Retired infantry to computer programming? How should I plan for future jobs?

2014-10-16T16:49:52-04:00

22 years of Active Duty as an Infantryman. I have a physically limiting back issue, but I can still get around pretty good. Im attending college for a BS for computer science at Rutgers University. I held a TS SCI/w poly last year when I retired. I am looking to make 50 - 60k annually after taxes to stay afloat. I am self taught in the computer field without certs. I am 2 years away from achieving my degree. Im not looking for a progressive driven career, but I am always looking to improve myself. My question is: What positions would I qualify for, OTHER than security guard/prison guard, police or retail management? I have Objective Oriented Program completed, Python, A+, C++, SQL and LINUX. All courses successfully completed in my degree process. I only have an AA in General Studies, but as I said, I am currently pursuing my degree in CS. All of my job experience is management and Infantry related. I was approached by overseas security management contractors, but the family wont have it. What would you do?

My assessment looking outside in would be to stay the course, what do you think?

Thanks

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 4:57 PM

2014-10-16T16:57:46-04:00

I was able to land a programming position right out of college and I went to a community college. I had no experience in programming other than what I did in school but was able to find a place willing to take a change and also teach me. There are positions out there some times it just takes some creative looking. I am a computer programmer at a company that makes wire. Good luck in your endeavors.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Oct 16 at 2014 10:46 PM

2014-10-16T22:46:39-04:00

Computer programming skills are in very high demand.

If you enjoy programming...

You should stick with your 4 year degree. You will have many career options after that. Ideally, you will then find an employer that is looking for a programmer that after proving himself, can also become a project manager, given your vast management experience. You're talking about highly valuable skill sets here. Don't let yourself get distracted with short term security work, as that will only make future employers question whether programming is really for you. Start building a portfolio of your work on github or similar. Showcase your personal work on there. Contract on the side to work with businesses. The more you can show for skills beyond the classroom the better off you will be.

If you don't enjoy programming...

I would suggest a fresh look at everything. Browse RallyPoint for other retired infantry NCOs and see what they're doing. If something looks interesting, connect with them to learn more about their field. Based on the fact that you self-taught in computer science, then I'm guessing it's something you enjoy. If you do, you will be successful. If not, don't force it.

Here is a link to a RallyPoint search result for other retired Infantry Senior Sergeants (we have almost 500 of them). You can connect with those that you find in an interesting position and learn more from their experience. Good luck!

http://rly.pt/1wOdIEx

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 18 at 2014 8:59 AM

2014-10-18T08:59:54-04:00

Yes definitely get the degree. A lot of the jobs that seem to be trending up here in New England are MySQL, java, PEARL and other scripting languages and Oracle PL/SQL. A lot of non-Microsoft software.

Response by CPL David Niewoehner made Oct 18 at 2014 9:20 PM

2014-10-18T21:20:59-04:00

State government has positions available for Employment Services especially For Veterans Services. Your knowledge and level of expertise and years of services referring soldiers to all the community support services in a military Community would give you the requires skills to perform the job of a Disabled Veteran Outreach Provider (DVOP or a Local Vetereran Employment Representative (LVER). These are Federally trained positions where state employment agencies would send you to get federally Certified to help other vets gain employment and help communities and businesses gain Veteran employees. These same agencies need Computer savy personnel to keep their systems operational.

Good luck!

Response by Elizabeth Malkin made Oct 24 at 2014 2:14 PM

2014-10-24T14:14:32-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member , RP has just partnered with Network Technology Academy whose aim is to is to give veterans the skills to qualify for high level technology opportunities that cannot easily be outsourced overseas. This is am excellent organization that is very well accredited and has a central focus on helping veterans and transitioning service members gain certification for employment in computer programming. The GI Bill benefit will pay nearly 100% of the tuition. You will also receive a housing allowance while in training, a book allowance and a certification test allowance. Check out their page in our Education Corner here: https://www.rallypoint.com/organizations/ntai-network-technology-academy-institution/overview. You can also check in with RP member CPT John Wilson who runs the veterans program there.

Network Technology Academy Institution | RallyPoint

Network Technology Academy Institution