How hard is it for a 25B with 5+ years of experience to get a civilian job?

2018-12-10T20:00:15-05:00

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2018 8:05 PM

2018-12-10T20:05:34-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Here is information that will help. Obtaining a civilian job is up to you.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-i-stay-in-the-army-or-go-civilian-as-a-25b

https://study.com/articles/25b_mos_civilian_jobs.html

Should I stay in the Army or go civilian as a 25B? | RallyPoint

I'm 6 years in as a 25B, I am wondering if it would be a smarter idea to stay in and re-class (25B points are too high) or get out and try the civilian world. I'm not sure how many job opportunities are available out there that pay the same or more (including benefits)I'm currently Sec+ and A+ certified and will have my CCENT next month. However, no college degree. What are your opinions?

Response by Sgt Davis Le made Dec 10 at 2018 8:06 PM

2018-12-10T20:06:45-05:00

Depends what industry you're going into. Private Sector, Certificates + Depends on Experience (DOE) probably looking around $16-$20 starting. Government, look up job posting on usajobs.gov; some takes the 10 points preference in the competitive selection while many don't. Looking at around $18-$24. Medical, Medical IT training + Depends on Experiences (DOE). $20+ starting. Remember, every I mention above is starting over again. If you advance during your 4 years in Active Duty (AD), you managed to get more certificate or work on your degree (bachelor minimum), you do well in all 3 fields. Find a field you like to be in. I'm working up to go into Cyber Security.

Response by SGT Brian Gibbs made Dec 10 at 2018 8:20 PM

2018-12-10T20:20:23-05:00

Come to Arizona. You should be able to start out at around 70K to 80K. Certs will increase you pay. AZ currently one of the hottest places for Tech jobs.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 4:48 AM

2018-12-11T04:48:23-05:00

What certs do you have and do you have any college?

Response by Susan Foster made Dec 11 at 2018 9:37 AM

2018-12-11T09:37:40-05:00

I think it depends on the geographical area you want to live in, and additional training you will go for. What are you career goals (what do you want to be doing 5 years from today)?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 11 at 2018 12:52 PM

2018-12-11T12:52:22-05:00

For me, as a 25Q, it came down to how hard I wanted to go after a job. The market for IT professionals is pretty good right now. Certifications help but honestly, they aren't the end-all/be-all that people try to make them out to be. A well-written resume and great interviewing skills can go a long way. Don't sell yourself short. One thing I tell Veterans transitioning to the civilian job market to do is to look back over any awards or official reviews for some good bullet comments for either your resume or for talking points. Don't list your awards, rather list the reason you got them. It's not that employers don't respect your awards but what they really care about is what you did. Remember, in the civilian job market, time is money and whatever you can do to save one or both of those things goes a long way.

Response by SPC Onel Cruz made Dec 12 at 2018 11:37 AM

2018-12-12T11:37:57-05:00

Not hard at all if you in the DMV area, im actually enlisting again to be a 25B just cause most govt contracts require you to have an understanding of military systems. I would say if you have some certs as well you’ll be set in this area for sure plus with Amazon setting up their 2nd headquarters in VA you’ll be straight.