Deb Miller ⋅ Bardstown, KY US Postal Service ⋅ 16 years experience

Cristopher, thanks for your service! Always be open to the idea of working your way up. Often the best path to gaining the position you want is from starting out with a lower level position first. I did that successfully and loved every minute of it - it was frustrating at first but I kept my eye on the prize. Several of my friends did this too - got their foot in the door - expressed their desire for the specific position they wanted - showed their commitment to the company and also during that time - you will be building relationships with people who can help push you to where you want to be. Also, many of these companies have internal training programs - you may be more likely to gain that internship from inside the company. (And possibly have it paid for in lieu of paying for training external to the environmental career path you want to enter..) Another direction could be to use your GI bill to obtain the training you need. Have you connected with any of the companies who have these jobs - to possibly sit down with one of these scientists and discover their advice on how to get there (and potentially gain a mentor....). Please, don't screw up like I did - get your written references and contact info for your current leadership now. Don't wait until you are out of the service to try to reconnect with these leaders. Gaining their permission to list them as references and also having a reference letter you can upload electronically can open doors for you. Hope this is helpful!

Carol Lindberg ⋅ San Diego, CA ⋅ 10 years experience

Construction contractors and the jobs that they provide are essential cogs in our economy. However, even when you search through job listings for entry-level positions, many employers require experience in the industry. How do you get that experience or persuade a perspective employer that you're the new individual he or she should take a chance on by hiring you?

Fortunately, your prospects are not as bleak as they seem at first glance. Many contractors will hire inexperienced workers if you present the right credentials and set yourself apart from the crowd. Consider these three tips to land that first important position in the construction industry.

Civil Engineering/Construction Job Resource:
http://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/civil-engineering-a-solid-job-market/

Start Early and Be Willing to Learn
Even if you're still in school, it's never too early to get a job in your targeted industry. A job as a part-time porter or civil engineering position can provide invaluable experience as you can observe how the industry actually works. You may be called on from time to time to contribute a pair of extra hands or to perform a task outside of your designated duties. By showing your willingness to learn, you'll not only acquire new skills, but also show prospective employers your versatility.

Take Advantage of Internships or Apprenticeship Programs
Depending on the type of position you seek, getting an internship or entering a formal apprenticeship program can give you the experience you need, even though these positions are usually only temporary. You'll learn basic skills in your industry that you can take with you when the position ends. Construction industry apprenticeships and internships also give you the chance to make connections with business owners and executives in the industry who may be able to give you a job in the future or point you to companies that have an opening.

Highlight Relevant Skills on Your Resume and In Person
What are your strengths? Both tangible and intangible assets, such as the aforementioned willingness or ability to learn quickly, are qualities that set you apart from the next person who wants the same job. You must prepare yourself for the interviewing process and promote yourself with confidence in order to learn how to speak the language of your chosen industry.

Interviewing Skills Resource:
http://socialwork.une.edu/resources/news/social-work-interviewing-skills/

Charles Stevens ⋅ Birmingham, AL Thompson tractor co ⋅ 27 years experience

Christopher,
When I think construction and environment, a few things come to mind. First, check with your state's Deprtment of Environmental management. They are responsible for monitoring storm water runoff, issuing permits to contractors before excavation projects can begin etc.
On the private sector side, I would go to a large trucking company and ask them if they had a truck overturn and spill fuel or any other hazardous material, "who would they call to clean up the mess?" Once I knew who they would call, I would go find that company and set up an interview. Those companies, I would imagine, would love to have someone with military experience and proven leadership skills, plus the discipline to follow procedures.
You have much to offer, don't be discouraged. Getting a job is much harder than doing the work.

Michael Crowley ⋅ Andover, MA Schneider Electric ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Cristopher:

Have you checked into career opportunities in environmental remediation? There are a number of firms that focus on this area, with jobs that are a mix of environmental and construction skills. I found this Bureau of Labor Statistics site that could be a good starting point. I know that there is a lot of work on current and former military bases, which might help to leverage your experience. Here is the link: http://www.bls.gov/green/environmental_remediation/remediation.htm

Good Luck!

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

Christopher,
I noticed you have a BS in Environmental Science, with your experience in the military you should be eligible for a number of positions. You want to think about transferable skills that you have gained.
I went to indeed.com and input your city and "environment" and came up with a few possibilities for both potential employers and jobs.
In job search you want both, to target employers and seek actual positions.
You may start with the resources on this site, but researching local employers will also give you greater options.
Good luck,

Jerry Welsh ⋅ Middleville, MI Master Military Transition Advisor/HPS GPO ⋅ 30 years experience

Cristopher I read a disconnect between the construction industry (skilled trades) versus engineer, environmental scientist, or geologist. The disconnect would be the construction industry has skilled trades, i.e. carpenters, electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators etc. all in great demand in most parts of the US. The other three careers you spoke of require a minimum of a Bachelors degree, with some Masters of PhD. If you are interested in the engineering field, there are many openings, but this will require acceptance at the right school and a hard course of study in math and science. You might want to do some career research on careeronestop and look at qualifications for the career you are interested. Thanks for your service.