What is/was your most transferable skill sets for a new civilian career?

SFC Charles W. Robinson — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:37:15 -0500

For me, it was the experience gained while working Civilian/Military Operations during the 15 month surge in Iraq (CMO).<div><br></div><div>Key skill sets that helped me once I transferred to the civilian sector was:</div><div>1. Project/Program planning  & management.</div><div>2. Financial management for key projects.</div><div>3. Government contracts.</div><div>4. Iraqi business zone development.</div><div>5. Networking (key leader engagements).</div><div>6. Working with business, government, and civilian organizations.</div><div>7. Multi-cultural & collaborative leadership.</div><div>8. Performance management.</div><div>9. Training development and delivery.</div><div>10. Customer service and marketing.</div>

Response by SGT Dillon Townsel made Dec 30 at 2013 2:58 PM

SGT Dillon Townsel — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:58:50 -0500

As part of the Media Support Center in Kandahar (2010-2011), we handled media embed requests, lodging, escorts, and reporting. Since I was also a military journalist, it was very helpful to work both sides of the desk. When I transitioned to my civilian career in public relations, the ability to understand the needs of the media became very valuable. I was able to draw on my own experiences of pulling together all the elements of a story, while also understanding the logistics involved with communicating with the media as an outside facilitator. 

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 3:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:39:41 -0500

For me most valuable skills that I learned in the military that
I can apply to my civilian career are problem solving, project prioritization, risk
management, and interagency coordination/networking. During my most recent deployment as a DOD Civilian
I utilized all these skills as the lead logistics planner for many major military
operations that were spread across the entire SWA area of operation. Without these skills I would not have been
able to handle the complexity of the missions that I was placed in charge of,
many of which were taking place simultaneously. Most veterans don’t realize how valuable and scarce
these skills in the civilian sector are because of how common they are in the
military.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 4:24 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:24:54 -0500

My skills as weather forecaster has benefitted the people I help with forecasts.   The people I help speak highly of those skills.   In turn I have done charities for a long time and because I have networked so well,  it has managed to help others.  That is the best part.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 4:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:25:40 -0500

Oh I forgot. I like the pic.

Response by MSgt Scott Lockwood made Jan 4 at 2014 12:12 AM

MSgt Scott Lockwood — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 00:12:46 -0500

My experience would have to be supervision and management. Over 21 years of supervising and managing base and MAJCOM programs.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Mar 24 at 2014 5:55 PM

LTC Chad Storlie — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 17:55:56 -0400

The real challenge for an effective transition is to have a broad transition strategy. A resume is merely a tool to have an effective strategy. A transition strategy is finding WHO you want to be employed with, WHAT you want to do, WHEN you want to do it, WHERE you want the career to be, and WHY you want to leave the military for a new career or educational pursuit. As part of your strategy too many veterans only look at 1-3 companies. To be effective you need to network with hundred's of executives, look at 8 to 12 different companies, and 3-4 seperate geographic locations. Hiring today is a buyer's market for companies. Finally, veterans must look at how they can translate and apply their military skills to their future careers.

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