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How can i use my military experience to work as a civilian on post?

Veteran

bonnie lane Marshall, TX

I was a 92W (Water treatment specialist) initially, but never did my actual job. I was actually doing 42A work (human resource specialist) for the 3 years I was I service. Is there anyway that I could use that experience and work on post as a civilian? I really enjoyed my job and would like to continue doing it here in Memphis, TN.

11 December 2014 4 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Josh Margolis Columbus, OH

Bonnie,

Am I correct that you want to continue working in your current job, but as a civilian?

Josh

Advisor

Louis Schwarz Somerville, NJ

Hi, try environmental protection agency, federal, state and local. Also there a lot of consulting companies who specialize in water treatment and measurement. Overseas is also an option with these consulting companies. Water is a key resource. HR is a tough nut to crack in small companies. Try colleges and larger companies, especially government contractors. If you are willing to go overseas, any international company may be interested. Most companies need help to know how to utilize x military, they really donot know how to leverage the skills learned in the military, because they have no idea what the military is or how it works. You could fill that roll.
Good luck. Most fortune 500 companies want to hire vets, but do not know how to use them.

Advisor

Lois Puttbach Berkeley Heights, NJ

Bonnie, perhaps an organization like Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) can help you. They have several transitional programs for vets to the workplace, and can offer help specific to your area of interest. Their Warriors to Work program matches your skills and experience to the needs of hiring managers. You can find them at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Good luck and thanks for your service.

Advisor

George Wilhelmsen Rochelle, IL

Hi Bonnie,

Okay, I'm confused.

You say you were a 92W initially, but you never did your job. I understand - it happens. Do you want to do that job, or the 42A Human Resources job?

What I'll tell you in either is that yes, you should be able to find work in those areas outside of the military. Every company I have worked for has a HR Department, and all cities need someone with quals similar to your 92W (you take local courses and get certified as a Waste water Treatment specialist) to manage their waste water treatment plant.

So, which did you mean? What area do you want to work in? Are you willing to re-locate? What industry interests you?

I'm asking these questions to get a feel for who you are, and what you want to do, to provide suggestions that would help you find a good "fit".

George Wilhelmsen

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