Preparation is the Key

I'm a former Navy Sailor and currently work as a senior recruiter for a Fortune 100 comapany. I've seen military transitions from both sides of the fence. Preparation is the key to any military transition. The most valuable and overlooked resources for all military personnel is the Transition Assistance Program provided by the various branches of the military (TAP, ACAP, and TAMP).

Anyone transitioning from the military should take full advantage of the transition assistance program offered on base. The transition counselors who run these programs are a valuable resource to help you plan for your transition to civilian life. Here are some of the services you should take advantage of:

Transition Workshop – Provides information on a range of topics including veterans benefits, relocation assistance, using your G.I. Bill, job-hunting skills, dressing for success, and interviewing tips.

Resume Writing Workshop – Provides information about different resume styles and tips on writing an effective resume. Counselors are available to critique your resume and provide advice.

Small Business Workshop – Strongly suggested for anyone interested in starting a business. Provides information on the process of starting a business and the government programs that are available to assist you.

Practice Interviews – Counselors will engage you in mock interview scenarios and provide feedback. I suggest taking advantage of more than one practice interview. You will hone your interviewing skills and become more comfortable with the interview process.

Employer Panels – The employer panels are typically made up of four or five corporate professionals representing companies from various industries. The employers provide their views on resume writing, interviewing, interview attire, networking, and the state of the job market. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and network with corporate insiders.

Transitioning from the military to the civilian world can be a confusing time. Transition Assistance Programs and transition counselors can help clear up the confusion and get you started down the right path towards success.

I hope this information has been useful.

(Submitted by Eric Mouillesseaux )

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)

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)

Networking Works

I spent 20 years in the USAF and would not trade a minute of it. My family and I made some of the best friends anyone can make and the jobs I had were literally the best. Like the USAF, the outside world or civilian community is no different in many regards.

I can't stress how critical networking is. Having a good resume is important because it will tell HR what you bring to the show. But, networking is what gets you in.

For those making a career out of the military, its best to set yourself up for transition five years before retirement. One of the best ways to network is to take that HQ job, get on new programs or take on responsiblities that will expose you to industry or the civilian world. Make contacts and keep their names and numbers handy; make sure you call them a few times a year to keep in touch so they don't forget you.

I have a great job in the Military Aviation Industry that I would not trade for anything. It was the networking and the actual contacts I made who got me where I am today. You can't get a ahead without someone having faith in you and pulling you in...just like in the Military. Also, get that bachelor's degree, a four-year degree today is especially needed to remain competitive, plus it does impact salary. Good Luck.

(Submitted by Keith Konze)

The Time to Start is Now!

I recently retired from the Navy after 20 years of military service. My transition to civilian life has been very challenging and at times very predictable.

If you are a separating or retiring from the military and plan on staying in the local area start networking now. If you intend on doing the same line of work, start talking with your supervisors about continuing employment with that same organization as a civilian or federal employee. Your current or past supervisors know you best and know what you are capable of doing.

For those individuals who will be leaving the military and relocating to a different area in the country, start preparing now. Start working on your resumes, cover sheets, reference lists and invest in your business wardrobe.

Everything they taught us in TAP class about resume writing, dress for success, and interviewing techniques has been accurate in my experience. Take good notes and prepare for your transition.
Additionally, take advantage of the many resources available to you. Sign up for the many workshops that the Family Service Centers provide. I attended workshops for Resume Writing, Federal Employment Workshops and a few others that provided me with valuable information.

If you plan on finding a Federal job invest in the following books by Kathryn K. Troutman, "Military to Federal Career Guide" and "Federal Resume Guidebook." These books will equip you with valuable insight on how to write a federal resume and KSA's. Federal resumes are long and require a lot of effort, so start early.

These things really prepared me and have helped me find a great job with a reputable organization.

(Submitted by Steve A.)

Discoveries in Networking

I am a person who loves to talk to people. Mom always tells me that no matter where we go we should always know someone or before we leave get to know at least one person. I just love sharing my thoughts with others as well as listening to them share theirs and believe that if we are going to meet people we need to first show ourselves friendly. I have had many life’s challenges come my way, however with the Grace of God I have been able to get over those hurdles. Quite frankly, I am still pressing my way through each and every day. I'm sure there are many others that are facing challenges, but know that we shall overcome them as well with perserverance.

I've tried almost every networking company you could possibly name, e.g. SMC, Prepaid Legal, YTB, EXCEL, Mary Kay, Amway and others I can’t even remember. I can recall when I was in YTB my sister called me to speak with one of her co-workers who was going through some tough times.  She wanted me to minister to her, which I did and then we became friends. After getting involved with YTB, I approached the young lady who worked with my sister one day about joining YTB. She stated that she had been through so much doing network marketing that she didn’t want to do that anymore. I moved and had misplaced her telephone number during the move but received a call from my sister telling me that she gave my new number to this young lady. Then one day in August of 2007 I received a call from this young lady telling me about TraVerus and told her that I would think about it and to call me back the next day and she did. I immediately signed up while still in YTB.

I found out that I was able to get more people in Traverus in less than 2 months than I was able to do in the 10 months I was in YTB. Traverus has been a total blessing for me and my family. I have never worked with a great group of people that not only care about themselves, but they care about others as well. This young lady’s name is Teresa and she has truly been a friend. Why, because I first showed myself friendly when she needed one. Our motto is: It takes Teamwork to make a Dream Work. For the first time with joining any networking company I have finally found a great team who cares about everyone who wants to succeed.

I was also a member of the United States Army for 15 plus years. I am now considered a disabled Veteran. My husband also was in the Army for 8 years. We served our country with pride. I am a mother of six children ranging from the age of 31 to 17 with 5 grandchildren. Only one of our children has served her country and was so excited to do so; unfortunately, she passed away while on active duty to brain cancer at the young age of 23 . She joined the Air Force in October 2000 and was diagnosed in 2001 with cancer. That was a challenge in its self. No parent expects to bury their child, but that their children bury them. My wonderufl daughter left a beautiful 4 year old daughter that looks exactly like her. So that in itself is a blessing.

(Submitted by G. Renay Lyons, 4Comfort Travel, 757-565-1779)