Rashid Hill, MPM ⋅ San Diego, CA United States Navy ⋅ 33 years experience

Hello DF, from one AF veteran to another, thanks for your service. In reference to your question I would ask what was your AFSC/job experience? I was a Traffic Mgt Specialist (TMO) and got a degree in Sociology with a minor in HR Admin. What I found out later on was you need to play to your strengths while seeking what you want in a career. Even though you only completed about 4 years of service you will still have that job experience to maybe combine with your degree(s). As someone else mentioned already, with that level of procurement and contracts education you can surely find a job in the federal government.
As a strategic life coach specializing in career design, I have focused my attention on assisting veterans with preparations to apply for usajobs announcements and going that route into federal service. We can help you with the tools and point you in the right direction. Let me know if I can help.

Coach Rashid
L3 Pro Coach

Samantha ONeil ⋅ Alexandria, VA SOS International, LLC ⋅ 15 years experience

Do you have military skills that are related to supply chain/management? I would make sure your resume reflects those / translated into civilian speak. Government procurement/contracting positions (as mentioned above) would be a great place to start -- there is definitely a need.

If you are looking in the private sector, I think you are in the right place in Washington, D.C. You might need to start at a smaller company at a lower grade and work your way up -- but the opportunities are definitely available in this area.

Message me your resume if you'd like me to take a look and make recommendations for the civilian side. I am happy to connect you with our procurement team as well, for input on your skill set and how it does/does not match what we're looking for in that area.

Thanks -

Arun Juneja ⋅ Newtown, PA Shire Pharmaceuticals ⋅ 30 years experience

hi DF,
Since you got your MS in Govt. contracts, I assume you are looking to get in government procurement. I see that you are in the DC area, and the area does have a lot of opportunities in this space. If you are open to, or keen on, a career in the private sector in procurement, you can do that too.
For professional jobs, the thing that is effective is networking. So, try to locate people through linked in and request the connection and speak to them for guidance on how to go about your career moves.
The golden rule in networking is never to ask for a job, but seek to understand their organization to better understand where you may find opportunities and hoe to navigate those. And ask for further connections to speak to. (you probably knew this, but thought it was worth mentioning).
Best of luck!

Robert Jurasek ⋅ Hollywood, FL Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ⋅ 45 years experience

Dear DF,

There is a great demand for Contract Specialists in the Federal Government. Some of the jobs have a pay grade as high as GS-15. If you are interested, go to www.usajobs.gov > enter 1102 as your "Keyword" > click on the button for Federal Employees, as many announcements are open to Veterans > click Search.

Thank you for your service and good luck with your transition!

Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek

Chet Frame ⋅ El Paso, TX Border Business Consultants ⋅ 18 years experience

Good morning. You have the education so now the question is, "Where do I start?"

Look at companies that source in foreign countries, source for different levels of our multilayered government (municipality, county, state, federal) or other companies that have significant legal issues in their sourcing. Corporations who process chemicals,food, medicine, medical devices, etc. would be good candidates for a person with your credentials. Utilities would also be an area with interest.

Contractual Sourcing and collaborative relationships are fertile ground for your skill areas. Utilities that are providing electricity or water are being stressed with legal issues around land rights. So how do you find those potential companies? Read magazines or browse the net for multinational corporations that are involved in global trade. Go to job fairs where those companies will have representation. You will not likely find a job ad on Monster for your skills and you don't have much experience so the face to face approach will work better for you.