Job Leads from a Vietnam Vet

Transition to the private sector can be daunting, but with the new Health Information Technology (HIT) being pushed by the White House, there are tremendous opportunities for those who have interest in health care and IT. 

The American Society of Health Informatics Managers (www.ASHIM.ORG) has a great website that can provide information for those interested. The most important aspect of HIT in the private sector is that you have experienced Electronic Health Records (HER) while in the military. According to experts the major obstacle to completing HIT nationwide is the lack of capable professionals to implement the system. 

Check it out!

(Submitted by Tom Criser, Vietnam, C Troop 1/9 Cav)

My Advice to You Is...

I served six years in the Air Force as a 3C0 and separated as an E5 in 2006. The Air Force was downsizing and my career field was over manned. I have not yet had the chance to re-enlist so that opportunity was closed before I got there. 

I was fortunate to land a job before separating and used terminal leave to transition immediately into a contractor job working on a military base. I held that job for a year before leaving for a civilian job with no affiliations with the military. 

I wanted to separate myself from anything military and see what it was really like. I've held that position now for 21 months and counting. 

However, I find myself in an interesting position. My Top Secret clearance went into inactive status after I left my last position. Now, I want to get back into military/government work in IT but the security clearance is my Achilles heel now. 

Every job I look at requires an active clearance. So I've been spinning my wheels for eight months now, trying to find a solution, Then I started thinking that I miss the military way of life. In my experience-- not that its that of a bad one -- the civilian sector is not better than the military. There is no uniformity. 

The rules are simply a fail safe in case somebody asks or gets out of hand. Promotion potential is never a guarantee and neither is increase in pay.

What's more, if the company you work for is publicly traded in the stock market then you'll see the direct effect first hand. Projects: gone. Pay Raise: don't think so. Training: on your own. 

I'm 11 classes away from getting my bachelor's and my goal after that is OTS. Though the pay is good for me, it's just not the same. You still wear a uniform: slacks and button up shirts. There are ranks: CEO, COO, CIO, CFO, VP, director. Everybody will experience something different and looks for something different as well. 

My biggest advice that I can give is to get your degree before you get out. Complete your associateand bachelor's. Get some certifications. Network with the people you meet. You'll just be thrown out into the resume pool of nobodys if you don't have somebody to point yours out. 

I never faced combat but I sure as hell wouldn't go without proper training and equipment. I hope this helps at least one person. If anybody has questions just ask. 

 (Submitted by Christian Ocasio Gonzalez)

Never Stop Networking

I retired from the Air Force in February 1997. I had an interest in railroads that went back to my high school days. I decided that my career as a command and control systems operator would dovetail well into a career as a rialroad dispatcher. 

I started sending resumes to BN Railroad while I was still in Germany, to no avail. Fourteen days after my official retirement date I went to work for a company called Sperry Rail Service, as a resume builder. I worked for Sperry for eight months until the Air Force called and asked where did I want my household goods they had in storage sent? 

So, I quit Sperry and had my stuff sent to Fort Worth, Texas. And still got no responses to my resumes. So I took a job in a billiard hall. Then went on "practice interviews" one with American Eagle Airlines as a crew shceduler, they job offered me. Thinking American Eagle would look better on a resume than Wizard's Billiards and Games, I took the job, hated it, paid $ 9.50 per hour and left after three months and went back to work at Wizard's. 

One day a guy walks into the bar with a railroad t-shirt on. I commented on it, he asked if I had family who were railroaders, I said no, he asked where I wanted to work, I told him the Network Operations Center, he said that's where I work. I said, let me buy you a drink. He gave a telephone number for the head of dispatching practices and I guess I caught him on a good day, he referred me to Tarrant County Junior College where BNSF had thier classes. 

I called the head of the program there and within a week I had a hiring package in my hand. Two weeks later I took the most comprehensive battery of aptitude tests I had ever seen, this after 24 years in the military. Bottom line I was accepted and have worked for BNSF as a dispatcher for 10 years now. Bottom line is never stop networking, you never which connection is the one that will pay off.

(Submitted by Mike Gueterman)

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)

Why Networking Works

Oct. 7, 2007 was my EAS and ECC. I attended the TAP classes at the community center on Pendleton. During that time, I was pursuing business in networking marketing. That was an uncertain road. For terminal leave, I flew to Japan to visit my wife's family and connected with friend for a potential job offer in Tokyo.

That friend helped me compile my resume using a template from the Internet. He took me to an IT hiring agency. After the interview, I knew I needed to impove language proficiency and get a couple certifications.

So I went back to the states. Another close friend invited me to a Christian men's retreat where I could possibly make connections for work. I received offers from two gentlemen. One was for a security guard supervisor and the other for IT field service technician. Since I had IT on my mind, I looked into it. I got that job and work for General Dynamics IT on Pendleton. It has been a blessing!

(Submitted by Mr. Joshua Kelsey)

Out of 100 Resumes Sent, I got one Bite

After 22 years, I was scared to get out. I had my resume ready (or so I thought) a year and a half before I was supposed to transition out. I would even apply for jobs in the civilian market just to see what bites I got.

Out of nearly 100 submissions of my resume, I got one actual job offer. It was a bit low in salary and not necessarily where we wanted to live. Then, a defense contractor I networked with six months prior called me up. The salary was better than my ADAF pay at the time (kind of rare according to my bretheren who got out a year or two before me) and it was located in one of our top choice areas.

Since I took the position, I've had other calls from companies I networked with, instead of just cold cocking them with my resume. I believe that is one of the most significant keys to landing the job; even if you aren't thinking about seperating/retiring quite yet, always strive to put your best foot forward when dealing with anyone, whether DoD civilian, contractor or private firm. You never know when it will come back to surprise you.

I achieved my AAS from CCAF late in my career and didn't think about pursuing the B.S. until 19 years in. Wrong answer. Never wait. There is always time to advance your education. Spend the time doing that instead of sitting at home playing video games, watching TV or going out to party. Luckily, my experience, skills, work ethic, leadership and job performance stood out for this company and they were very eager to have me on board. Network, network, network. Make yourself shine to everyone you meet in the course of your duties.

(Submitted by Mr. Jody Root)

Make Yourself Known

Pay close attention during TAP class and take notes. It will be five years this February, and I still refer back to my notes. Military.com has been a great help with keeping me current with what is going on in the military. The military was all I knew and there was a lot of anxiety and stress for me at first.

The military was all I knew and there was a lot of anxiety and stress for me at first.

Take one step at a time. Take the initiative and be aggressive because if you just sit back waiting for someone to do it for you, it will never happen.

Wardrobe: I walked into a local discount clothing store and told one of the employees I needed help. Within one hour later I had three sets of professional apparel for interviewing.

Resume: I used all the resources provided on base and discussed in TAP class. I even went to a local resume writer, however, I pretty much paid for nothing as I had already done most of the work.

Job interviewing: Check out the company's Web page and know the basics about their mission. I applied for a job in my same field of expertise. My interview contained three pages of technical questions and four panel members. I went in with confidence, a smile, and answered the questions truthfully. Just be yourself. The good part is that your military experience and training will carry you. Networking is very important. I attended a training conference and sat down right next to the supervisor of the position I was after. I did this about five to six months before I actually retired. I told him my plans and interest and then contacted him every month. I'm fortunate to have this job because I was over qualified for the position so you need to be able to sell yourself.

I was contacted a few days after my first interview with the job offer so I cancelled the other interviews I had lined up. It doesn't always work out this well so be prepared to look around and have several interviews with various companies scheduled. Just don't get them mixed up!

I even started working my new job while on terminal leave and didn't have to relocate. In fact, I live within five miles of my job. I work for the state where there is no promotional ladder and within two years I was getting bored. The reason why I'm still with the same orgainization today is because the work is easy, co-workers are fun, I enjoy what I'm doing, but most importantly, my boss respects me and my qualifications.

A higher paying position was created and I helped to mold the position into what I want it to be. I'll admit that I was out there looking for something better especially pay wise, but then I realized that it was at my three-year mark and I was used to rotating duty assignments. Trust me, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I continue to say the words "In the military" a lot and my office desk is surrounded by military memories, but I will never regret retiring when I did.

I served close to 25 years and never really realized just what accomplishments and sacrifices I had made until I went down memory lane. I frequently receive phone calls from people I don't know asking for my expertise. So never hesitate to write magazine articles, be a speaker at a convention or to make your name known. Even after nearly five years of retirement, there are times when I feel like I'm still transitioning. Don't be afraid to ask for help and use your resources. Good luck!

(Submitted by Cynthia Jackson)

' I was in the Navy Briefly ... for 20 Years'

Five-year years prior to my retirement, my wife and I sat down and looked at our current financial state and where we wanted to be when I retired. We just called it the our five-year plan to a successful transition. The plan is simple: have no credit card bills, car payments or a mortgage by the time retirement day rolled around.

I thought the hardest part of this plan would be to sell our house and rent for a year. This actually proved to be easier than previously thought. Our house went on the market and in seven days sold for the listed price (this was well before the current mortgage crisis).

This part of the plan was executed at the one-year mark before retirement. The credit cards and car payments were actually quite easy to pay off, as well. We made double car payments and paid off credit cards and just didn't use the cards for about two years prior to the retirement date. If we couldn't pay cash for it, we didn't buy it. The money from t he car payment went right back to our savings account, so now instead of paying the bank we were paying ourselves.

In the meantime, I had been doing on call vendor work on the side for a company that operates executive aircraft on a large scale, so capitalizing on my FAA Airframe and Powerplant license proved to be useful. I got this job through networking with a friend who was working for that company at the time. Additionally, I spent my spare time finishing college getting two Associate Degrees in the aviation field under the Navy's tuition assistance program. Even during deployments and scheduled flights, I managed to graduate -- so it can be done. My only regret was not starting college sooner and aquiring a Bachelor's Degree.

Remember that company that I mentioned I was doing on call vendor maintenance for? I was called to interview for them and was hired with two months of terminal leave left to go. Yes networking does work. Our plan was simple and easy to execute with some discipline and creativity, and it paid off. Since retiring, I haven't looked back. My time was well spent in the Navy, but that chapter is done and I am moving on. My daughter even jokes with me "Dad you were in the Navy once" I reply with a smile, "Briefly, for 20 years."

(Submitted by Davie Gibson, Jr.)

Find Other Veterans

I registered for college while stationed in Okinawa in 2003. I ended up deploying to Thailand just before leaving active duty so my ability to start coordinating and researching my future "duty station" in the 1st Civ Div was affected.

(1st Civ Div is where civilians live for those of you not familiar with Marine terminology.) I had one month after leaving active duty in August 2003 before the fall semester started at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Not wanting to live in the barracks, err, dorms, I opted to rent a one-bedroom apartment close to campus. My landlord was a scumbag and I was paying dearly for the location. I didn't feel like I fit in with the rest of my classmates (most of whom were five or six years younger than me) and I certainly didn't feel like they could relate to my experiences. So I felt a little awkward socializing with my new peers after class. There was not a place on campus where I could go to find another veteran, someone who I could relate to.

During my second and third years at "The U," an Army Ranger veteran named Andy Davis and another student, Tony Richter, started a non-profit group called Comfort For Courage (C4C) which started with care-package drives and shipping them over to our troops overseas and moved on to start a student group for veterans. That group is now known as the Veterans Transition Center (VTC) and is now in its third year and is already a huge success. I became involved as a member and then moved on to a leadership position within the group. It helped me to be a part of a group again, especially a group of veterans.

Whether or not you are going to school or if you decide to start working, I think it is important to find at least one other person who knows what you've been through, and usually that means finding a veteran. If you can find a group of veterans to hang out with, you should be well on your way to a successful transition.

(Submitted by Aaron Ledebuhr)