Looking across your recent military work experiences, what key knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences would you say are most valuable?

2016-11-29T04:08:03-05:00

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 29 at 2016 4:15 AM

2016-11-29T04:15:44-05:00

Communications and electronics... as to electrical and communications engendering...

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Nov 29 at 2016 7:41 PM

2016-11-29T19:41:46-05:00

SSGT. Schools, a career field where there is a need similar to what you do. Preparation for interviews, dress the part. And above all set up straight and be the gentleman that's in you. If questions are asked, be honest and talk only when you need to. I have had several interviews where I was over qualified. There is such a thing as over qualified or you have more education than you boss.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 8:44 PM

2016-11-29T20:44:54-05:00

I'm not sure if I understand your question properly, but here we go anyway.

In my experience, my work experience and technical knowledge regarding medical training was almost useless when I transitioned out of the military. The medical jobs available to me were very low-paying, and I was financially more stable taking other positions. This experience would have been helpful if I had continued schooling in that field, but the experience wasn't required, so I reason it wasn't really that valuable. The instructors disagreed, and were very excited to have a student coming in with practical knowledge of the subject matter, but I digress.

What has benefited me most is my experience and abilities that were secondary to my military focus. Skills like accurate record keeping, training others, managing data and personnel, and in depth knowledge and experience with a wide range of different work processes like hazardous material handling and personnel decontamination, training exercises involving multiple departments (different units), etc. It was the ability to go into any situation, identify my role, set clear and measurable goals, and accomplish them with little-to-no direct oversight. Being a contributing member of a team with integrity and responsibility, and having the experience of working with many different types of teams, has made me successful in my occupations.

But if you have a degree already, I imagine that will be the most important skill-set you have to offer. I'll let others chime in there.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-12-06T13:20:30-05:00

Interpersonal communication skills