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)

More Success, Fewer Distress Stories

I served in the U.S. Navy from 1991-1995 as an OS3/SAR Swimmer with a Persian Gulf Deployment. When I got out of the Navy in '95 I was fortunate enough to get a job doing what I loved to do -- making surfboards.

Later, I would go into a different career field for nearly 10 years as a pastor. But once again I returned to my passion of building surfboards. I still do ministry but not as a full-time employed pastor.

Instead, I work for a company that provides online video training for professional and personal development. It's a great company and I especially like that it helps people prepare for the career field or helps to enhance them in their current work.

As a veteran, now more than ever I see the overwhelming challenge that servicembmers face in returning from the battle field and entering into the career field.

I'd like to see more success stories and fewer distress stories. I believe that the military veteran has so much to offer to the civilian workplace and with more veterans employed than not America would be better off than she currently is.

I think we who are employed should seek ways to assist transitioning military personnel in any way we can. Offer them a job, train them, mentor them through the transition as well as after. Buy them some clothes or shoes if they need them for an interview. Do whatever it takes to get these amazing people on and into society as employees, employers, entrepreneurs, etc.

I want to offer my company's service to any member or prior servicemember at a discounted rate to help them get practical professional skills that translate into the career field.

Thank you all for your service to and sacrifice for America!
(Submitted by Timothy Crozier)