Posted on Jun 20, 2017
When you are looking to make a career change, where is the first place you go to get help?
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I wound up working with a lot of folk looking for "career change", especially as I became more senior in both the MIL and CS side. It's almost always the same story. "Career change" is only about a third of it. The other 2/3rds is you. So when you talk to a recruiter, career counselor, etc. you're only covering the smaller piece. So you have to work with someone who is more interested in helping the "you" piece. Someone who thinks you're worth their time because you demonstrate you are. Someone who sees something in you that's worthwhile. Someone who'd like to see you become something better. So if you're looking for some mentoring, keep those things in mind. I've seen repetitive career changes because the "you" piece was never dealt with properly. Unfortunately about the third time, people tend to become hardened and refuse to work on the you piece. Keep that in mind too. You don't want to become hardened. A lot of junior folk are dealing with the person/job/culture fit thing. You best understand where the rub points are lest you recreate it in your next situation. BTW, you can get some counseling to better understand the whys of where you are at. Frustration, anxiety, dislike, not having any control, and the list goes on. The MIL version of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) deals with that stuff on a confidential basis for free. People tend to be too proud to take advantage of it. I learned not to be proud several times. Better than trying to figure it out on my own.
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I wrote a lenghty response then I looked at your LI page and promptly deleted it. You got this.
Before you jump I would recommend you get a mentor in the Army and then one in your chosen career field. There are several veteran centered entrepreneurs on LI that will assist. Look at both COAs and make a decision. Timing is critical due to your PCS and location where you want to land. I figure you have window from 2LT and before 0-3 to pull the cord so I'd timeline it out. Also, remember that Murphy can happen at anytime. Meaning you could be on final approach and then your BCT gets PTDO to Afghanistan. Best of Luck.
Before you jump I would recommend you get a mentor in the Army and then one in your chosen career field. There are several veteran centered entrepreneurs on LI that will assist. Look at both COAs and make a decision. Timing is critical due to your PCS and location where you want to land. I figure you have window from 2LT and before 0-3 to pull the cord so I'd timeline it out. Also, remember that Murphy can happen at anytime. Meaning you could be on final approach and then your BCT gets PTDO to Afghanistan. Best of Luck.
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2LT (Join to see)
Thanks for the input! I am early in my career but I am constantly trying to understand where people turn to for help with these things so that I can provide sound advice for the soldiers I work with. Mentorship is definitely a common theme that seems to be some of the most effective methods for career management. Thanks again!
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LTC (Join to see)
Look up Joe Perez on LI. He has a company called Frontline Solutions. He is also a veteran entrepreneur. He assists or mentors veterans in their small business pursuits.
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We have career counselors, but sometimes it helps to go to someone a few pay grades above you (while letting your chain know the reason why you're seeing that senior) who you work with directly.
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2LT (Join to see)
How are your career counselors at connecting you with services that are helpful and actually worth while?
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