Hello, Carol Eggert here. I'm coming by on 4/25 to discuss building a successful civilian career. What questions do you have for me?

BG Carol Eggert — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:41:38 -0400

*RP Staff Will Be Monitoring This Discussion*

From RP Staff: Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Carol Eggert completed a 30-year military career in 2014, with service in the active duty U.S. Army, as well as the Army Reserve and Army National Guard in Pennsylvania.

She now leads an eight-person team as the Senior Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal headquarters in Philadelphia. The team provides strategic leadership to all aspects of Comcast NBCUniversal’s programs and outreach to the military and veteran community, including hiring, community investment, business development.

With Comcast NBCUniversal’s commitment to hire 10,000 veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses by the end of 2017, Carol will talk about how valuable the military community talent pool is to America’s employers.

Carol completed her distinguished military career in 2014 as the Assistant Adjutant General for the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Deputy Commandant for the Army War College. She served in a variety of command and staff positions and completed numerous overseas deployments, including a 15-month combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Chief of the Women’s Initiatives Division and Senior Liaison to the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, and received numerous military awards and commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

Her leadership in the private sector has been recognized by HillVets, who placed her on their 2016 list of the 100 most influential veterans in America, and by the Philadelphia Business Journal, who named her one of their 2016 Veterans of Influence.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 5:07 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 17:07:31 -0400

BG Carol Eggert Ma'am, thank you for taking the time to answer questions on RallyPoint. Transitioning service men and women have to compete with qualified civilian applicants. How important is having a good attitude when entering the civilian work force?

Response by SGT William Howell made Apr 19 at 2017 5:20 PM

SGT William Howell — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 17:20:30 -0400

BG Carol Eggert Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us.

I am going to come at this from a different angle. My company is a higher end staffing agency. While we do staff temporary positions, a large part of our business is temp to hire. The hiring process for the customer usually consist of a resume being submitted, if the candidate is selected then an interview, and finally offer being made through us. We pay at a higher pay rate than a typical staffing agency because of this. After a negotiated time the customer is able to hire the candidate on at no additional cost. We assume the risk if the candidate is not what was needed.

We already know vets are high quality candidates. They are much more likely to be hired than civilians and we have many customers that request that we try and find veterans for that exact reason. While these jobs pay better than some, nobody is going to pack up the kids and move for these jobs, but for an E-4 getting out or a Guardsman just back from AIT these would be perfect to step into the workforce. How do we as a small company attract these local vets?

Again, Thank you for your time and commitment to our brothers and sisters.

Bill

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 5:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 17:37:30 -0400

Thank you for speaking with us, is it difficult to get civilian companies to hire service members? I have noticed that especially in transportation that more than a few companies don't like to consider military experience as appropriate for their needs

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Apr 19 at 2017 5:56 PM

SSgt Robert Marx — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 17:56:55 -0400

We know that keywords in a resume are the only way for an electronically submitted one to get through the computer screening process and then to a human resource specialist but will the use of those key words get the submission by passed as unauthentic? How much will the cover letter help to show authentic work that adequately fills the minimum experience?

Response by GySgt Steven Rogers made Apr 19 at 2017 6:52 PM

GySgt Steven Rogers — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 18:52:57 -0400

How do we get civilian companies to see past our MOS as the only qualifying factor for a position. I have found the smaller companies are more open to and will interpret your skills better than the fortune 500's who are looking for the exact set of skills outlined in the job description. Project management is a good example. For military personnel that have served more than one term, they have performed some form of project management/coordination, we have to be able to translate what we did so our civilian counterparts can understand it. Having a dergee is also helpful, but not a guarantee. I think that largest group of people that fall into the no-mans land are senior SNCO's/NCO's between the ranks of E6-8. These are men and women that sought after because of their leadership, ability to think outside the box, and their leadership. This is a group of service members that have greater commitments when they leave active duty, and though willing to start over, may not be in a position to do that for $35k or less a year with limited growth potential. What is the focus of attracting this group to your organization? I found a few companies that have created executive or management training programs for these candidates. Usually 18 months of learning about all parts of the organization with a potential offer at the end, programs that are designed for the senior SNCO/NCO not just the JMO. I have presonally reached out to the veteran recruiter at Comcast and received no response. How do we expect our resumes to make it through the computers if the veteran recruiters cannot find the time to respond to an email? The key group of veterans are within 3 years of leaving the service. Why, because there is a substantial tax break to the organization that hires them. So the further away from your EAS you are, the lower your value becomes? I am not bitter, I am just expressing some of the obstacles that I have encountered in the past five years. I understand that companies what to find the right fit for their investment, but hiring is a gamble for all parties involved. I am fortunate to have a decent job and look forward to sharpening my skills for the next employer.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Apr 20 at 2017 12:09 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:09:30 -0400

Thanks for joining us BG Carol Eggert. What initially attracted you to the broadcast media industry and what advice would you give to other veterans who are considering a career path with Comcast?
Looping in a few other RallyPoint members I enjoy working with who are also on the Comcast team.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 20 at 2017 2:21 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:21:04 -0400

No questions from me, BG Carol Eggert. I just wish to thank you for your service.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Apr 21 at 2017 10:13 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 10:13:03 -0400

THIS IS WHAT MAKES RALLYPOINT GREAT FOR ITS MEMBERS!

CALLING ON RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO REVIEW THIS RALLYPOINT Q&A POST WITH BG CAROL EGGERT COMING UP ON APRIL 25, 2017

GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL CIVILIAN CAREER.

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.

YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 21 at 2017 10:39 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 10:39:18 -0400

I ma'am think that you are doing a great service for those that are transitioning into the civilian life, thank you for your service to your country.

Response by MSG Mark Million made Apr 21 at 2017 10:59 AM

MSG Mark Million — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 10:59:12 -0400

Other than education and training, what preparations can a soldier that is retiring from service make in order to be marketable outside the military?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 11:11 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:11:16 -0400

Thank you for dedicated service Mam. I would like insight on how to create a viable Resume and see if there are any workshops that could be recommended or services that can be obtained at a reasonable price.
MSgt Roach (RET.)

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Apr 21 at 2017 11:18 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:18:52 -0400

Thanks for coming to RP ma'am, and congrats on a 30yr career. Takes a lot of dedication to the job to pull that off, and not many can.
Ma'am in regards to transmission, I retired using TAPS. It was two days of pure torture, death by powerpoint, and a "resume" class that when completed, you should be able to write a resume. Problem is, TAPS is a numbers game. Congress mandated you will do it and that is great, but for eight hours over two days, there is NOTHING you will get from it that's worth your time. I've heard that now it's longer, and while I want to say that is a great thing, is it the BEST thing for the troops? It's still a check the box deal, and there really isn't much on the transitioning aspect of it. Is there a productive way to get the troops the items they'll need to make a successful transition? I'm thinking more one on one vs. mass blast in a room for eight hours. Troops need more than a "check here", VA gives this that and the other, here is a resume I won't really look at, being I'm one deep and I have 100 troops in a cafeteria to process in and out over the week. I would recommend to the services that do away with TAPS altogether. redo it so there IS a structure, an objective that doesn't mean shut up so we can leave faster. If we can't take TAPS more seriously, you'll see a lot more confused folks when they do get out. I hit the resume part being it's a crucial part of your transition, and the troops should understand the different types of resume's, teach, assist in using USA.gov, LinkedIn, and how to take military jargon out of the resume and put it into civie-speak. I had to learn all of the stuff TAPS should've taught me on the run. Government resume, KSA's, cover sheet or no, what format, how to tailor your resume to speak on a particular job, not have it be a broadsword over ten pages long, and has HR chewing .45 rounds while trying to find the code words, and catchy phrases. All that was learned on LinkedIn, talking to folks and getting feedback. Not by TAPS. That is not supporting the troops by any means. I've had a GS15 look at my resume, and a Senior contractor for a defense contracting company that is one of the biggest here in the US tell me they would not hire me due to age. I know that is illegal, but they explained how they go around the letter of the law, by using their own catch phrases like you're overqualified, and we believe you would be better served it you.... I'm looking for someone who already has a degree or certifications with 10 years of experience in Cyber warfare. In both cases my age was never mentioned, but the fact they didn't want me IS. It would even be good to have reps of the major industries and companies come and speak on what they're looking for in certain jobs and position. How they rack and stack you, and the importance of saying "thank you". That thank you is important. No Joe should get out, and not know how to do a resume all by themselves. Knowledge on how to convert words, titles, positions, deployments, clearance levels, should ALL be taught how to navigate through with success and the knowledge on how to learn to make it better.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Apr 21 at 2017 11:58 AM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:58:31 -0400

BG Carol Eggert Thank you for letting us learn from you. It seems that many businesses seem to stay away from hiring veterans just because they fear the applicant will be too forceful, or demanding. How can we we show that we aren't that way without looking too weak?

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Apr 21 at 2017 1:54 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:54:31 -0400

Thank you General for your continued commitment to helping Veterans make that sometimes difficult transition from military to civilian.

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Apr 22 at 2017 12:31 AM

Sgt Albert Castro — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 00:31:15 -0400

No questions for me but, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brigadier General Eggert for giving the members of RP the opportunity to seek you advise. Well trained troops always value good leadership. Thank you for your meritorious service to our Country Ma'am and God Bless

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Apr 22 at 2017 6:47 PM

CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 18:47:09 -0400

General, Thank You So Very Much For What You Do For All Veterans!!! I'm not sure if this is a fair question to ask you Ma'am but it does concern retired Veterans who have the time and health to start and complete a second career after Service to Our Country. My Question: why or how could it have been possible for our Legislators take away one of many benefits promised us when joining Service in the 60's, in particular those Retired Veterans (including me who retired after 33 years) who were denied and/or lost their eligibility to enroll into the Veterans Administrations System based on what we are fortunate enough to make each year? If you can't answer this question, would it be possible for you to forward this question or request upward to the proper channels to be addressed on behalf of all affected Veterans? Thank You Again for all you do! Respectfully, Doc Bradshaw

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 6:28 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 18:28:16 -0400

I have an unemployed friend in Monrovia, California who is also on RP who is 60 years old and just retired as a Major due to hitting 60. He has all kinds of logistical experience working for major aircraft and satellite companies in the civilian sector. He has applied for lots of jobs but I don't know if its his age or his military experience that is an impediment. He is able to work and he still has his clearance. Do you have a job link I can forward to him from your organization? Thanks General!

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Apr 24 at 2017 12:11 AM

Jenn Moynihan — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:11:50 -0400

As a USO Volunteer - Thank you! As an up-to-my-knees in grad school for social work how do you best see a social worker helping veterans in the community? I have ideas, but your input would be great to hear.

Best wishes
Jenn Moynihan
USO Volunteer

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 12:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 12:24:02 -0400

Greetings to you ma'am. I'm a 25B (Information Systems/Technology Specialist), I have roughly 8 years left until I hit my 20. What degrees would most benefit an individual to strengthen their odds of landing a career once they retire/ETS? I've heard business admin, and even HR degrees tossed around quite a bit.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 24 at 2017 1:00 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 13:00:16 -0400

Why is it that things such as honor, loyalty, commitment, everyday traits we as veterans have, are looked down upon in the dog eat dog, backstabbing civilian community? Honestly, traits that are a way of life for me, and most other military retired, are vague concepts in the civilian sector. For the most part, I look at most of the civilian workforce with disgust.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Apr 24 at 2017 1:43 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 13:43:46 -0400

BG CAROL EGGERT,

Good day I'm also from PA Carlisle to be correct, I'm on RP to help veterans who don't know how to write resumes but I think veterans who are kind of educated and well groomed like myself are not getting the chances in the world that we should because yes I have nice security job but I've been GS11 for 10 years and going no where, I would like to use the skills I used in theater collecting data and developing a product for the Army but they don't want us too, then I read stories how there taking hurt or broking SF soldiers and using them for drug enforcement and child porn enforcers, where are them jobs at? for us. because I'm not seeing any one coming to me with the skill set I have to help the gov't and my clearance level, a lot of veterans are sitting on the butt with no job and can't even get in the civilian sector of the job field. I stress this time and time again to Senior NCO and Officers that it is not being taught in out NCOES courses and not in the officer courses or commander courses but how many people do you know that have an education or somewhat of an education that struggles at writing resume or a cover letters and this one reason why we can't even set foot in to the fields we dream of trying in to the world we want to be in. I just happen to be in WTU at Walter Reed and not sit on my butt and networked and got connections in DC. now I work for the Fed' Gov.'s in Security and not as a security guard either, and that's being Field Artillery anyone of us can do it, because if I was still in the ARMY as CSM or in Senior leadership Position at the ARMY LEVEL the LEADERSHIP would HATE me because I would be pushing for resume training and transitions training in the NCOES because someone has to train or people leaving the force or the ones who have done their time in the military because TAPS and ACAP volunteer program just is not cutting it. IN a 2 or 3 day course to end your career and head off to the civilian job sector isn't just enough and plus they teach you to tie your tie wrong anyways. That's a trick you learn in WASH DC in DOD when you have a suit job. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions on RALLY POINT.

SFC (RET) WILLIAM STEPHENS

Response by PVT Andrew Burd made Apr 24 at 2017 2:21 PM

PVT Andrew Burd — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:21:49 -0400

thanks for taking the time for this Q&A. I wonder if you're reminding soldiers who are re-entering civilian life to remind themselves that some of the traits of military people don't exist or are represented differently in civilian ranks. Some of which are teamwork, self-discipline, consideration for others (stepping over the cable), and loyalty. Those, and a general willingness to be of assistance are some of the best traits I know of in all the active duty and former military friends I have. There used to be a television program called "Tactical to Practical", and it covered a lot of things that were developed for the military and migrated to the civilian world. I think those personal traits should be respected more than any machine.

Thanks again, and thanks for your service to our country.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Apr 24 at 2017 5:36 PM

PO3 James Bobiney — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 17:36:05 -0400

How has the civilian sector in employment of Veterans changed as far as awareness of Veterans who may be dealing with PTSD or other mental illness due to their service? Are Supervisors and Managers trained to recognize such issues and/or initiate a process for getting help for Veterans and making the connection. Back when I ETS'd from active Army(95) and went to work for the VA I was having clear issues with PTSD, looking back. But yet nobody tried to address it. I was in Nursing too, and now looking back at it I thought sure that they should have been aware and able to get me help. But it didn't happen. It seemed non existent. But other than Medical or the VA, are other civilian companies doing something to make their employees aware? Thank you for your long, dedicated and honorable service to this great nation. Hooah.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Apr 24 at 2017 7:19 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 19:19:23 -0400

Ma'am, Why do women continue to make 81% for the same positions as compared to their male counterparts and how do women change that statistic?

Response by MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy made Apr 25 at 2017 1:43 PM

MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 13:43:53 -0400

BG Carol Eggert – Ma'am, thank you for your service, and sharing your expertise with us. Considering that you and CenturyLink's Admiral Owens (Former VJCS and creator of JROC) have both found post-service career paths in the telecommunications industry, what trends or insight can you share with entrepreneurs interested in building sustainable businesses around this industry's supply-chain/ecosystem?

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 25 at 2017 1:55 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 13:55:10 -0400

Hi BG,
Thank you for your time. With your experience in both the military and Comcast, do you know of any MOS's which translate to specific jobs Comcast is offers to veterans?

Response by BG Carol Eggert made Apr 25 at 2017 4:04 PM

BG Carol Eggert — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 16:04:14 -0400

I'm signing off, but I did want to thank everyone for joining me today on RP. This has been great, and I look forward to talking with you all here moving forward! Please check out https://jobs.comcast.com/military for more information on Comcast NBCUniversal's commitment to the military community, including our drive to hire 10,000 Veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and Military Spouses by the end of 2017.

Comcast Careers Military & Veteran Commitment

Frequently asked questions about the careers site, and hiring process at Comcast.

Response by SPC Andrew McKee made Apr 27 at 2017 1:41 PM

SPC Andrew McKee — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:41:41 -0400

Good afternoon ma'am,

My name is Andrew McKee and I am the President & CEO of a nonprofit organization called QRF Staffing and Consulting. We operate as a staffing agency, but more importantly as a job training facility, resource center, and career transition assistance program geared towards Veterans and first responders transitioning back into the civilian workforce. We are headquartered out of Huntington, WV but are trying to reach out nationwide. I'd love to be able to form some sort of partnership to assist those transitioning receive the training and career placement they deserve. My email is [login to see] , the website is http://www.qrfstaffing.com, and we are on all social media platforms. I hope to speak with you soon, ma'am.

V/r,

Andy McKee
President & CEO
QRF Staffing and Consulting

www.qrfstaffing.com

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2017 1:26 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:26:07 -0400

Brigadier General Carol Eggert, USA Ret. was selected in September 2015 to assist Comcast NBC in hiring 10,000 veterans in the next two years . . . Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

http://purpleheart.org/Bios/eggert.aspx

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2017 1:27 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:27:44 -0400

Brigadier General Carol Eggert, USA Ret. was selected in September 2015 to assist Comcast NBC in their commitment to hire 10,000 veterans in the next two years . . . Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

http://purpleheart.org/Bios/eggert.aspx

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 31 at 2017 2:20 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 14:20:34 -0400

Ma am, I don't have a question, but a statement for your thoughts: As a Reservists, I've had a civilian career all along, but I have been deployed three times and had to rebuild my career three times, being self employed. I'd like to add, save your money and plan ahead for hard times. Each time it took me almost two years to get my business rebuild. After the first deployment I almost lost my house and such, if it hadn't been for extra duty I was able to get I would have been sunk. The next two deployments we learned. By my wife living off of my base salary and saving the other (COLA, DANGER PAY , OHA, etc) we were able to live off the other pay until I got going. Be wise in planning and knowing what you really need and just want. Just my thought BG. Thanks for coming.

Response by SFC Charles McVey Sr. made Oct 22 at 2017 8:33 PM

SFC Charles McVey Sr. — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 20:33:39 -0400

I unfortunately am 100% Permanently and totally Disabled Service Connected Combat Related Veteran, and am unable to work, but I do appreciate the offer.

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Nov 30 at 2017 9:20 AM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:20:41 -0500

Why is this coming up on the feed now? is the date (4/25/17) wrong or what?

Response by SGT Todd Miller made Dec 5 at 2017 2:30 PM

SGT Todd Miller — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 14:30:31 -0500

I have two college degrees, three diplomas, and four honorable discharges. Many people here have had much greater military careers than I. I thank everyone for their service. I had a successful career as an electrical engineer for over 20 years. I was fortunate in that civilian career. I left my most recent position because of my wife's medical problems. One thing that I have noticed is that protected veteran status does not seem to mean much to civilian employers. Are there tax advantages for civilian employers who hire protected veterans? I have also noticed that employers are now considering mental problems such as PTSD, Bi-Polar, and major depression as disabilities. Employers are now screening candidates based on psychological profiles. I do not believe these mental problems are always permanent. Why are these conditions being treated by employers as a disability? If they are in fact disabilities, should service members be compensated for having these disabilities? Many employers say they do not discriminate based on age, race, sexual orientation, etc. However, they often do discriminate regardless of their statements because there is little enforcement of the law and the burden of an anti-discrimination lawsuit is placed on the candidate. Rather than spend the money on hiring a lawyer to fight a law suit that we have little chance of winning we just move on. What a terrible waste of potential.

Response by Sgt Larry Davis made Dec 9 at 2017 7:42 AM

Sgt Larry Davis — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 07:42:36 -0500

This post is way out of date. It is now December 2017 not April 2017

Response by SGT Byron Labadie made Dec 25 at 2017 10:12 AM

SGT Byron Labadie — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 10:12:52 -0500

When I was in the Army (1975-78) the supply line was broken. Things we needed we did not get, and things we already had came down through the supply chain. I was resigned to if, in the middle of the cold war, our Hawk Missiles would work, but parts for trucks, C rations and everything else would run out quickly. I also noticed more than what you would expect of misfits; who thought the army was a joke/game. I think that has been fixed now. our top flag officer in Belgium (LTGEN) Alexander Haig, was a laughing stock; even the E-3 and E-4's knew it, and we knew he could not be trusted or capable or running all the troops in Europe if war broke out. He might be able to help Nixon, but he was unfit to be Supreme Allied Commander. What steps have been taken to ensure our soldiers and sailors are well supplied during war time?