How many transitioning military members feel like they aren't qualified for corporate/civilian careers, and feel anxiety about transitioning?

SSgt John Axtell II — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 11:45:51 -0400

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 24 at 2017 11:53 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 11:53:04 -0400

SSgt John Axtell II "How many transitioning military members feel like they aren't qualified for corporate/civilian careers, and feel anxiety about transitioning?"
Kind of ...I felt I AM qualified, but convincing the HR department of that is proving difficult. And yes some frustration and anxiety over it.

Response by CA Delete D. made Oct 24 at 2017 12:04 PM

CA Delete D. — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:04:24 -0400

Sometimes I feel underqualified (but then land an interview?)....other times adequately or overqualified (queue silence from the recruiter or contact on job poster). I find that asking questions to folks online, tweaking the resume/LI profile, pursuing certifications are effective methods. It has been recommended to me to publish a portfolio or website (learning how to do this now since the ATS advice and trying to be exceptionally creative/attentive in networking has proven to be mostly bogus). I am avoiding the masters for now, along with expensive prof. development or resume writing services - just a gimmick to take your cash (besides ya gotta learn how to fend for yourself, right?)

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 24 at 2017 12:13 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:13:33 -0400

Obviously, I can't respond to this question as someone who is facing the issue today. However, I faced it long ago and survived. Remember that: I survived. Because I worked so many years as a consultant or independent contractor, I have often been asked, "What is the best managed organization you ever worked for?" That's an easy one to answer: The US Army. I bet you're either laughing or shaking your head dismissively (that's what most have done when I responded). I turned the question around by asking them: "Imagine that your organization had to pack up and move half way around the world tomorrow. When you got there, you not only had a mission to perform, but also had to feed, clothe, and house your employees. Provide medical care (not just health insurance, but actual medical care), postal service, entertainment, etc, etc, etc. Oh, and by the way, when you got there, someone was going to be shooting at you." Typically, they laughed, nervously. You can understand why. Remember that when you get that next interview. You have worked with the best. You have succeeded in performing your mission. When you take a civilian job, you'll be given a new mission. You'll have to learn some new SOPs. You'll have to learn some new skills. Does any of that intimidate you? It shouldn't. You've done it all before, many times over, and you did it, even when someone was shooting at you. Trust me, workplace shootings are big news when they occur, but only because they are such a rarity.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 12:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:14:30 -0400

I agree with SGM Marquez. I don't think it has anything to do with qualifications. It is all about how well you convey your previous experiences, education, and knowledge to the Hiring Manager for the open position. The task is made more difficult when the Hiring Manager has little or no military knowledge. I think the solution is to look at the job as a military objective. Look at targeting the company, its competitors, its employees, ect. Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Look up if any members of the company served in the military and if so connect with them. Get some inside information. I think having inside information, connections on the inside, and maybe some knowledge on the hiring manager, you can level the playing field when it comes time to conduct the interview.

Response by SPC Paul C. made Oct 24 at 2017 12:16 PM

SPC Paul C. — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:16:11 -0400

I was nervious about this when got out. But one thing that made me feel at ease was the fact that there is no enlistement or contract in a corporate job and if it didn't work out, I could leave with no ties. I used the GI Bill and went to engineering school, and that was a good transition period more me. Jumping into the corporate world directy out of active duty would be more difficult.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Oct 24 at 2017 12:18 PM

SFC Andrew Miller — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:18:15 -0400

I had the advantage of having a job that set me up well for a civilian career (25U). I obtained my degree in information technology and had a few certs before I retired. I also took a position as a contractor in Afghanistan just as I retired and it was a good go-between for me. Of the 12 jobs I applied for thinking that I had a good chance, I interviewed with 7 of them and received offers from 4.

There were a few positions that I wanted that I knew I wasn't qualified for, but attempted anyways. I wasn't really anxious about that, knowing that I didn't have much of a chance. It didn't stop me from trying, though.

I now work in veteran services which was a passion and volunteer opportunity before, but when I saw the job opportunity, I went for it. I got it based predominantly on volunteer work related to what I do now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 12:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:21:15 -0400

I know im getting anxious about transitioning, it seems like to this day civilian sector still doesn't know how to deal with us properly. They always ask if we were active duty as thats all they care about. What about TPU/GUARD soldiers ? They loose interest in those individuals.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Oct 24 at 2017 12:24 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:24:18 -0400

SSgt John Axtell II Most Definitely, I did Telecommunications in the Navy but Everything Besides Fiber Optic. What did I do After Retirement, Network Management of the Sprint Fiber Optic Network at the Control Center. "Do You Think You Can Do This" I said Yes. Quickly I Learned that a lot of the Same Properties and Theories still applied with Lasers and Fiber Optics

Response by PO3 Jacob Jenkins made Oct 24 at 2017 12:48 PM

PO3 Jacob Jenkins — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:48:52 -0400

This is a common thing for veterans to experience. Most of the time it is not the fact that your are under qualified, but the interviewer does not understand what your qualifications coming from the military actually weigh. This is why it is a common thing. What veterans need is someone in their corner to help them build confidence in their qualifications and how to talk about it in a way civilians can understand it. Translating your leadership skills, your morals, your work ethic and your military qualifications is the most crucial skill that all military members need to master when transitioning out. This is probably the single biggest area that veterans struggle with in general, this is where I feel the most help is needed in the entire process. There are simply to many soft skills in the process that military members are not used to using. This is why programs like REBOOT are crucial! COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by GySgt Jonathan Everhardt made Oct 24 at 2017 1:07 PM

GySgt Jonathan Everhardt — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:07:25 -0400

This is a good topic. Being qualified never really crossed my mind as I always personally felt like I could do it. What got me was the uncertainty and anxiety if I'd ever find something. For me interviewing went well, but it was getting to the interview that was the challenge. They say to start looking as early as possible, but then you learn Hiring Managers aren't hiring for positions 12 months before you get out - they are generally hiring for immediate positions. Which doesn't help most veterans as they begin looking 9-12 months before their EAS as suggested. So you apply to all these jobs online and then learn that most of those jobs online are either closed (someone already hired) or it is for a job that doesn't truly exist which helps lead to the second guessing because you think its something you are doing wrong when in fact you just have to stick to it and be persistent. Know yourself and what you want. Be professional and don't burn bridges. Make connections and network. So, in closing, it wasn't if I ever felt under-qualified. It was just the doubt that kicks in during the process.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 24 at 2017 1:10 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:10:09 -0400

What are they applying to and why? I have found that many under value their training and experience in the military and am then amazed as well by those who over value the same experience? Feeling anxiety is not a bad thing in and of itself, but it should give one pause to determine what the roots of the anxiety really are? Change is scary and transitioning from the military is a giant change.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 1:29 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:29:25 -0400

SSgt John Axtell II All of us that have gone before you were nervous upon separation. Anxious but excited at the same time. Your discipline, determination and goal setting will serve you well in the civilian world. I knew that I needed a degree for the career field that I wanted. When I was discharged I started work at a chemical plant while I obtained my degree. With my degree, I worked 33 years at my dream job. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 2:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:58:24 -0400

Good evening, my wife hires military members all the time that have separated from service. She also assist military members that are in transition or in their planning phases I should say to prepare for separation. She is a recruiter manager for HP and would be glad to lend a helping hand if possible. Please feel free to contact me if your interested in speaking with her. Thank you

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 24 at 2017 3:56 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 15:56:48 -0400

I was scared shitless when i got out... no marketable civilian skills and less education.

GI Bill... they can’t take education away. Just plan your attack & followthrough