Posted on Feb 5, 2015
Advice on finding a meaningful career after the military?
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As a veteran, do you think it's easier or harder to land a professional job? I am a veteran with 2 college degrees (both in Psychology) and I am currently working on my third for Business Management - Financial Investment and Planning. I also have years of volunteer service including AmeriCorps, and have a stable work history with some supervision experience. That being said, I find it very difficult to land jobs where there are opportunities for promotions or regular raises. I currently work for a food bank but it's on a private contract, and my chances of being hired in is extremely slim due to budget constraints. My goal is to work for the government but there are never any job openings in areas I have experience in. Any suggestions? Job recruiters are constantly trying to get me in sales or business development but that is not my forte. Currently moving out of the county is not an option. Would VocRehab be a good option or would they deem me too capable of finding work? I have never been unemployed for more than a month.
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 83
Sheryl Verhulst, it sounds like you have the education, the drive and the work ethic to be an excellent employee for a company that is able to recognise your talents and potential and to place you in the right position. If you know that you are not interested in Sales or Biz Dev then good for you for not 'falling into them' and for staying true to the course until you do find a good opportunity for you in a field that makes sense. One way that you could get closer to working in the government sector if you cannot find a direct opening is to work for a DoD contractor. There are often many veterans who choose to work in companies that align themselves with the government and they often follow many of the same mindsets and workflows. You could look for a DoD contractor who has a branch that is focused on social good. these companies would have enough money to cover a good salary but you would be able to work in a department that was centred around what you care about.
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Sheryl Verhulst
Thank you for the good advice! I'm not very familiar with contracting companies but I will definitely look into it.
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SSG George Baker
try to get into the Military hospital system as a GS employee. work with Veterans like me on our mental health after war and discharge
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LTC Mike Prevou
Good advice by both above. A US government contractor job is a great way to get known and find opportunities. The VA is always looking for physiologists’ given the current emphasis on PTS. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to the specific job helps when applying for the contractor or government jobs but there is no substitute for face to face contact and personal connections. If you don’t have those, find someone you want to work with and offer to do an internship for a couple months so you can learn more about the business and they can learn more about you.
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HN Chris Robinette
If you have a masters in psychology then yes by all means look into the VA system to help fellow vets with PTS but I will tell you that there is a glut of psychiatrists in the VA system but maybe look toward the Outpatient or crisis services under one of them. It's an Idea. By the way I am an RN in the VA system already.
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Hang tough sister. Welcome to the unemployed OIF/OEF veterans club. Remember, the economy is great and there are billions spent on lip service to say how the unemployment rate is decreasing for us, so we have that going for us. (lol) I have put in over 500 applications in multiple capacities and believe I have qualifications that are extremely needed by those like us, but always get told I am not the best qualified. I don't mind losing out to people who will bring more to offer our veterans, but I don't believe that is always the case. The one job offer I was given was thru the good old boy system and I was called direct BEFORE the job was even posted to USAjobs. That tells me the old ways of operating are still thriving. I strongly suggest that you take your resume to any of RallyPoint's civilian recruiters and seeing if they will give you input. We get used to writing NCOERs and military jargon and the longer we stayed in, the longer it will take for us to make sense to civilians. Keepus in the loop and sound off when you land your dream job and especially the tools that you used to get noticed. We need all the help we can get.
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CW3 Susan Burkholder
Oh dear, there are a LOT of other Project Management courses out there that are a lot cheaper. Any course you choose make sure it is approved by the Project Management Institute or the hiring employer probably wont be impressed.
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GySgt John Willbarger
Recognizing the employment issue that some service members have, the DOD has created a program to assist service members with their efforts. Hero to Hired (H2H) is a free DOD program designed to teach the employment services, such as resume writing, networking, job search interviewing and even job fair negotiation. Your local employment coordinator can be located at http://www.H2H.jobs. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any issue finding you perspective representative. SEMPER FI
H2H - Jobs for Members of the Reserve Component and Military Spouses - Hero 2 Hired
Explore careers based on Military Skills. H2H provides Reserve, other Military and Spouses with job search, education search, resume help, and career assessment.
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SGT Ronald Audas
Mark;If any of your qualification lean toward security,companies are interested.Not guarding backhoes on a construction site.Target,Walmart,Wendy`s and other major companies. Hope that helps.
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PO3 Wendell Betts
If you are a veteran you can apply for the Bureau of Prison and they will have you sign and age waiver.
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I transitioned a few years ago, and found myself in an entry level position for the career I wanted but ... And this is key.. I always kept an eye out for something better whether it be in the current organization or in another. The entry level position was well below my skill set BUT it was a stepping stone. I think the mistake some make is assuming that we can walk into the civilian world at middle or upper management, we know we can handle it but civilian organizations like to , 1. Promote from within OR 2. See you in action to prove it to them. If you take an entry level position ensure to keep a good attitude and with your education and training you'll be at the level you want in no time ... Private organizations tend to underestimate our determination and strength so we have to prove it to them. Also Don't get bogged down in the entry level position at the most you'll start to rise at worst you can add that paid experience to your résumé. Oh and finally NETWORK!!! It is about what you know and often time ms also about who you know so that they remember you or you can be informed about an opportunity.
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PO2 Cara Foley
I agree - my best jobs have been ones where I went in as something I didn't necessarily enjoy, but was able to either move up, move laterally, or even make a brand new position for myself.
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