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How do I break into industries without industry experience?

Veteran

Mark Brock Olympia, WA

I know I want to get into management, but where? I look at job postings to get a sense of what is required and often times I become intimidated because I lack the industry experience.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

21 October 2018 5 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Angela Speziale Wallkill, NY

Hi Mark,
Highlight your skills and tell the employer what you can do for them in one sentence.
Example-I’m a leader with exceptional operational and budgeting skills who builds teams and want to
lead your _______ team/division/effort to launch/grow your profits and revenue. Them what you can do for them. Tell a story, create a scenario.
Best,
ANGELA

22 October 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

John Slater Fullerton, CA

Greetings Mark. Thank you for your Army service! I suggest you research defense contractors such as Raytheon, Boeing (since you are in Washington), Lockheed Martin or Northrop Grumman to name a few. They are all very keen to hire retired service personnel as they see the value of the training and experience. You may be able to jump right into management but might have to start as an individual contributor. What specific skill set did you develop in the Army? Contracting, Supply Chain, Logistics, Computer Science etc? That info will help guide you further. Check out our websites for job openings: raytheon.com/military or jobs.raytheon.com. Feel free to reach out, I am happy to help

Advisor

Stefan Beyer Kirkland, WA

I'd recommend highlighting how your experience will translate into relevant experience for the position, and how your outside perspective will add value to the team.

Years of experience as a Sergeant should translate nicely into the requirements for an entry-level manager position, so I wouldn't worry about not having exactly what they're looking for.

This article I wrote a while back might help with translating relevant experience: https://acp-advisornet.org/articles/326/resume-cover-letter-multi-talented-individual

Advisor

Nancy Quartey Palo Alto, CA

Hi Mark,
Have you considered franchising? You are able to become your own boss and manage people or projects (or just yourself). Franchising is a great way to pivot careers because the franchisor provides the training. You just need the soft skills (leadership, project management, etc...). There are also many benefits to veterans such as VetFran discounts and veteran specific lending programs. If you're interested, please don't hesitate to book a call on my calendar at nquartey.youcanbook.me.
Best,
Nancy

Advisor

Louis Schwarz Somerville, NJ

Hi Mark. Your military experience is valuable in industry. Many people in industry have never been in the military, so to them, military experience is an unknown area. They cannot relate. What is your MOS? Leverage the experience in that MOS. Logistics is a good industry to start in from the military. UPS, Federal Express, etc.

Everyone wants a self starter and someone who can get the job done by their own initiative.
What are your interests? If you want, send me your resume, your military experience and your goals in a new position ad I will give you some feed back.
Good luck.

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