Posted on Oct 31, 2016
For those who have transitioned/transitioning, what areas are you finding difficult that you need more information for a smoother transition?
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Responses: 6
I would agree with the resume writing point. My resume has grown in strength as I learn what employers want, but I was having issues with relating my military experience to civilian jobs.
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CMSgt Kevin Howell
That is the key, learning what employers want. Every business type is different. If you can crack that code you can be successful.
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SSG G Smith
CMSgt Kevin Howell - Yes I found that when I started it was as if I had 20yrs that counted for nothing, but as I continue to learn how to translate things I have more experience then I thought. Funny when it looked as if I couldn't manage a team of 3 people but then you figure out how to write your experience and then 3 people are a drop in the bucket compared to most in the civilian work force.
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CMSgt Kevin Howell
SSG G Smith - Funny things is most civilians have never supervised anyone and those that have don't have near the training and experience you do. In some cases you have more experience than the people that hire you and that can be a threat to them. No other company in the world prepares their leaders better through schools, training and experience than the military does. Getting that experience on paper for other to understand is the key.
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The process of which jobs would be beneficial based on your skills acquired during time of service. My Navy job is a bit complicated since I can't necessary change to the outside world because of the classification. While I may not have wanted to continue on with my Navy job in the civilian world, I would like to see what those in the civilian sector are looking for based on veterans coming out of service. I work an admin-based job where I'm stuck sitting for 8 hours and coming from a environment of on your feet all day everyday to sitting, I don't like the complacency.
I hope that with TAPS classes, that there is a better way to for those who have situations like me can be able to find decent and good-paying jobs and not have to struggle to make ends meet.
I hope that with TAPS classes, that there is a better way to for those who have situations like me can be able to find decent and good-paying jobs and not have to struggle to make ends meet.
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CMSgt Kevin Howell
Katie, During TGPS, you will do a skills inventory to build the foundation for making the entry into the civilian sector. The key is to consider all your skills, from primary duties, collateral duties and anything you do off duty. If you are stuck in a job you don't want to do on the outside, look for opportunities to volunteer or go to school to gain new skills. The key is to identify a career path and begin to network with folks in the same industry. They can give you advice and point you in the right direction, If you ever need any advice or just to talk through an idea, give me a call, I work with transitioning sailors everyday. Kevin [login to see]
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PO1 (Join to see)
I was going to go to school but I had to many responsibilities to take control so I've put that on the back burner. I did re-enlist into the Reserves and will be going Temp Active Duty for Recruiting.
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CMSgt Kevin Howell
What I've learned about the Navy Reserve is there may be an opportunity to work your way into a different rate. Good luck and God Bless.
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My biggest challenge are networking and translating my military experience to the job I want.
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CMSgt Kevin Howell
Shavonda, networking is the key to be able to translate your skills. I know people have trouble seeking out network opportunities, but there are plenty to be had. First and foremost connect with the folks at ACAP. They always have folks that they know in the industry that they can refer you to so you can gain more information on your area thay you want to be in.
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My challenge was not getting the job, but adapting to the work environment afterwards. I found that my co-workers that had never served didn't understand my drive and desire to get work done in a timely manner. I also struggled with office politics and workplace ethics, I don't recall ever hearing anything during TAP so I felt very unprepared. T-GPS focus is on getting the job, not making the transition into the workplace which I think needs to be addressed.
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Resources at the final location. When I left there wasn't a point of contact for anyone I could say, "Hey where can I go locally for XYZ" I'm sure a list POC's at a local military center/base would be a good start. Transition Centers close by???
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CMSgt Kevin Howell
I fully agree. When I taught T-GPS, I would always bring up the Local Veterans Employment Rep (LVER) most unemployment offices have them and they can be a great resource for veterans.
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I see service members struggle with writing an award winning resume
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CMSgt Kevin Howell
I see this everyday. Most can't make the translation because they just don't know what is out there and how to make the conversion. I was in the same boat, my initial resume was not great. The key is research and time! Unfortunately most don't spend a lot of time on either. Their focus is submitting as many applications as they can and see what comes about. Spending time on resumes is well worth the effort and can mean more $$ and the right job along the way.
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