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| Promotion to LTC, Army Reservist, 1998
Back in 1993,
I conducted numerous career management and coaching workshops through the TAP (Transition Assistance Program) as an independent
contractor. Having gone through the transition process myself (pre TAP), when I
left army active duty status in 1984, I gleaned insights which became so useful,
that I then used this learning to launch my training business. Subsequently, I went
on to do similar work for private sector clients and continue today, along with
leadership and diversity programs (also skills
and abilities that were enhanced from my army experiences).
And here we are again, twenty years later, and another
drawdown looms as the two combat engagements subside. Unemployment rates are
high and more so for veterans, along with other global economic realities. Transition GPS (Goals Planning Success),
an overhaul of the former TAP program, will drill down to critical levels of
each servicemember’s experiences and goals, to optimize their opportunity to be
‘career ready” beyond the military. A multi-agency effort, with DOD, VA, SBA,
DOL and other initialed organizations, Transition GPS will take a more holistic approach for various
employment and education options, to include entrepreneurship. Seen also as a ‘reverse
boot camp’, this program seeks to reintroduce service members to other aspects
of transitioning from a social, financial, and psychological perspective.
So I found this article I wrote for
transitioning military members while working with TAP in 1993, which was published
in a couple of local Washington DC area newspapers and circulated to my
military organizational affiliations. Much of the advice I offered in this
piece is still applicable, with a tweak or two.
Military downsizing has brought
on the inevitable for many. Retirement or early separation from a career that has
provided a measure of professional growth, steady income, and extraordinary personal
experiences is not an easy feat. But, the transition process is survivable and
can be successful when approached from the standpoint of being yet another
"opportunity to excel."
As a
consultant on career transition issues, I get to see and hear of the many concerns
and issues facing a variety of separating service members. My workshops are
filled with everyone from E-4 to O-6, specialist to Colonel, representing each
of the services, and different occupational specialties, yet all are confronted
with the same immediate task, how to find a job in today's tight market.
The following seven "up front" tips are those I
find to be the most useful to a successful transitioning job search strategy:
I.
Start preparation as early as possible. Especially
for those who are retiring, gearing up for the emotional break is a process
that can be started 2 - 3 years out. Get involved in other organizations that
provide the opportunity to interact with people who are in other careers and
who have varied professional, recreational, and community interests. Make
yourself a "demilitarized zone."
II.
Focus on what it is you want to do, where you want to do
it, and why you want to do it. Decide what is your prime motivator in this process. Are
you seeking a position or career field offering huge financial rewards (mo'
money), is stable and secure (not many are these days), offers intrinsic
rewards (you enjoy it), utilizes your best skills (you're so good at it), or a
combination of two or more.
III. Self-assessment
is one of the most crucial yet often left out steps of the transition process. If
you haven't done so already, take the Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator (an instrument, not a test, which measures personality
attributes and qualities) or some other informal assessment. Some companies use
this instrument to determine the types of positions, and at what level, to
place prospective employees. This will also be useful tool in handling
questions in interviews that relate to your work style preferences (teams,
offsite, management). Interviewers will want to know as much about you as a
person as possible, not just about your work history. Do
take inventory of your skills. Identify
those transferable skills that are marketable (leadership, financial management,
technology, logistics, environmental) to a civilian employer which could easily
match with their organization's needs. Let them be your brand. See a career coach to help in this process.
IV.
Get your net working. Reach out and touch long lost
cousins, old friends, classmates, people that you've worked for and with, as
well as those that have worked for you. Facebook and Link In them. Seek out and go to meetings of professional
associations that match your career interests. Let people know that
"you're transitioning from the military and looking for new career opportunities".
V.
Research. In this social media
information age, the more you know better. Find out about the job market, work
force issues, different industries, geographical information, various
companies, product and economic trends. SEO and the library can be your best
friends in this process. Most are well stocked with career transition related
publications, computer workstations and may even have seminars. Librarians are
knowledgeable about other local resources and may be able to steer you to them.
VI.
Attend career transition workshops, job fairs, and other
professional and personal developmental courses. These
are valuable sources for new information, reinforcement of things you already
know and of course, an opportunity for networking. In the interview, a
potential employer will be interested in your level of comfort and techniques
in various "soft skills" in addition to your core expertise. Attend
job fairs to just practice your “elevator speech” and as a form of researching
the market occasionally.
VII.
Lastly, don't underestimate the necessity of a good
support system during the career transition process. For
many, this is a change of lifestyle, of environment, or mindset. Change brings
about a certain amount of stress. Keep those stress levels in check. Take care
of the mind: read and surround yourself with encouraging, enthusiastic, and
empathetic people. Take care of the body: don't throw away the running shoes or
forget the way to the gym. Take care of the spirit; pray, meditate, relax. Take
it step by step, one day at a time.
Remember, the competition is stiff and starched too! Your
goal is to be as well prepared, as well informed, and as well suited for the
next opportunity as possible. That in itself is something that could give you
the edge over another candidate.
Godspeed and good luck.
Deborah
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Wednesday, August 22, 2012
7 Career Transitioning Tips for Military: Insights and GPS for the Journey
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