plans and Progra m office as a Quality Assurance Specialist.

In this capacity, I was able to immediately apply my degree education to the challenges of everyday work. I completed my degree while in Korea, from the University of Phoenix (UoP). I also extended an extra year to attain a completed re-investigation on my security clearance, a sacrifice which produced much heartache with my family, but would pay off later. Before I left Korea in February 2008, I completed my management degree, retained adjudication of my clearance, and completed six classes toward my graduate degree in Management. Yes, I was a very busy Airman. But I felt the Air Force would want me to prepare myself, and use my time wisely. I felt I was keeping with the high Air Force standards, by maximizing my time and the investment they placed in me through programs like tuition assistance (TA). What better way to give back to your particular branch of service than to take advantage of all the offerings, so that, you a re prepared to transition to civilian life as an extension and representative of all that the military hopes and wishes you to become.

Next, the mental challenge. School was tough, my assignment to Korea was tough and rewarding, but now I had the responsibilities of being the sole bread winner and a family to support. I was extremely attentive during the week long Transition Assistance Program (TAP) class, but nothing could prepare me for the humbling experience of seeking a new career as a federal civilian employee. I learned the hard way to be modest. Most government agencies do not need a superman or superwoman, but instead they are looking for those people who have shown there weight-in-gold through experience, education, certifications, and a lot of perseverance. In other words, the federal civil service sector is looking for a sober minded person who is willing to adapt, be open minded enough to collaborate with other, foster creativity, and be the type of person that can produce documented outcomes of synergetic effort. They’re looking for integrity.
I was seeking a career as a contract specialist. The problem was, I did not have the two year certification training that most job descriptions/announcements required I posses. In my case, education was meeting only the basic requirements. This is what I had to do:

1). I had to humbly seek openings that were developmental, entry level, or Internships. Yes, the pay would be lower, but I could get the experience, training, and certification necessary for this career field.

2) I had to develop my resume to display, through my learning and experience rhetoric, I possessed the related experience they required.

3). I had to talk with my spouse about continuing on the path to seek federal employment, or move on to another market or job arena. We both agreed that the federal civilian career field is what WE wanted, so WE decided as a union to stick it out.

4) I had to learn all about the language and definitions that I read in the USAJOBS’ announcements; e.g., “status candidate.” I had no idea what a status candidate was. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has an extensive overview of everything federal. I practically made there website my federal bible.

5) Do not apply for positions on a whim and a prayer. Be realistic about what you know describes your background, comprehensively. The screening process by OPM is very accurate, and you MUST have the specialized experience and education to match. Do Not waste your time or OPM’s time by applying for positions that are above you Skills, Knowledge, and Ability level (SKA).

6) Know where you want to live and work. I did not qualify for many of the positions because I did not reside in the required geographical/metro area (deemed as commutable travel). Most agencies will not pay relocation. Your chances for being highly considered increases if you are geographical ly near the location you’re applying for, or at least in the same state.

7) Last but not least, see the job search world through a wide lens. Try not to narrow your focus. You might miss out on a great opportunity for growth and development if you narrow your focus. Read each announcement like it was your last; be thorough, because each announcement will have a different set of rules for submitting your resume and supplemental documents.

My current status:
After six long, tiring months of applying for federal career positions through USAJOBS, I finally received an offer from the Department of the Navy (DON) as an Intern in the field of Acquisitions, job title-Contract Specialist. It’s a three year internship, that develops you from inter to journeymen. They structure the program around acquisition courses and on-the-job- training to receive certification. I got my, below average, size nine, foot in the door. My wife is happy, my daughter is elated , and I can continue to serve my country, which I so dearly love, in a capacity that allows me to give back a portion of what the Air Force has instilled and invested in my family and me.

(Submitted by Aaron Knowles)

The Degree Helps

I retired as an E-6 in 2006 with an AF technical career and no degree but, with 96 total credits. I now advocate to get that degree even, if it's the CCAF AS degree. You'll hear "networking" until your blue in the face.

But its the truth, mark my words. It took six months to find employment and it wasn't in my career field. It was a call center for a highly reputable financial investment firm -- excellent benefits, $31K to start and I only got the job due to referrel (networking).

It was awesome to learn investing. However, I wanted to find a position with the skills I learned in the USAF that made more money, so I could invest the extra earnings.

After six more months a previous USAF coworker suggested my name (networking) to a contractor who was looking for the exact skills I was trained for in the USAF. Currently, I'm doing the job and doing it with pride.

It's great pay, benefits, and working conditions. One thing to keep in mind is Contract work usually has a term (one, three, five year, etc.). So in five years when I'm not marketable (over the hill), I'll look elsewhere unless, the contract extends to more terms. Most of us former military personnell do have great resumes and that degree sure helps!

(Submitted by Mr. Joseph Patrick)

I'm not Wealthy, But I'm Happy

During the six years I served, I met some great people, some that I am still life long friends with today. When I was in the Navy, I was a Psychiatric Technician. As a specialty of the Hospital Corpsman, my training and job dealt with caring for members and their families that were having psychiatric or emotional issues. It was an exciting job that I wanted to continue once I was out of the military. When I began the process of getting out, I was shocked to find out that, at the time, I wouldn't make enough money to support my family. My dreams of supporting my family and going to school to become a full fledged Psychiatrist or Psychologist were dashed. I had to remake myself.

As I transitioned into the civilian world, I realized that I had a few other marketable skills that I could use to help me become gainfully employed. I was a BLS instructor. I taught classes in Basic Life Support as a change of pace to my regular job while I was in the Navy. In a way, I was teacher. Admittedly, not a very good one, but it was a skill. On the ward, I helped with the computers that had recently come into use. I helped some of the nursing staff learn how to use them and it was a hobby of mine. I had also had taken many Navy classes on customer service.

After I got out of the military, I wasn't able to get a job for two months. Those two months were full of despair as I fretted about getting a job and the future of my family. But eventually I got a few call backs, and found a job at a small company doing computer repair. My first bosses were all prior Navy, and I dare say that they hired me specifically because I was in the Navy. I worked hard for that company but after a few years left because I couldn't go any further. I began to search for work again, and for a while I had work at jobs that paid considerable less. I moved to a small ISP and then onto a support position with a small software company. In all o f these circumstances, I would say a key factor in my employment has been my military experience. It definitely got my foot in the door.

Now, almost a decade after getting out of the military, I have come full circle and I can't go much further in my pay without a degree. The economy is rough so I am working full time and going to school full time. My plans have changed and I want to get a bachelors in Computer Science. Even in this environment, my skills from military continue to help me succeed. In school, I am focused and experienced. I know why I am going to school. I don't give up easily. I know what the stakes are. Within two more years, I expect to have my CS degree from a local university.

I am not wealthy, but I can tell you that I believe I have successfully transitioned to civilian life. It was a difficult chapter of my life, but worth it. Here are my words of wisdom that I learned through those trying times:

1)Get a professional resume do ne. Hire someone to help you with your resume. It's the first thing your prospective employer will see. It should be generic for the work you want to do, but don't feel trapped by it. For each possible job you will want to tweak it for that job.

2)Join a professional/charitable organization. It looks good on your resume and helps you network.

3)Get good at talking about yourself. You need to sell yourself. In the real world you have to sell your experience. Go places and meet new people. Come up with an elevator pitch about your story.

4)If you can, go to school when you are able to. When I was in, some guys were maniacs, working 12 hour shifts, going to school for eight hours, sleeping for four hours some days. They are very successful now. Now with a family, I work eight hours, go to school for four, and am exhausted. Do it while you are young, able, and not a parent. After the military, you can even live on a friend's couch, go to school and survive on pitt ance that comes from the current GI Bill.

5)Semper Gumby: Always be flexible. I learned this in the military, but in civilian life, it always seems to be applicable. Every role is new and never the same. I feel like I have to constantly change to continue to be gainfully employed.

6)Exercise regiments that you learned in the military keep you mentally and physically fit throughout your life. Exercise will help you through those inevitably depressing times and being in shape lends itself to helping you get employed.

(Submitted by Mr. Jason Laprade)

Plan Ahead for Seperation

Plan ahead for separation. When I joined the AF right out of high school, I didn't give any thought to what was "down the road." Fours years ended up turning into twenty one years.

During the time I was in, I watched a lot of guys get out. Some had planned their separation, others had not, thinking "I'll go to school when I get out or I'll look for a job when I get back home." Some of these guys made it, some came back in.

As for my situation, at 12 years, I retrained for a job that was marketable in the civil sector. I finished my bachelor's degree while I was still in because I knew when I got out, I would have to hit the ground running. A point to remember, your military training may/may not help you outside the gate. If your job transfers to the civil sector, make sure you get certifications, licenses that show you know what you know. I became licensed in the state I live before getting out. I went through the T AP Program twice. The second time was when I had decided to retire but had not submitted my papers.

Before I got out, I did contract work for the outfit that hired me (try before you buy). Once the contract was done, I was hired. I negotiated my salary, work hours etc. My license, degree and added credentialing were all bargaining chips to get a higher wage. I got out on a Thursday and started the following Monday. In retrospect, this was not a good move. I should have taken some time off between jobs to unwind. Make sure you take a couple weeks to "decompress."

Bottom line: Make sure you have your education, licenses, certifications, credentials or whatever you need to land a job before you get out. You'll be more competitive, able to land a decent job and you can negotiate a better wage.

(Submitted by Mike Mikulski)

One of the Fortunate Ones

I retired from the Army in 2006 with a little more than 21 years, I did not want to leave but health issues made the decision for me.

I guess I was one of the fortunate ones in that I was in the right place at the right time. I can't stress enough how important it is to network. Everyone that I worked with knew that I wanted to retire in northern Alabama where contractor positions are abundant so one day our Deputy Commander a (GS14) came to me and said, "I have a friend that is the senior VP with a firm in Huntsville, Ala., send your resume to him."

I did and received a call from him later in the week and was hired from a phone interview. Now, I have a great job with no deployment worries making good money.

My advice to everyone is this:

1.) Have a well-written resume, target it to the position you seek.

2.) Network, Network, Network.

3.) If you want to make the kind of money you deserve then don't lock yourself into a situation by moving to a location then start a job search. Find the job for you even if you have to compromise on the location.

Good luck and may God bless you during this time.

(Submitted by Mr. Alex Brock)

Military Experience Should Count for Something, Right?

I would like to start by saying that I think this is an excellent idea. A little more than three years ago, I retired from the Navy after 20 years of service, and I was searching for answers. The Transition Assistance Program helped answer many of those questions. Yet, I felt like I didn't know how to market myself for the civilian world.

Opon leaving the military I asked people for advice. I had my first resume professionally drafted. I then altered the resume for various positions I applied for online. I did a lot of networking with people in the industries I was interested in. I talked to family and friends and let them know I was looking for employment.

I spoke to one gentlemen who worked in the Hazardous Materials Industry and asked him his advice on obtaining a job. He replied with "What you did in the military doesn't matter a bit to me, you need the degree. Go back to college and get a degree." You may know how to do the job but we need the degree."

In my opinion college is a good option but if you have experience it should account for something. Correct?

I ended up taking a job as an inventory control specialist for Cost Plus World Market. I was one of five people they hired. Within five months I was the only person out of those five people still working for the company. It was a temp position and very low pay.

I was a hospital corpsman in the Navy, first class petty officer, so naturally I applied to Health Departments. I had experience in hazardous materials handling while assigned to 3rd Medical Battallion in Okinawa Japan. All of the interviews ended with the same response. "Do we think you could do the job? Yes, but what certifies you to do the job?"

I started to think the old guy who worked for the DoD in the Hazardous Materials field was right. Maybe I needed to go back to college and finish my degree.

Then I sat down and really assessed my skills I had learned in the Navy. I was good with computer programs and especially data managment. So I began building my resume for inventory control positions.

Several weeks later I received notice that I had an interview with a very large company as an Inventory Control Specialist for a Vendor Managed Inventory facility.

I went to the interview prepared, followed the advice given during the TAMP program. I improved my interviewing skills as a result of going to 13 interviews within 5 months time.

I was offered the position along with benefits, 401K, and a salary that matched my income I received on active duty.

I am happy to report that within three years I have almost doubled my salary and I am now the companies corporate trainer for all inventory control specialists.

In conclusion, I would like to suggest that if you think college will help you get a good paying job then by all means go back t o college. But, before you do, ask yourself what is it that companies want. What skills did you learn that are needed.

My skills were not what I had thought they were. Organized, methodical and process-oriented procedures were my strong points. Think about this, how many of you have written an S.O.P. Manual while on active duty? How are you at communicating with varied groups of people? How are your customer service skills? The list continues....

Here is a quote from Former President John Calvin Coolidge that I believe sums up my transition from the Navy. Persistence and determination....

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

(Submitted by Don Conklin)

Be Flexible

After reading several transition stories, I’d like to add another twist.

I spent eight years active-duty Navy in a job with no civilian counterpart. Knowing this and thinking ahead, I used educational funding while onactive duty to get a degree in business. The GI bill actually funded the better part of an MBA.

While civilian jobs may not match those in the military, the discipline and work ethic gained from the military makes a prior service candidate highly desirable. I landed a job in pharmaceutical sales one month after leaving the Navy in '82. I am a State Director currently in health care insurance.

I was in Aviation Launch and Recovery, obviously working well outside of my Navy vocation as a civilian. When I look to hire personnel, I prefer to hire a vet! I know that I will get a level of work ethic and discipline lacking in many not having served.

Be flexible and play to your strengths.

(Submitted by Mr. Dixon Keller)

Getting a Job After the Service Not That Easy

I crossed over in the Air Force when Sept. 11, 2001 happened, after serving four years in the Navy. Transitioning back into the civilian world was like being a fish out of water. I spent months trying to find a job, but with no luck. I didn't know how to apply all the knowledge I gained from our Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

I didn't know how to apply all the knowledge I gained from our Transition Assistance Program (TAP). I couldn't figure out how to translate my military background into civilian terms so I could "sell" myself on paper, even with all the wealth of knowlegde and assistance that is out there. After months of looking for a job on the Internet and in the paper, I finally decided to go back into the military after the events of Sept. 11.

Once I completed my term of service in the Air Force, I spent a lot of time doing research and getting feedback on resume writing techniques and interviews. I searched online and talked to people. I continued to look online for jobs, went to Career Fairs and looked in the paper. Fin ally, I got a response to work for a company who had a contract with the military for a program on the base that I just separated from. I served there for two years until the program came to an end and I was out of a job...again.

After months of looking and applying online, in the paper, through e-mail, going to job fairs and talking to people, I finally got an interview with an Aeronautics company in the local area after I attended a Career Fair. Now, I am finally secured with a job and can put my military and aviation background to good use.

Transitioning from the military is not easy. It takes lots of research, determination, patience, networking, and prayer to get to where you want to go but, in the end, it pays to put in your time and effort.

Just keep working, talking to people, going to job fairs and obtaining helpful tips and tricks for perfecting your resume and interviews. Eventually, you'll get it.

(Submitted by Marilyn Richards)