Keith Van Sickle ⋅ Menlo Park, CA Tensilica ⋅ 25 years experience

I see that you've posted questions asking how to get into the consulting, finance and real estate businesses. These are quite different so my advice is to start by narrowing your focus down to one - it is difficult to pursue a new career in one field, much less three.

I can imagine that you have interests in all three areas so I suggest you begin by learning more about each, in order to decide where to focus. One great way to do this is by having "informational interviews", talking to people about their jobs and careers. Trust me, people love to talk about themselves! You'll want to ask how they began their career, how their career has progressed, what they like and don't like about it, what their job is like on a day-to-day basis, etc. Finish by asking about how you could begin your own career - sometimes job leads come out of this.

Finding potential interviewees can be through your existing network, ACP advisors, your MBA alumni network, etc. There may be additional resources specifically for veterans that others are aware of and can suggest.

Paul LeVasseur ⋅ Chicago, IL PerSys Medical ⋅ 7 years experience

Do some searches on Consulting firms that have offices in your area (unless you're willing to relocate). I know AT Kearny has a ton of former military working as consultants. If you have any kind of Top Secret etc clearance, the defense companies such as Boeing would have high interest in you. Best of luck!

Eajaz Rawoof ⋅ Mount Laurel, NJ CSC ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Joseph

I can relate because I faced this same question, when I wanted to transition from working at a company to a career in consulting. Here are some tips

1. Aim High. Here is a list of the top consulting companies. If you are going to give it a shot why not start with the best? Also some of the companies like SAP and CSC has special programs for returning Vets. Also look for companies like CACI, Northrup etc that focus on Govt. Consulting especially in the DC area.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2011/08/25/the-most-prestigious-consulting-firms/

2. Become indispensable. Hone your skills. Get certifications and skills that are in demand in the marketplace - SAP, APICS, PMP other

3. Start applying and networking. I got my job by applying directly. Be persistent. You can also start with a company that is doing a new implementation and upgrade to their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or IT system

Good Luck !

Eajaz Rawoof ⋅ Mount Laurel, NJ CSC ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Joseph

I can relate because I faced this same question, when I wanted to transition from working at a company to a career in consulting. Here are some tips

1. Aim High. Here is a list of the top consulting companies. If you are going to give it a shot why not start with the best? Also some of the companies like SAP and CSC has special programs for returning Vets. Also look for companies like CACI, Northrup etc that focus on Govt. Consulting especially in the DC area.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2011/08/25/the-most-prestigious-consulting-firms/

2. Become indispensable. Hone your skills. Get certifications and skills that are in demand in the marketplace - SAP, APICS, PMP other

3. Start applying and networking. I got my job by applying directly. Be persistent. You can also start with a company that is doing a new implementation and upgrade to their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or IT system

Good Luck !

GNA Garcia ⋅ Des Plaines, IL Oakton Community College ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi Joseph,

Lots of good advice here. I'll add one more bit: create a couple presentations on topics that you really enjoy and want to share with others.

Shop those presentations around to local firms by offering yourself up to do a free professional development (training) for staff. Free in exchange for a brief case study (testimonial) from the firm (written or video is even better).

Use these case studies to build your consulting website and also share the content of those presentations free, and on the open web.

Lastly, be sure to learn a little about SEO so your website will show up in google when people search for "consulting... in ... expertise...".

Good luck.

GNA Garcia

SIDDHARTH ( SID) SAPOLIA ⋅ Kennesaw, GA IBM ⋅ 20 years experience

The first step could be to certified yourself for Project Management . This is a easy certification and can be done online. This can get you an entry to the consulting space. Please reach out if you have more questions. Best Regards Sid

Tony Drees ⋅ Aurora, CO Tony Drees Life Coach ⋅ 23 years experience

Joseph,

I am a Purple Heart Recipient from the Gulf War. I want to thank you for your service.

You have the right idea about consulting. The field offers flexibility and you will experience a range of different activities with each client. The transition can be scary if you don't know the 3 most important competitive advantages.

1) Build your list before you transition-
No matter how great a consultant, you need clients to consult. Build your niche list now.

2) Connect with experts-
Whatever your expertise, align yourself with consultants who are not your direct competition. Form a union with these folks and you will multiply your reach, lower your over head, and develop a more comprehensive products to deliver with joint expertise. 2 Experts are better than 1, create or join a network of experts dedicated to helping each member get more business.

3) Package and Promote your Story of Success-
Quite frankly, a properly broadcasted Story of Success will not only create leads, but it will help you close deals.

Think about it, Jordan, Woods, Ali, Phelps many other athletes and all major corporations have highlight reels. You do too! It is not as expensive to produce as you may fear.

Hope this helps Joseph, good luck and God's speed!
More specific questions, email me and I will answer you directly.
Tony Drees
Tonydreeslifecoach.com

Bill Mahoney ⋅ Littleton, CO Naval Special Warfare ⋅ 23 years experience

1. Work your network - that'll likely be your first lead.
2. Read "The Consulting Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Create and Expand a Seven-Figure Consulting Practice" by Alan Weiss

Mark Hannah ⋅ Incline Village, NV Hannah Business Intelligence Solutions, Inc. ⋅ 22 years experience

First and foremost, do you have a resume which clearly defines and articulates that you in fact have MORE Knowledge and Ability (innovation, initiative, integrity) to provide consultation to a client? Second can you interview from the basis of one who knows more than the client? Not that you can do the job but what is your value-add proposition, cut costs or increase revenue? Add, is your end-goal to be hired as an FTE or do you want to consult to various clients within the aviation industry as an Independent? Third if you are going solo as a consultant or not, who is the competition, the big four consulting firms? defense contractors? More importantly what exactly are you going to consult on? Operations, Staffing, Supply Chain, Process Improvement, Technology, all of the above.

1) Resume
2) Talk the talk
3) SWOT analysis
4) Do it!

Tamera D'haen ⋅ Tempe, AZ Scottsdale Community College ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi,

A family member is certified in both rotary and fixed wing. So I know a bit, but I am not a pilot! Please describe your aviation background? Is it in air or on ground?

Tamera

Anthony Armelino ⋅ Cicero, NY U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 18 years served

Great question. I encourage you to check out Deloitte's CORE program. http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/join-deloitte-core-leadership-program.html

It is a career transition training that they host in Westlake, Texas. While it is not meant to recruit veterans into consulting it is a great way to get your foot in the door. Oh, and the training is top-notch career and interview training. They will have you do mock interviews with some of their recruiters and talent managers.

Hope that helps a little.

Emanuel Carpenter ⋅ Alpharetta, GA SDR Master Class ⋅ 20 years experience

There are few things you can do:

1. Consult for free or dirt cheap with known brands. Ask for referrals and recommendations when you do. When you've accumulated enough brand-name consults, start charging for future consultations. Advertise the best way you can via word-of-mouth, building a website, creating business cards, and placing ads on high-traffic sites like Facebook and Google. When you reach out to potential clients and let them know all of the companies you've consulted for, it should get you in the door. By then, you should be charging full price.

2. Network, both face-to-face and on social sites like LinkedIn.

3. Apply to work for consulting firms to learn how to consult, even if it's at the entry level. Once you're confident that you know what to do, strike out on your own.

Sara Woody ⋅ Washington, DC U.S. Navy, Lieutenant ⋅ 7 years served

Hi Joseph, would you be willing to relocate to the Washington D.C. area? I am a defense contractor and can discuss opportunities that I am aware of with you. My email is saradwoody@hotmail.com.

Bob Potterton ⋅ Oakton, VA Monday Properties (Commercial real estate owner manager, operator) ⋅ 30 years experience

Stick to what you know best, what you have a passion for. Your experience will provide the credentials and "know-how" needed to be a consultant but be sure you understand the bigger business picture in terms how to run your business. If not managed properly it will have a devestating affect on your goals. Lastly - network, network, network ! All the best, Bob

Christopher Ahlberg ⋅ Holtsville, NY Recorded Future, Inc. ⋅ 15 years experience

Most likely, even if it's not your end game, go right back to your old employeer, companies in the supply chain of that company, or peer companies. They'll most likely value your domain expertise. Use that to develop skills as a consultant (which may be more generic) - basically how to be an effective outsider helping companies. Over time (might be surprisingly fast) that will allow you to move from centering on your domain expertise to your consulting expertise.

Mamed Sadykhov ⋅ Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola ⋅ 18 years experience

In my opinion, it is not whether you have experience, or not. Or what industry. It is mainly what you have to bring to table. My recommendation would be to search job postings, and study carefully what qualities are sought for these positions. If you have them, make sure your these strengths, these experiences, qualities, etc. are highlighted enough in your resume. After all, in most cases 1st resume filtering is done through keyword matching, to see how many of required experiences are met by applicants.

Fine tuning resumes to jobs to show more certain qualities or experiences is a normal thing and you should concentrate on that. This way you increase your chances of being picked for interview because your resume may be different than others.

Hope this helps.

good luck!

Barry Sosnick ⋅ Greenlawn, NY Great Whites Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics ⋅ 5 years experience

You have an MBA. Most business schools have career services departments that solely cater to the MBA students. As an alumnus, you have access to career services regardless of how long ago you completed your MBA. I would start there and see if they have strong relationships with any consulting firms.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Joseph,
BLUF: Build goal-relevant person-to-person relationships and friendships.

Please respond and provide feedback, and also ask follow up questions.

* Are there any specific by-name consulting firms that interest and excite you, and that you respect and admire?

* Can you share specific job-listings or job-descriptions that interest you?

* Work to build a TEAM of 5 to 10 goal specific mentors.

- Ask ACP to match you with a mentor who works in consulting, perhaps a mentor from Deloitte.

- Reach out to your 2 schools and ask them to help you build relationships with faculty and alumni who are currently working in jobs and careers similar to the career you desire.

[Education: BS in Aeronautics (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) and MBA in Leadership & Healthcare Management (Lipscomb University).]

- Browse the ACPA community and find goal-specific advisors you can reach out to.
https://acp-advisornet.org/community/companies#!

https://acp-advisornet.org/community/advisors#!

- Use Linkedin's free Advanced People Search tool to find goal-specific mentors. Reach out to military alumni, college alumni, members of the Veteran Mentor Network and MC4, etc. who are working in the jobs you want.

* Learn whether certain professional certifications can help advance your goals. (e.g. Six-Sigma, PMP, etc.) Reach out to VCTP.
http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/#!