When you transitioned from military life to the civilian life, what industry (or industries) interested you the most?

2018-10-05T11:42:25-04:00

READ THIS FIRST>>> If you're a veteran or military spouse, I would love your input!

When you transitioned from military life to the civilian life, what industry (or industries) interested you the most?

Accounting / Financial Services / Insurance / Banking
Aviation / Aerospace Aviation / Aerospace
Business / Strategic Management / Human Resources
Construction / Trades / Skilled Labor
Creative / Design
Customer Support / Client Care
Education / Training / Teaching
Energy
Engineering / Electronics
Food Service / Hospitality
Government
IT / Software Dev / Web Design / Applications
Logistics / Supply Chain / Transportation / Warehouse
Maintenance / Installation / Repair / Field Service
Manufacturing / Operations
Medical / Health
Project / Program Management
Public Safety / Law Enforcement / Security
Retail
Sales / Business Development

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Oct 5 at 2018 11:44 AM

2018-10-05T11:44:13-04:00

I went into healthcare, was a Independent Duty Hospital Corpsman first 12 years of my career

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Oct 5 at 2018 11:49 AM

2018-10-05T11:49:16-04:00

I am in the shoot right now; so many have interest for me and I have passion in.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 5 at 2018 11:57 AM

2018-10-05T11:57:00-04:00

Hannah Lundstrom I wanted a change, so it was in an industry that was either adjacent to or not Logistics.
- I was attracted to undergraduate and community college education as a Professor of Practice or Adjunct/Assistant Professor in Business or Political Science/Homeland Security which mirrored my academic degrees and experience. Unfortunately those are few and far between, especially if you don't have a PhD in hand nor 1-5 years of experience teaching....which you can't get if they don't hire you.....
- junior ROTC instructor due to the area of emphasis and the compensation would put me right back at my Active Duty compensation level, including BAH. Only trouble is if you don't want to relocate, don't want to live somewhere you don't want to, or can't get a position offer within 3 years, you are out of luck.
- Law Enforcement
- government service so that I could leverage my existing skills and gain more as an extension. Unfortunately we were tied to this location more so than Occupation, and unless you fly satellites or are space qualified, it's a tough market and mostly contractor work with consequent uncertainty.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 11:57 AM

2018-10-05T11:57:06-04:00

Hannah Lundstrom My dream career was working for the Space Program, so I had to obtain a degree first. Once I had my degree, I started a 33 year career on the Space Shuttle Program.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 5 at 2018 11:57 AM

2018-10-05T11:57:27-04:00

I never really transitioned into the civilian world of employment, I was in the reserves, so, I was able to work and attend drills. I work in the agriculture field.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 5 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-10-05T12:18:41-04:00

I am on disability, but probably would have looked at financial planning because I believe in it. I would sell the dream first, not the product, and I have a passion for it.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Oct 5 at 2018 12:28 PM

2018-10-05T12:28:18-04:00

When I left active duty as a Marine, I left my desk on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and returned the following Monday to the same desk in civilian attire. I've always been attracted to the intelligence industry but lately I've expanded my reach to include engineering the systems that my Soldiers will end up using one day. I've been supporting the military ever since.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 5 at 2018 12:37 PM

2018-10-05T12:37:02-04:00

All the local utilities in my area were hiring Vietnam Vets so construction/trades/ skilled labor was my opportunity to earn a good wage and have security for the long run.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Oct 5 at 2018 1:01 PM

2018-10-05T13:01:16-04:00

I was building fire bases, gun emplacements, roads & airfields in country. I spent my civilian career building things...power plants, transmission/distribution lines, oil field facilities, refineries, roads, hospitals, houses, and tourist resorts.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Oct 5 at 2018 1:08 PM

2018-10-05T13:08:17-04:00

Logistics and transportation
Mental health/medical

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 1:18 PM

2018-10-05T13:18:25-04:00

I graduated with a BA in Transportation and Logistics Management. I'm still looking for the "perfect job". If that helps any.

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Oct 5 at 2018 1:22 PM

2018-10-05T13:22:44-04:00

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Oct 5 at 2018 1:26 PM

2018-10-05T13:26:11-04:00

Hannah I am retired and somewhat mangled hence had to retire, back to the subject. I think I have tons to offer, I am at a point where I want to finish my book and work as a consultant. I am not looking for a salary. Payment to me would simply be travel and per diem. The type of consulting i would be looking at would be consulting schools on how to increase security, to prevent shootings. I have to go now will be back in a bit.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Oct 5 at 2018 1:40 PM

2018-10-05T13:40:43-04:00

...I am back, I would love to give time and assessments to schools, etc... on security. If part of that included teachers/employees being armed I would write training programs for those carrying. I would also help identify those who would be a good possibility to carry. Understand the security of our schools in not as simple as give someone a gun, no it is huge. The thing is what most people dont get is it is a multi leveled system. As I said I am not trying to get rich, hell, I am a retired knuckle dragging barbarian. Anyway would love to discuss more...

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Oct 5 at 2018 2:02 PM

2018-10-05T14:02:52-04:00

Timber industry. Where I live it is mostly logging or lumber mills. A friends father had a logging company so I worked in the woods through out high school. When I got out of the Army I started at a sawmill. Decided I wanted to work in Maintenance. Moved my way up and am now the plant manager.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Oct 5 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-10-05T16:15:57-04:00

Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. I've seen too many people with resumes that point them in one direction and, while talking to them, find their heart wants to go in another. Your MOS doesn't have to be your calling... it's just what your're trained in and are good at...but....you can learn new things. Life's too short to go to work frustrated everyday.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 5 at 2018 4:32 PM

2018-10-05T16:32:06-04:00

As is common for a lot of veterans, I left the Army not too concerned with any particular field so much as trying to get a job to stabilize myself and figure out my next step. I took a job as a shipping clerk for an Aerospace manufacturer. From there I decided that I wanted to study geology and made the understanding of the earth and its processes my goal. For someone who has spent 10 years of their life doing combat arms, it might take a while for them to figure out what their new purpose will be. Literally everyone decides differently and with such a large cross-section of the country that makes up the military, it would be foolish to try to anticipate what these varied individuals find interesting. As a job recruiter, I would suggest asking a military post if you can be invited to speak at an ACAP briefing about the opportunities that your company has to offer.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Oct 5 at 2018 5:09 PM

2018-10-05T17:09:05-04:00

Retired Counterintelligence Special Agent, and got into intelligence in Federal Civil Service.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Oct 5 at 2018 6:47 PM

2018-10-05T18:47:40-04:00

I went looking for anything in food, clothing or shelter. First opportunity after four months searching was work in a Chicken processing facility. After four years in food business finally got into construction product sales. Been there ever since

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 5 at 2018 7:15 PM

2018-10-05T19:15:55-04:00

Public Safety / Law Enforcement / Security
all but one of my full-time jobs has been in the field, including my current one.

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Oct 5 at 2018 9:48 PM

2018-10-05T21:48:18-04:00

Hannah Lundstrom - thank you for this discussion. :)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 10:43 PM

2018-10-05T22:43:22-04:00

When I transitioned I wanted to stay in intelligence. However, because of my geographic location, it was not going to happen. After a long 3 year journey, I found myself as the Environment Management Services Textile and Supply Supervisor at a VA Medical Center. Now I'm the Quality Assurance Specialist. Never know where life will take you.

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Oct 6 at 2018 8:27 AM

2018-10-06T08:27:39-04:00

Engineering/Electronics! Always very interested in electronics. Received EE degree then employed by IBM in Silicon Valley long before it was called silicon Valley. Moved to Memorex (they were a younger and hungrier company) Very, very competitive and demanding work environment. Yet, a egalitarian society. CEO fought for same parking as housekeeping staff. All employees welcomed at the wagon Wheel when one had a free moment to take a deep breath. A wonderful time to be in the IT business. Every day was new and exciting. With the added privilege of working with people who were as bright as the shirts they wore. Would live such a life ten times over if I could. It was a wonderful ride...a great ride indeed!

Response by SFC Josh Weatherbie made Oct 7 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-10-07T13:03:35-04:00

Public Safety/Law Enforcement/Security

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Oct 7 at 2018 8:24 PM

2018-10-07T20:24:13-04:00

My ultimate goal is to work with or for the department of justice.

Response by MAJ Grant Gutkowski made Oct 8 at 2018 8:32 AM

2018-10-08T08:32:26-04:00

I turned my Army Logistics schooling in to a very successful Supply Chain Manager position at a company that has become every bit as important to me as the Army was. It was an interesting transition...but I love the fact that I can actually get things done and experience what Logistics is "supposed" to be like.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Oct 14 at 2018 9:38 AM

2018-10-14T09:38:38-04:00

I wanted to get as far away from the federal government as possible. I had options for 6 figure contracting work, but said "HELL NO!" Also, due to bad joints, I can't really stand OR sit for prolonged periods. So I went into pizza delivery while I attend school. Once I am fully credentialed and degreed, the plan is to do adult education, primarily working with prisoners. This way I can still give back to my community without working for the federal government which gets more disgusting and corrupt with each passing day.

Response by SFC Jimmy Arocho made Oct 14 at 2018 9:42 AM

2018-10-14T09:42:16-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2018 7:56 AM

2018-10-17T07:56:52-04:00

Trades. Specifically outdoor electrical, climbing powerlines is an exciting career that is physically demanding, in a team environment and starts off paying about 80k before taxes (and overtime) in my state- if your using the GI bill for housing in the apprenticeship.

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made Oct 21 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-10-21T15:02:13-04:00

When I transitioned into the civilian world I wanted to go into the game preserve field ie game warden. That all fell to the wayside, when in a four month period I had five brothers commit suicide. Which began a quest that I am currently still undertaking. So my new found passion is psychology not to regurgitate what textbooks say but bring to the table what others like myself have experienced. Upon completion of graduate work next semester the PhD program awaits, it is here where the right changes that affect Veterans with combat PTSD will be able to manifest. The current programs in place.........well lets just say Hot Garbage.

Response by SGT Ace Paul made Oct 22 at 2018 11:00 PM

2018-10-22T23:00:47-04:00

I was interested in Law Enforcement and eventually went into the California Prison System as a Correctional Officer. I started at the Academy making 1600 a month in 1988. I did 27 years in 5 different prisons and retired as an Associate Warden making 10,600 a month at the age of 50. My retirement check is indexed for inflation with a COLA at 82% of my pay upon retirement. It was a great career and I would not wish it upon anyone. There were many 16 hour days. I have been scheduled or forced to work on every single holiday throughout the years. I saw murders, horrific violence and worked with the most violent and evil people you can imagine. I'm glad I did it and glad it's over and never need to work again.

Response by SPC Larry Johnson made Oct 23 at 2018 8:57 AM

2018-10-23T08:57:29-04:00

I went into healthcare as a respiratory therapist. It was a completely different field

Response by SPC Bill Earley made Oct 27 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-10-27T11:09:59-04:00

I went to transportation but later construction work. I enjoyed working at a different place from time to time instead of the same spot every day .

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 10:39 PM

2018-11-08T22:39:44-05:00

welder, weaver. forklift repair

Response by SFC Scott Williams made Nov 14 at 2018 12:27 PM

2018-11-14T12:27:49-05:00

Transportation, trucking especially was the plan. it hasn't gotten that far yet. I am currently a Supervisor working in manufacturing, a dying skill in our country. Making a product that everyone uses every day of their live, door knobs! as the very first civilian job in my life, its a pretty good jig. however trucking will happen....some day.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Nov 14 at 2018 1:19 PM

2018-11-14T13:19:53-05:00

To be honest, anything that had to do with mechanical engineering or security. I did enough photography and video way too much and too long. I did like photography in general, but I witnessed so many bad things through the lens of a camera so, I decided to go a different route.

Response by SP5 John Petrasek made Nov 19 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-11-19T09:15:12-05:00

Aerospace.. Prior to enlisting in '65, I worked in Design on the Saturn V/S-1C. After separation, I worked on various aircraft programs. In '76-'77, I worked at Rockwell international, Space Division, Downey, CA on design of the Space Shuttle, Upper Deck of the Crew Module.