I am changing careers from Air Traffic Control to Social Services (Government or Nonprofit Sector). I have interviewed for entry, midlevel, and executive positions within Health and Human Services, Area Agencies on Aging, and Senior Centers. I have received no job offers. Veterans Preference Points do get me an interview, but with director/management experience I am overqualified for entry level and underqualified for mid-upper level entry. I have applied for 80 positions, had 25+ interviews, and zero job offers in the government sector. With veterans preference points this discouraging.
The employment I did receive was in a remote rural area using a VA program that made a half time position, full time. I used my VA Vocational Rehabilitation to finish an MS Gerontology degree and with a 6 month stipend for on the job training in an underpaid nonprofit position which after the 6 months was finished, went back to being a 1/2 time job.
Thanks to that job, I now have 2 years post military executive directing experience in nonprofit administration for a senior/community/recreation center and then elementary charter school with pre-k and daycare. These were both in the same building and I basically moved laterally to stay employed full time.
I want full time employment, with a salary and job description that uses my experience, education, and skill to serve seniors. I am willing to relocate, apply for government training programs, or seek mentorship for entry into health and human services. Any advice?
Answers
Caroline,
As Paul stated above, Thanks for your work as an ATC. I fly quite a bit for my job and appreciate all those who keep us safe.
Being in the senior healthcare arena, I appreciate your getting a degree in Gerontology. I love working wtih seniors!! So, I am going to put in a plug for my career field....
Have you ever considered working at an Assisted Living community? My company, Brookdale has over 1,500 communities across the country. Many of them are in need of Executive Directors. This is a position that needs people who are business minded, multi-taskers, detail oriented and most of all, have a love of Seniors. Basically, it would be running the community. There would be a nurse or nurses there to run the clinical side of thing, but these communities need good leaders. With the training I know you have received in Air Force, you should have some great skills!!
Best Wishes in your search,
Cari
Hi Caroline,
As a pilot, first let me thank you for your work as ATC. You folks have saved my behind more than a few times.
The question I have for you is, what are the characteristics of the people who have the job you want or are getting the job you interview for? Is there anything you can do to build those characteristics or counter them? You might search on LinkedIn for career histories.
Are you networking through industry trade groups and affinity groups?
Is there an adjacency where you can insert, but not directly into your field? Thinking about opportunities across health care; research at universities; working at volunteer organizations or orgs like AARP? I know you are targeting govt or non profit, but perhaps more opportunities arise in the commercial sector where you can build, then move back into govt if you decide to.
Good luck!
Are you describing your experience specifically as it relates to the jobs you are applying for? Is each cover letter and resume tailored to each position? What feedback have you received as to why you did not get a particular job? How many interviews have you had with human resources people in agencies/companies/NGOs concerning what they look for in applicants that get hired? Have you had any mock interviews and received info on how you did? What are your strengths and weaknesses in the interviewing process? How many organizations have you targeted for potential employment and how much do you know about those organizations?
The best to you.
Jack Hollis
Hi Caroline, Welcome to ACP. I see you were once stationed at Osan AB SOKOR. I served there in 1989 at 6903rd ESG "Skivvy Nine". You might try running for public office as a way to break into the level of management expertise that you are targeting. In many locales, some positions run unopposed, so winning an election may not be that far out-of-reach. Examples are city manager, school board member, or councilwoman. Since you are willing to relocate, you might relocate to a new area first, then try to obtain employment in your field. States that may have more opportunity may be Texas or Florida (many retirees move there). BTW, I loved my assignment at Osan AB - was the highlight of my career. John Green
Your Answer
Please log in to answer this question.