Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Want a career

Veteran

Anthony Stahmer Fernley, NV

How can I get a career, instead of just a job?

27 May 2014 7 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Doug Wilkinson Yamhill, OR

To make it a career, you need to work in a field that you enjoy, challenges you, meets your financial and social needs, and is a good fit to your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

A degree may not be necessary, but always pursue some type of personal and professional development. Always be learning.

Careers are not as common as they once were. It is more common to job hop every 3-7 years. This can work to your benefit as you develop a broader range of skills and experience.

Contact me if you want to discuss further.

Advisor

Phil Marcoux Mountain View, CA

If you're willing to work hard and smart then owning your own business can make for a very profitable and rewarding career.

There are several service businesses that are very lucrative.

Some benefit from a college education, some don't.

Advisor

Eileen Laferriere San Antonio, TX

I am a retired Army vet (20 years) I don't have a degree (2 years college). I started with a company in a very basic job that would allow me to learn the business and learn about other options available in the company. After 6 months my additional skills became apparent and I was offered a higher position in a different department in the company. 6 months after that I was offered a training position in the company. I had learned very quickly. One of the things that I did to get into the company was submit a resume that fit only the skills of the job that I had applied for. During the interview process they asked questions that brought out my additional skills. They actually offered me a higher position but it meant travel. My response was that I really wanted to learn all that I could to be a valued employee and if they were offering the original position that I applied for I would love to accept that position. At the time I had 2 small children and didn't want to travel. This all worked out for the best. It gave me the opportunity to learn what I needed to learn to move up quickly in this company. I've been with the company now for 15 years.

Advisor

Robert Hobbs Granite Bay, CA

You don't have to wait for a good career after you get a degree either if that is what you want. Certifications in specialized areas will get you in the door then most companies have a tuition reimbursement policy to help you with college costs. But, I can tell you from experience that getting your degree as a part-time student takes much more commitment since you are juggling work and family life with college life.

Advisor

Kirt McAlpine Papillion, NE

I don' think you need to have a degree to have a career, college isn't for everyone that's for sure. What was your job in the Navy? What are you interested in? What are your hobbies? Let me know!

Veteran

Jim Richardson Hayward, CA

Become very good at something where people are calling you. It could be a trade or a office but if you become the "expert" that people know about you can build a career (and maybe your own business).

If you have little skill then people will hire you to do a thing they tell you how to do and will pay you as little as they can because there are other people that they can find and train to do the same thing.

Good luck

Advisor

Susanne Scholz Conway, AR

Figure out what your interests are, the job market in your area and get a degree. Then if they have certifications to go along with your area of interest get those too. Or specialize in one area, if that applies, and train in that area alone.

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.