Jason Bruno ⋅ Leonard, MI Department of Defense, Defense Contract Audit Agency ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Ashleigh,

I'm not sure how much I can add to what's been covered in other comments, but here's a few thoughts.

1. Your school career services office might be a good resource to use. Typically they'll work directly with local employers and will have information on, or post job announcements from company's specifically interested in hiring students (I.e. people with no degree) for internships, co-ops, part-time, or even full-time positions. They also may help with resume writing and interview prep.

2. Talk to your professors. Most of them likely have links to local industry in their field. This is especially true of adjunct professors, as many may be currently working in the field at local companies while teaching at the University part-time.

3. Check out:
https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads

If there are any federal agencies in your area, this may be a viable option.

Search for pathways announcements near you. We've used pathways announcements and have hired from pathways certs. The funding of these makes the numbers for individual agencies limited, so if you see one you're interested in, apply, don't wait for another or better one.

USAJobs and the federal hiring process is unique, but not impossible to successfully navigate through. The same resume rules apply. Tailor your resume to the job announcement and the questionnaire (you can normally click on link to see the questions before applying).

If you decide to try USAJOBS and want more tips, I can help out, or I'm sure there's a post on acp, or a Google search away with tons of tips.

4. You mentioned pursuing certs. For free training and one exam fee paid, check out VCTP, offered through Syracuse University and JPMORGAN. This is a free resource, so you won't need to use any GI bill funds. I was curious about the program, so I applied and start next Monday. I'm interested in CEH or PMP, but they offer training for many more, including CISSP, which is probably one of the most valuable IT certs. See here for details:
http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/

Also check out Tom Cal's posts on acp and his group on LinkedIn. I first learned of the VCTP from one of Tom's post on LinkedIn.
https://acp-advisornet.org/community/hhw9cc/tom-cal-cfa
https://www.linkedin.com/?sessionid=408461045137408&rs=false&redirectUrl=%23group%2F4466143&dl=no#group/4466143

5. https://veterans.linkedin.com Go here for 12 months of free Job Seeker Premium.

6. Join professional societies of the certs you are pursuing. Go to local chapter meetings to network. ISACA and IMA are a couple options. Most will have a highly reduced student member rate, and reduced or free fees for meetings/dinners.

7. Set goals and determine the steps you need to complete to reach those goals. Build your network and ask for advice when you need it. Finish your degree and always keep learning.

Hopefully some of that helps. Let me know if you have any questions. Keep at it, you'll get where you want to be. Good luck!

Jason

Ashleigh Steelman ⋅ Lawrenceburg, IN U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 5 years served

I am truly grateful for all of your responses; thank you for taking the time out of your day to offer your advice and help. I have gained a lot of insight from all of your input, and I believe that my primary issues may be my resume and the types of jobs I'm applying to.
I am currently pursuing my degree, but it seems that most employers want completed degrees (even for many internships). I suppose entry-level doesn't really mean entry-level any more. My current goal is to translate my analysis experience to a career in the business analysis and project management aspects of the IT field. I appreciate your well-wishes.

Joseph Hadida ⋅ Morrisville, PA Lockheed Martin ⋅ 25 years experience

Hello Ashleigh,

From your write up I am not sure what type of work you are looking for, it seems to me that you need to structure your search for a career. You have achieved the rank of sergeant in the Army, which indicates that you possess significant qualities and abilities. You are stating: “Does my experience count for anything in the civilian world?” Does this imply that you are looking for a job using specifically your military experience?

Is college education a requirement for the jobs you are looking for?

Are you sure you are looking for jobs which correspond to your experience and education?

Are you underestimating your potential for a career?

Do you need to undergo career testing to help you identify the career of your dreams?

I added the section below for the case that you do not have clear answers to the questions above. Try to answer the following questions to yourself, and take as much time as you need (questions below are from Forbes website).

1) If I could choose one friend to trade jobs with, I’d choose ____________, because
____________.

2) I’ve always wondered what it would be like to do ____________. It’s interesting to me
because ____________.

3) If I had the right education or skill set, I’d definitely try ____________, because
__________.

4) If I had to go back to school tomorrow, I’d major in ____________, because____________.

5) My co-workers and friends always say I’m great at ____________, because ____________.

6) The thing I love most about my current job is ____________, because ____________.

7) If my boss would let me, I’d do more of ____________, because ____________.

8) If I had a free Saturday that had to be spent “working” on something, I’d choose
____________, because ____________.

9) When I retire, I want to be known for ____________, because ____________.

There are three types of resumes:

Chronological
Functional
Combination of Chronological/Functional

You need to determine which type suits you best in function of the type of job and type of employer.

Hope this helps. Thank you for your service.

Joseph Hadida

Ron Yu ⋅ Cupertino, CA Denodo Technologies ⋅ 30 years experience

Agree with all the above - you have to employ a 3 step process. First, identify the type of jobs you like to pursue based on your background and interest. Second, cater your resume to target those jobs (you can have multiple versions) - include key words for those HR computerized searching as well as measurable results that show the skills required for the position to catch the attention of the reviewer and why you're qualified. Then activate the personal networking and LinkedIn process to get recommendations into an opportunity or request informational interviews. I'm guessing the trap you may be falling into is either your resume is not speaking to the opportunities you're applying for and/or if you strictly go after new-grad or entry-level jobs, you end of being evaluated where a degree is a check-box item because entry-level jobs do not expect you to come in with experience so that becomes a filtering factor before you even get a phone call. Consider looking at jobs that actually expect 1 to 5 years experience to rise above the crowd instead of thinking your lack of a degree is a liability.

Another path to consider if you can financially manage, get a professional certificate or class in an area that you're interested in - that would provide you a resume line validating item as well as allow you to network with other professionals in the field through the institution you enroll in. For example - go to a local university or community college to to enroll in a program.

Happy to help more - feel free to send a version of your resume and job(s) you're seeking and I'm happy to provide specific feedback/advice.

Jamie Warner ⋅ Somerville, MA Liberty Mutual ⋅ 6 years experience

Hi Ashleigh,

I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble - the skills you learned in the military are likely very applicable to many jobs. Applying to jobs is difficult to begin with, and this is an additional challenge. You identified one of the things that is likely blocking you - many HR departments use automated tools to sort the resumes and those are probably preventing your resume from being seen. The best way around this is to reach out to people directly. Look up smaller companies where you can contact the HR representative with a cover letter that really highlights your strengths and explains that you have skills that may not be obvious without a degree. Also, if you have time, I highly recommend volunteering, even if it isn't in your field of interest. Many non-profits are desperate for volunteers and spending time volunteering will give you connections in the local community and the ability to prove your work ethic/capabilities. Networking with other volunteers could lead to job opportunities.

If you want someone to look at your resume or cover letter please send me a private message - I would be happy to review them.

Lawrence Cruz ⋅ Stamford, CT Chief Patent Counsel - Conair Corporation ⋅ 22 years experience

Hi Ashleigh. Thanks for your service to our Country. I'm probably not alone in my opinion that a proven track record of responsibly handling demanding duties and interacting with others during your military career is more impressive than simply obtaining a college degree. A former employee of mine had only a high school education but I recognized her solid character. She worked for me for 9 years until my company couldn't match offers she was getting to go work elsewhere. If you'd like advice, send me a private message with your resume.

Javier Caceres ⋅ Wilton, CT North American Pharmacal, Inc. ⋅ 14 years experience

Hi Ashleigh:

First of all, thank you for your service and please don't get discouraged. I have not seen your resume but I can tell you what I think as an employer. There are some of us who would prefer to hire a veteran over a civilian. Unfortunately the resumes from veterans that I have seen, don't do them justice. In my mind, a veteran brings a lot to the table and as an employer I don't have to worry about their work ethics or them not following directions.

Just like you were thought in the Army, you must clearly define your goal and focus your time an energy towards a very specific job that you wish to perform. This means that you need to research the company and to the best of your abilities figure out what they are looking for in an employee. Having that information would allow you to customize your resume so it matches that specific job. In short put your marketing hat on and sell your skills and experience the best you can. I know, easier said than done. You might want to keep track of what kind of companies seem to call you back so you focus on that industry a bit more.

If you need money sooner rather than later, you should visit sites likes dice.com or upwork.com which cold help you land freelance jobs. They may be short term but it gives you experience and some money until you land a full time job. People are less picky when they are going to hire for a task or project than when they are going to hire for full time or part time position.

I can take a look at you resume if you want to send it to me. Good luck and I wish you the best.

Jason Nalewak ⋅ Chambersburg, PA Boeing ⋅ 3 years experience

Ashleigh,

I am sorry to hear you are struggling in your career endeavors. Don't let it discourage you because your military experience is valuable and will help you throughout your career no matter what type of field you choose.

Have you engaged any of the veteran hiring efforts that are now working to get veterans placed into jobs? There are quite a few around depending on where you live in the US. I would suggest doing a web search and checking some of those out.

I think the biggest thing to nabbing that job you want is getting noticed or getting that foot in the door. Besides highlighting your personal strengths and valuable experience on your resume, you can bolster it by doing some volunteer work in your community and also by doing any kind of leadership role you can find. Those types of things stand out to a resume reviewer. I have been involved in my company in reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates and when I see things like "Organized and led a two-day food drive charity event which generated over 2,000 canned/dry goods for the homeless" it stands out.

There is definitely a tough market out there right now and not having a bachelor's degree will be an obstacle for certain career fields. That does not mean that you have no chance of finding a good job. Many fields like engineering, IT, etc. have a hard requirement of having a degree from an accredited institution, especially when it is a large company. Some smaller companies will not have such strict requirements and may look at your experience more closely. I don't know what size of company you have been applying to but that can affect how large the applicant pool is and how strict their requirements are for education, certifications, etc. I don't know if this is an option for you but depending on your goals, you may want to consider using GI Bill benefits to get that degree to increase your marketability. Many schools will give a good number of credits for your military training and experience so it doesn't take four years to get a bachelor degree. I know that school isn't always feasible but with the newer GI Bill, you get E-6 BAH paid to you while you are in school full time. So you can possibly find a part time job to augment that payment while you are finishing your degree.

Can you tell us what field you are trying to enter? I think you may get some more focused advice if you can share what type of job interests you.

Good luck and I wish you success in your endeavors.

Bill Roos ⋅ Jacksonville, FL CSC ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Asleigh,
I am not a human resources specialist, but I have hired thousands of people in my 40 year career and this is what I would suggest based on experience from the receiving end. Make sure you resume conveys a message of who you are and what your strengths and skills are. Keep it short and to the point. When you apply for a position, put extra effort into the cover letter. Make sure you show that you understand what it is you are applying for, how your experience and personality will be an asset and also why you want to be considered.
Good luck,
Bill Roos

Boe Young ⋅ Fairfax Station, VA iVantage/Galloway Consulting ⋅ 25 years experience

Ashleigh. yes, it counts - but you have to be able to articulate it the right way and leverage it in the civilian sector in a meaningful way. For certain aspects of the civilian sector, a degree maybe a requirement for entry. I looked at your background profile statement - your background shows intelligence analysis/linguist and your work focus appears to be in IT. Some in the private sector will not find your military work applicable for private sector IT work and depending on what jobs/positions you are pursuing, (even if entry level) you may not qualify.

I think Joe's answers are on the right track especially regarding networking or informational interviews - this may be more difficult if you are new to an area - but not impossible. In fact you can use ACP in a targeted way - look specifically for people in your field and in your location or in organizations you want to work for that are in ACP - and reach out to them, if you have not already. Have you considered staying in the Reserves - in addition to bringing in some income and building toward retirement - it provides a ready platform for networking and expanding who you know. The Reserves is standing up some new intelligence units within reasonable distance to Cincinnati (where I think you are from). I can link you up with a POC or you can talk to a recruiter. Also the Reserves will allow you to change MOS and then send you to school for that MOS; this may be a way to jump start your career switch to IT. Finally, I am happy to look over your resume or chat if you'd like; you can reach me at boeyoung4@gmail.com. Good luck.

Joe Doherty ⋅ Stoneham, MA Oracle ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi Ashleigh this is a real challenge but by no means impossible. I don't have a degree. I've had to work much harder all my life to maneuver around this and not since becoming a Dad this year I decided to go back and get my degree online but that is a different conversation.

First you need to network, "applying " will be the longest path and possibly the most frustrating. You need to let friends and family know your looking and you need their help. Second where do you live? What industries and companies are the biggest employers geographically? Research those companies, the positions available and start connecting with people that work in that industry, linked in... Coffee with potential mentors. The key here is you need to use relationships over the degree to get you in the door. A referral will go much further than a resume.

Last you need to be able to address the question about the degree. For me I needed to come home from school when my father went on disability and I discuss with my potential employer about the companies tuition reimbursement programs, the key here is I don't run or allow this to be a negative. Most of the time people hire people they like and feel can bring something to the team, that's you.

So play to your strengths, talk about accomplishments, quantify results and show you've done your homework on the company.
Inevitably there are not many scenarios where you don't get your degree so start to think about finding the career, the employer and tell your story about your military background as a step toward your career vs. just a job