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)

Comments

[woods]

thanks for the story

[ConnieStoreroom22Supervisor]

It is really awkward that you mention this. I left active duty naval service in May 2002 with 4 years service. I was on the USS Constellation CV-64(carrier)which was based at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California. I was the Upper Complex aviation storeroom supervisor and I was a Storekeeper 3rd Class, and for six years now after receiving 3 Associate Degrees in Business Management, Accounting Technology, and Paralegal Studies,along with providing close care for a sick friend struck with cancer in 2005 and passed away in september 2006 finishing up my 3rd degree to end in february 2007, I am still confused as to where I want to land my career.

With the current state of the economy in mind, a precious woman in my life that wants the both of us to tie the knot and create a life for the both of us, but yet trying to search for a stable, suitable fullfilling career, I believe that with you mentioning inventory control and the skills that you mentioned in which that I most likely possess, I think you would be a good pen pal to talk to in order to get ahead.

[Woody Woodcox]

I Think your story has merit, if shake the tree hard enough-yes some fruit my fall. However, Have your degree is the key to continued success past your present job. Trust me, your next good paying job might look closer at the education slot. If the Government is paying for it you might as well get your education. It will pay off in the long run!

[James Hadley]

Here is my story, 20 years in the Air Force in the Security Forces Field (MP for most other services). I applied for Park Ranger in the State of Missouri and was told that I did not have a degree so I was not elgible. What gives? What does 20 years in the military equate to as far as degree? I would think more than just a Bachelors degree at the very least a Masters degree. Yeah I think the employers are out to try to outthink those of us in the Military.

[Todd Jenkins]

Misery loves company. I found my post military life in a similar situation. I got out at 10 years of service in 1998, even after making PO1. What I've found out since then is this: 1)The TAP program wasn't that helpful to me or anyone else that was planning on leaving the area of your final duty station; 2)
Military training was, at one time in the past, an acceptable form of education, mainly because college was still unaffordable for many people. That started changing after WWII and increased after Vietnam with the GI Bill. 3)If you interview at a company who is "degree" driven for a job opening probably isn't worth the average military persons time.4)Most places that want you to have a degree, want you to have a degree because they have a degree and usually think that everyone should have a degree (as much as I think they should have served in the military for a 4yr minimum). Neither path is meant for everyone. Determining what skills you have to offer a potential employer, knowing how and when to accentuate or downplay your military experiences is a key also. You will find military friendly and not-so-friendly employers out there. I am currently going to college myself because although my military training was good enough to get hired its not good enough to be promoted early, so I could just wait 2 years and get promoted anyway or take 3 classes and get it by next summer. You can get a copy of your SMART transcript and see what college level credits you can get. WOrk with the advisors and admissions to find a program that maximizes what you already have and intrests you also.

[Mark Jacobs]

Guys:

A degreee is a screening tool. If you got one, you pass the first step, if not...

I am recruiting now for several positions at a tech cpmpany. Time was that you could get a job based on your experience alone. You built a foundation of good work skills and grew into the job.

Not anymore. Now, I need guys with at least a MSEE and 3 - 5 years of experience in a specialized field of telecommunications. Guess where I can find that? Guys from India!

Employers don't want you be good at what you do anymore. They want you to be specialized for a short term project.

My advice: Refine your skills through continuing education. Get the degree, then get the certifications in whatever you can. Make sure you indicate any experinece you have doing most anything. Most iomportant - tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Copy out those technical terms that mean something to you and the employer and make sure they are in the top third of your resume.

There are lots of good jobs that need to be filled. The challenge is to make yourself marketable enough to fill them.

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