Did anyone pursue a career in-line with their military specialty?

2015-05-26T10:30:47-04:00

I am currently pursuing my bachelors in Business and than my MBA. I am hoping to use my military experience to show my leadership, dedication, responsibility and management qualities. I will not be pursuing a career in satellite communications, which is what I did for the Army. Do you think this will hurt me in future interviews? I am a little nervous this will reflect poorly on my resume. What does everyone think?

Response by SPC Chad Kolod made May 26 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-05-26T10:31:44-04:00

The area that I love is very important to me and there are not any appealing communications jobs in my area any ways.

Response by SGT David T. made May 26 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-05-26T10:39:39-04:00

It is all how you write it up. Focus on the leadership, responsibility, flexibility, and accountability skills. In my case I started off as an Infantryman (11B) reclassed to Petroleum Supply Specialist (92F/77F) got out earned a B.S. in History with a minor in Philosophical Studies, a M.A. in Military History with a concentration in the Revolution and I am a Supplier Relationship Manager. The question you need to answer in your resume is what value would you bring to the prospective employer's organization. I cannot speak to the private sector as I have never worked in that arena. I was fortunate and got a federal job working for the Army. We do things a bit different than the private sector or the green suit side.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-05-26T10:40:57-04:00

I did. I went is as a Law Enforcement Specialist. I got a job as a civilian police officer after getting out & finishing my bachelor's (after a several delay, that is - police academy is expensive & MO wasn't recognizing military police training as equivalent to civilian police academy at that time).

I have a buddy who is currently in satellites in the Army down in AZ. I believe he is looking at pursuing a career in a similar field when he finally calls it quits.

I do not think that being in a field different than what you are pursuing will adversely affect you. I do think that they will look at your performance & ability to lead & perform tasks above all else.

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 26 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-05-26T11:57:33-04:00

SPC Chad Kolod Yes, Army Signal and Verizon IT. My degrees are non-technical. I went into programing out of college. I have a BSBA in Finance, MBA and Juris Doctorate.

I had to move to the opportunities, even in the days of global broadband, people want to see you in the same location as the boss...

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made May 26 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-05-26T12:06:25-04:00

Retired as 91C4PH, now known as 68wm6(LPN )doing same with IU Health Physicians , Indianapolis

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 26 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-05-26T12:11:12-04:00

I have had some limited experience during my last year as a Functional Systems Administrator, and before then I worked as a Weapon Systems technician. I work as a Program Analyst for a Biotechnology company, guess I was able to combine the technician end for troubleshooting, and the systems administrator end for IT work and landed what I do now.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-05-26T12:39:36-04:00

Absolutely, that was my goal, anyway.

I attempted to stay in the medical field, but when I returned, further schooling was not an option. And given the pay rates for EMTs in this area, I pursued other avenues of employment, but I did everything I could to be seriously considered by every hospital and clinic, with the goal being patient care.

Eventually, I found employment with a home health agency utilizing Army skills I had acquired not just from my MOS, but more general skills I'd honed in conducting various duties. Beyond the more abstract (leadership, team work, etc.), I had knowledge of proper inventory management, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance, workload management and tracking. . .. I put all of these skills to work as a medical records manager for the whole agency.

I do hope to expand my knowledge in the medical field as I go, but this ain't too bad if you ask me.

Lesson learned: If you payed any attention and did your best in the military, you learned more than your MOS, and that's an asset not to be forgotten.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made May 26 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-05-26T12:44:11-04:00

sadly no, was 11 series first, then re classed to 35M which would always put me away from home cooking

Response by SrA Dennis Byrne made May 27 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-05-27T12:44:41-04:00

Military to civilian crossover? Hmmmm.. tracking and sampling nuclear debris clouds and monitoring ICBM tests? Nope!

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made May 27 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-05-27T12:49:28-04:00

Yes and I am doing pretty good because of it. Computer security is pretty hot right now.

Response by SGT Allison Churchill made May 27 at 2015 12:58 PM

2015-05-27T12:58:55-04:00

I had a B.S. in journalism before joining the Army, and decided to go the enlisted route because the public affairs specialist/NCO work was almost exactly like what I'd done and planned to do in the future--be a reporter and editor.

That said, I don't think your experience in a different area will hurt you at all--I think it will be a great asset. You're going to have a bachelor's and MBA, which will be the first thing employers in business will look at, you'll just have more experience as a working adult than most of the students in your class.

Take advantage of your school's career center. They should know which employers are especially military-friendly.

Response by CPO Scott Boyle made May 27 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-05-27T13:33:28-04:00

Tailor your resume to the job you are seeking. You may not have the robust technical resume for the career you are seeking if it isn't in your mil specialty, but if the job requires leadership, organization and the like, you can easily make a resume supporting those skills. Not going to lie though, it is much easier to find a job where your technical skills translate to the civilian world.

Response by CAPT Richard Suttie made May 27 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-05-27T14:20:21-04:00

The advice given here is good overall. Its your adaptability, work ethic, willingness to relocate, willingness to take tough assignments, be responsible and accountable, lead and manage in complex and stressful environments that will serve you well. Your technical background supported by a business education is also good. We run a Master of Business for Veterans program here at USC and our graduates very much diversify their jobs and careers as a result of our career placement services... many going on to high end careers and also entrepreneurial endeavors. The video and report here is a good reference: http://www.cnbc.com/id/102700122 With our scholarships, the program is very affordable. All my best on your efforts!

USC offers MBA tailor made just for veterans

The leadership style seen in the U.S. military doesn't always translate directly to business, but one university aims to address that gap.

Response by SSgt Michael O'Connell made May 27 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-05-27T14:49:16-04:00

Yup, was a 553x0 in the AF for 10 years, Civil Engineering. Did CADD, surveying, construction mgmt. Do the same for a City government in CA for the last 14 years. Before that, did CADD for 6 years in the private sector.

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made May 27 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-05-27T15:11:54-04:00

Well, I was a medic and retired as a 1SG with a BS in counseling and I finished a masters in psychology then a PhD in philosophy. I began my civilian career as a high school teacher and ended my 2nd career as an instructor teaching individuals to become classroom teachers. So, I would say to you that you have to play off your strengths, plan to retire again so pick a field you are interested in, and most important begin now. I heard all the complaints about not being able to accomplish much wile you're on active duty and with so many deployments its mostly true. So you have to take advantage of all any and all opportunities to prepare for your ETS/retirement.

Response by 1stSgt Andrew Smith made May 27 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-05-27T15:33:14-04:00

Sell yourself. In the military it is all about the unit....You have to convince the hiring team to pick you. What do you bring to the company? Sell it in terms that civilians understand, they do not speak military. You will lose them. Teamwork and working well with others seem to be current buzzwords in the civilian world.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 3:40 PM

2015-05-27T15:40:22-04:00

It took me 6.5 years to finally finish school and receive a Master of Accounting and Financial Management degree (MAFM). Your military background will not hinder you in any which way. Actually, your military background regardless of your MOS will assist you in many ways because of all the great qualities that you have already obtained. A Master degree in any facet isn't easy to obtain because everyone would have one. It takes many years to obtain that degree and a whole lot of sweat on your part including many endless nights studying for major exams. I started college at the age of 39 and obtained my MAFM at the age of 47 with 16 months off between college and grad school. The break between was well deserved and much needed because it allowed me to relax and enjoy life for awhile before continuing on for the hardest part of my educational endeavor at graduate school. I wish you the very best and actually salute you for considering this great accomplishment that’s very much obtainable.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 27 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-05-27T15:41:05-04:00

yup...In the army I was a 68W...worked in the civvy world as a paramedic

Response by Sgt Mike Philips made May 27 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-05-27T15:50:15-04:00

As a 63150 POL - Fuel Specialist I parlayed that into a 27 year career in the oil business. I am now a Senior Oil Trader. 31 years since going active duty.

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made May 27 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-05-27T15:49:27-04:00

When I went through TAP, the self-assessment workbooks and the discovery software determined that I'd make an excellent mid-level manager or nuclear engineer. (Maybe both.) Golly, seriously? You would not be surprised at how many submarine veterans on Oahu end up working at HECO or the HPOWER trash-burning plant.

My final tour was teaching nuclear engineering (and other things) at the Pearl Harbor submarine training command. I never tried to find a job after retiring, but my contact network came through anyway. One day after the expiration of the ethics limit, I was offered a GS-13 position teaching nuclear engineering to shipyard engineers. It was even in the same building above "my" old office. It was a no-brainer great job with wonderful people, but the dissatisfiers killed my commitment. I politely turned it down.
http://the-military-guide.com/2011/05/11/getting-the-job-call/

There are companies who care how your satcom background transfers to your new job. If they even want to hire you in the first place, I don't think that you'd want to work for them. If they bother to interview you then you'll figure it out during the talk... and politely turn them down.

The companies that you want to work for will be much more interested in your business skills-- and even more interested in how you'll make money for them. Your satcom background shows that you can handle technical details, which means that you'll be able to handle sales engineering just as well as running a marketing campaign or creating financial reports.

I'll spare you the usual shipyard jokes about Kittery's climate, but I'll point out that you are placing a high price on your geographic preference. You have to be willing to pay for that inflexibility. (I feel the same way about Hawaii, and I'm paying the Paradise Tax.) You'll either need to seek out remote work (Financial services? Insurance?) or perhaps approach the largest employers in your area... is that still the shipyard and defense contractors?

Getting "the job call" - Military Guide

“The Military Guide” blog has reached 100 posts! Thanks to everyone who’s read and commented over the last eight months. I think my military skills & discipline will keep this going for another year or five, so tell your friends! On with today’s post: One of my shipmates mentioned a few weeks ago that instructor …

Response by CPT Chase Park made May 27 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-05-27T16:03:57-04:00

Your resume will reflect the shift in careers by your educational degree. Make sure to have an objectives statement on your resume that specifically outlines what you are looking for (usually the title of the job you are applying for). Then like you said, have great examples of leadership, management ability, critical thinking, decision-making, etc. that demonstrate your ability to thrive and succeed in the new environment. Just get to the interview step, then knock it out of the park. Have confidence.

Response by CAPT James McClure made May 27 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-05-27T16:49:42-04:00

Many civilian employers are not aware of the responsibility the military gives relatively young people, and you should describe your military experience in terms of number of people supervised, scope of resources managed, etc. I was fortunate in moving from Navy public affairs into the similar field of corporate public relations, and staying in the reserves enhanced both my military and civilian careers.
I hope today's returning veterans do not face the prejudice I encountered when I left active duty in 1968. Most employers regarded my military service as lost time, and one employment counselor advised me to not mention that I had served in Vietnam. Fortunately, I found an employer (the "old" AT&T) that gave me credit for my leadership experience.

Response by SSgt Carmelo Rivas made May 27 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-05-27T16:50:40-04:00

Chad,

I got out at age 24 with 5 years of aircraft maintenance experience and thought I was too old to start a new career. I am now 43 and I realize how nearsighted I was to believe that. You don't have to follow the career path you were on in the Army, however, when it comes to business; you have to be in the business of something. You should have an idea of what you plan to do with that degree before you commit to that path. Think about what interests you and try to find a career that could match up with those interests. You will feel le nervous if you know what it is you want to do with your life. My advice is to never believe you need to stick with the career field you had in the service.

Response by LCDR Orlando O. made May 27 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-05-27T17:18:04-04:00

Good question Chad, I wish transitioning was easier than it is, but unfortunately that is not reality. Your plan to finish your education is good, I suggest that you also consider earning at least one of the following certifications PMP, Lean, or 6 Sigma. Current environment is such that a Bachelor's and certifications will go further than the MBA. I do not wish to discourage you from getting an MBA, but if it is not from a top rated school few employers are impressed by it (too common). I recommend the Program Management Professional certification because the projections is for 15.7 million PM jobs by 2020, veterans are a great fit, and you could get certified in short time. I recommend Vets2PM, they are a PMI approved organization, it is Veteran owned business and you can train online. Check them out Vets2PM.com. Good luck and stay positive!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-05-27T20:33:34-04:00

Yes I did. I was given the gift of working with numbers and money. I was a Financial Specialist in the military after I crossed trained. I was admin first only because I did not have the scores to get into Finance. Retook the ASVAB and got the scores. I'm now a Budget Analyst and won't dream of doing anything else. i have worked with US currency and foreign currency. I love my career. I can't remember names to save my life, but I can figure out where a program is out of balanced.

Response by PFC Rich Burwell made May 27 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-05-27T23:36:16-04:00

I think most of us have wrestled with this issue. How to make our military experience translate to civilian life? If you were sticking with your MOS, you'd be golden. I did for a while. I got a job as a mechanic the same week i got home. My boss had been a MC in the navy. But it got old so i moved into management, my degree field. When i looked at applications, i needed to see someone who had relevant skills and experience. I needed someone to fill a position with little or no training in order to keep my department efficient. Judging by your beard, i'd say you've been out for a while. If its possible, a general letter of recommendation from your leaders in the service would be awesome. Employers have no means of verifying military service. A letter, including contact info, would be an excellent addition to any resume. And include your references with your resume. Having to call someone to get a list of references was always annoying and more time consuming. Good luck

Response by SSgt Ed Schwartz made May 27 at 2015 11:50 PM

2015-05-27T23:50:22-04:00

As long as you are able to show your employers how what you did in the military relates to what they need, you are fine. I was able to translate skills I learned in the military to a very successful civilian career, but I finished a degree that made the transition seem natural.

When I transitioned out of the military, I had my general goals already in mind. I knew internally what I had to offer and how to present it to civilian companies. I did take the easier route and worked for defense companies for a number of years. This gave me civilian experience but with companies who already knew what I did there.

It takes time.

Response by SGT David D. made May 28 at 2015 2:47 AM

2015-05-28T02:47:19-04:00

I did, I was an Aircraft Power plant Repairer 68B-20 (now 15B-20) for six and a half years active duty, I got out in 1988, and went to work for a major commercial passenger Airline in 1989.

Response by PO1 Sean Reynolds made May 28 at 2015 7:02 AM

2015-05-28T07:02:34-04:00

I was in aviation and I still am today; I actually build heloes now. As far as moving out of your military career field, I think the diversity would moreless be an added bonus. It would in some way help you to see things from the outside

Response by PO1 Jeff Doan made May 28 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-05-28T09:44:03-04:00

Although my primary occupation is driving a passenger bus for a VA Hospital, I own a side business making and repairing boat seats and covers. I am utilizing skills learned as a Navy Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (Parachute Rigger)! And I have fun doing it!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 28 at 2015 9:54 AM

2015-05-28T09:54:08-04:00

There's more call for science teachers than there are for trained former CBRNE officers, so I stuck with my existing civilian career.

Response by SGT Paula Patterson made May 28 at 2015 10:37 AM

2015-05-28T10:37:50-04:00

My first enlistment in 1974, I was a 55B, ammunition specialist. I enjoyed this MOS until I was assigned to help with removing WWII chemicals from a bunker. Upon my second enlistment I changed my MOS to 75C, Personnel management specialist and 71L administrative specialist. When I ets'd in 1981 I started working for a Regional Alcohol Center and the 70 series MOS came in real handy. My other three jobs until I retired were also administrative jobs. Between my knowledge of admin and military leadership I did very well in those jobs.

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made May 28 at 2015 12:00 PM

2015-05-28T12:00:21-04:00

Depends! What you want to do is not outlined in your question. What are you looking at as a career move and for whom do you wish to work? As expressed without a target you are looking for the ole "any job" which has been filled. How do you see your leadership and management qualities demonstrating what you will do for me? I spoke with a General at Lowry Air Force base a few years back and told him the same thing - I know as a general you are a leader, but all this military jargon in your resume will typically not be understood by recruiters. Most military recruiting events that I have been to, where individuals are looing for a job outside of their MOS or not within their security level were individuals not focused. Tell the recruiter/hiring manager(s) what your experiences will do for them. And why an MBA, what do "you" expect an MBA to do for you, oops, more importantly, what will it do for me. I have seen former military crash and burn and seen one take and entry level position and within 3 years be running a port for the largest shipping company in the states. Why not satellite communications? Are you aware of all the positions and responsibilities that exist within the satellite industry. You have industry knowledge, use it! Always keep in mind that recruiters and hiring managers are not paid on how may rejections they have, they need qualified individuals meeting their job specs and qualifications, which often are very difficult to glean from cleverly disguised resumes. What are your value adds and how do you match to the jobs. How many resumes do you have? Resumes should be customized for the job. Don't forget networking, I rewarded my recruiting teams more on passive candidates than on job submittals.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 28 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-05-28T16:02:58-04:00

I started off as a 91A (army medic), reclassed to 91B when the Army got rid of the A. Went to nursing school and got my BSN. Got my commission as an RN. Will be retiring soon and will continue Nursing.... medic to nurse is a huge jump, but really not as far as some would believe.... All about what you want and how you sell yourself!

Response by SP5 Rick Schoenherr made May 28 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-05-28T16:40:36-04:00

There is a business side to satalite com as well. The familiarity with the language would be helpful. Check with college professors on the beard, may be a negative

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-05-28T17:30:27-04:00

I got out of the Navy in 1999 and tried being a Electrician in the civilian world and hated it. When I went into the AFR as a Firearms Instructor and Security Forces Member I felt better. Eventually, I tried being a police officer and that did not last long. I went to work doing private security for a Power Company and started being a firearms instructor again. So, I guess I did mimic my military career.

Response by SPC Chad Kolod made Jun 4 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-06-04T22:08:35-04:00

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great responses now that the thread seems to have dwindled away!

Response by SPC Chad Kolod made Jun 5 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-06-05T13:08:14-04:00

Is there anyone on here who was a satellite controller in the army and got a job doing roughly the same thing after?

Response by SSG Wes Oppenheimer made Jun 5 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-06-05T13:39:46-04:00

Our company has several openings for Mechanics (Wheeled vehicle & Ground support Equipment (GSE)). Since I am a veteran myself, we hold veteran applicants with high regard.

Response by SSG Wes Oppenheimer made Jul 6 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-07-06T08:24:01-04:00

Spent my three years of service as an Army recruiter and have been in HR ever since, going on 25 years now.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 6 at 2015 9:18 AM

2015-07-06T09:18:27-04:00

The final 9 years of my career I was a recruiter and today i am a healthcare recruiter/marketing consultant.

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Jul 9 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-07-09T14:04:11-04:00

My career besides the time I spent in a BN Aid station pretty much revolved around TNG and doctrine so yes I dropped right into education.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 16 at 2020 10:27 PM

2020-10-16T22:27:02-04:00

Leadership, dedication, responsibility and management qualities in the outside world is not "barking orders". It is something Congress can't do--compromise. In many instances, this is how the job gets done. Leadership in the real world is lacking. In my many jobs in the both the military and civilian worlds I can think of only 3 true leaders. Good luck in your education, however, remember, understanding the job and people are the true way to leadership.