Tim Jones ⋅ Fort Collins, CO Innosphere Ventures (https://innosphereventures.org/) ⋅ 20 years experience

I was a JOLP with GE Energy and started 12 years ago. You will need to apply using the online process at: http://www.ge.com/careers/culture/us-veterans/junior-officer-leadership-program. It is a GE requirement to apply using this process.

Best way to get noticed is through a recruiting event specifically for veterans. For example http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/hiring-our-heroes through the Chamber of Commerce. Other way is to network into the current JOLP membership - maybe use Linked-in.

A graduate degree is not required, but it clearly is one way to differentiate. Since the resume reviewers and interviewers are all ex-military - your success in the military is a way to standout. I would mention that the JOLPs I ran into in more recent years were very talented - I believe the process to be very selective.

Good luck,
Tim

Maria Klutey ⋅ Ridgefield, CT General Electric ⋅ 25 years experience

Jared -- I was at GE Capital for 11 years -- not through JOLP or another program, and I did have an MBA. But here's the email for the guy in my business (Energy Financial Services) who's the main contact for veteran's activities -- he may be able to help or at least give you some advice. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. joseph.beal@ge.com.

Good luck!

Morgan Lerette ⋅ Glendale, AZ AAA ⋅ 6 years experience

Hello Jared,

I went through the JOLP application process and there is no real secret. As with most jobs, your application sets the tone to get you a call back.

The Phone interview is pretty normal. Go through your resume and accomplishments. The program is neat in that it is run by the current JOLP candidates so you can speak a bit of military jargon. It is always best to look up the person who is going to call you and see what they background consists of. They go over salary ranges, the program, and the SBU. This is a good time to ask questions about the SBU and how they transitioned.

Once that happens, you will go out to a hiring conference. You'll have to explain your accomplishments in person to HR people who may have no military experience. It is important to use specific examples of your leadership an the STAR Format.

If you want to stand out, get your MBA from a top 40 school. It just seems most of the candidates I've met had their MBA and did the JOLP after graduate school. If you have enough cool guy schools, that mey help get your foot in the door but knoing how to use Excel and read an annual statement is likely more important than hooah schools.

Hope that helps,

Morgan

Thomas Marsland ⋅ Goose Creek, SC U.S. Navy, Chief Petty Officer ⋅ 13 years served

It's certainly not necessary, but may help. A JO on my last ship just got picked up for it, and he doesn't have a graduate degree.

Morgan Lerette ⋅ Glendale, AZ AAA ⋅ 6 years experience

An MBA is not a prerequisite for the JOLP but the people I spoke to I. The program had a graduate degre. That leads me to believe that is the easiest way to make yourself stand out from the crowd. That said, you should apply. It's a great program and I'm not a recruiter so don't let my limited perspective deter you.

Morgan

Jared Grogan ⋅ Cypress, CA U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 12 years served

So the MBA is necessary? I guess I'll have to look elsewhere as I'm transitioning in the next couple of months. I won't have the ability to go to school before finding a job