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

Hi Jonathan:

I would start by making a couple of lists. The first would be what specific experience you have (technical skills). The second is what "soft" skills I have (managing conflict, supervising technicians, etc.). I would then circle those things from both lists that you LIKE to do. If you identify what you like to do (and it will probably be the same as what you are good at!), it will help you hone in on what specific jobs would be a good fit.
You might enjoy the very technical aspects of a job, but don't really like dealing with conflict or managing people, or vice versa. Since you are at the very beginning of your work career, you can save a lot of time by figuring out what you are truly suited (some say meant to) do.
Hey, sometimes you just need a job, but if you have a clear sense of your strengths, you have a better chance at getting the "right" job for you.

Good Luck!

George Wilhelmsen ⋅ Rochelle, IL Sargent & Lundy ⋅ 38 years experience

Nuclear power plants need people with your experience. We typically have one or two openings for first line supervisors, which would direct a crew of 10 to 12 workers in various activities. You would then leverage your role into a Department Manager (in charge of several supervisors over a larger group) and with the right demonstration of skills and leadership, eventually into a Director level position, in charge of the 4 craft groups manager and supervisors.

Try this link http://www.exeloncorp.com/careers/exelon-jobs-listings
We have a page full of openings right now, some of which are a good fit for your skills and leadership!

Ed Erdmann ⋅ Buda, TX KIDCO Acquisitions, Inc. ⋅ 32 years experience

Jonathan, Your military experience has applicability in many businesses. My brother is a retired Marine who parlayed his experience in the maintenance of aircraft for the Marine Corps into a job with Greyhound managing one of their maintenance facilities. Feed free to be creative about how your skills may fill a position description, and share that creative look in your cover letter.

Additionally, avoid the trap of just looking for advertised open positions. Send your resume under a cover letter describing how your highly-disciplined training can benefit a future employer directly to the VP of Maintenance (or the appropriate position) of local businesses. Avoid sending these letters to HR -- they tend only to look at positions on their open position list. When I got out of the Navy, my first employer created a position for me to fill because he liked my background.

Best of luck.

John Ervin ⋅ ⋅ 1 years experience

Check out the us military maintenance opportunity.
Mark Baird has developed a system that allows you to start a small business. You could use your post 911 Gi bill benefits to fund the startup if you get approved.
http://usmilitarymaintenance.com/locations

John