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

Reach out to professionals in your field requesting assistance/help in deciding a career (HR) and would be a lot of help of you could speak with someone. 1) do not ask for a job, seek information, 2) set a time limit of 10-15 minutes, 3) research your questions, ask in their language or at least minimize military jargon.
This is called Informational Interviewing. In tap they called it targeted calling or searching-not sure why, cause if you Google Information Interviewing you will receive tons of questions, guides, personal approach over the phone. By starting with transitioning military needing assistance or help in selecting or learning more about a career is a great intro-DO NOT ASK FOR OR IMPLY YOU ARE JOB SEEKING, if you do you will end up being directed to the HR Web page. Many civilians want to help veterans, but have not idea how to do so. Also, professionals like to see people join their profession, try and get them to speak to what makes them get up and come to work everyday or if they were to get into the profession what would they do differently. Try and created dialog, but do keep the time limit down to the 10 or 15 minutes from your questions-if they run over it is their time-you do not want to ask 30 minutes of questions-time is a huge issue in business, thank them for it!!!! Keep in mind you may not get into talk to or physically visit every one you ask, but everyone you do an information interview will give you valuable information on the career not found online! Good luck, God Bless

Accursio Marciante ⋅ Union, NJ Standard Chartered Bank ⋅ 11 years experience

Hi Shaun,

Take a look at your skills and certifications to see if can go back to get further training either college degree or certification in auditing.

Agree with Sasha on networking and joining an auditing or accounting association. Do you have a CPA?

From on the job perspective, I would ask or look for a senior auditor that you trust to mentor you. I am a tax accountant but the roles are complimentary.

Also try to go big picture at times - sometimes we get caught up in the weeds and can only see 2 feet in front of us. Go 12k feet for an aerial birds ???? eye or my case ski diving view at times.

Good luck and thanks for your service.

Sasha Dunwody ⋅ Arlington, VA Deloitte ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Shaun,

Thanks for reaching out, but more importantly thank you for your service!

I would say your first step would be to begin developing a professional network of individuals who are in your industry, areas of expertise, etc. As you grow in your career, so will your network. A strong network can serve to establish your learning ground, provide mentorships, offer career guidance, learn about job opportunities, enhance your development, etc. This will be invaluable as you begin, and advance, in your career.

Your second step would be to seek out a mentor (or mentors) who are able to provide you with guidance and advice relating to your professional development.

You may also want to consider joining a professional association(s) that specialize in your industry and/or area of expertise. These types of groups typically hold various networking events, post open jobs, and provide articles related to current happenings and advancements in a specific field or industry.

I hope this helps, best of luck to you!

Sasha