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Looking for a second opinion...Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Veteran

Michael Heller Pittsburgh, PA

I currently work for an Investment Advisory/Investment Management firm. I have begun to explore my options of taking the next step in my career and I am not sure I want to be in this industry for the rest of my life. I have currently revamped my resume and was wondering if I could get a second opinion. In addition, I am having difficulty trying to make it less Investment centric as I am trying to make a career change, even though I am not 100% positive what the next step may be.

I would be extremely grateful for any assistance. Thank you in advance.

11 April 2013 8 replies Military to Civilian Transition

Answers

Advisor

Judy Tomlinson Dallas, TX

I would be happy to look over your resume and we can discuss formatting options that highlight your skills without a focus on your current position. Many companies employ people for finance analysis or risk analysis or tax. If you want to stay in the financial industry there are a lot of very good options. You may have to develop more than one resume to help with job applications. Send me your resume and we can discuss next steps.
Judy Tomlinson
tomlinsonjk@aol.com

Veteran

Michael Heller Pittsburgh, PA

Morgan... Thanks for the advice. I did just finish my MBA. It did help me figure out I want more out of my career. I figured out what interest me and what does not. I just need to figure out roles or a track that I can utilize my skills and interest.

Bill... Thanks also. It has been a challenging few years and it will be better. I could do the work for the next 20 years, but I am not challenged as I would like to be.

Richard...I will send my resume and I appreciate any advice.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Advisor

Richard Buck Patterson, NY

You can send me your resume and I will review and comment.

Richard Buck
76warrior85@gmail.com
914 391 3375

Advisor

Bill Richards New York, NY

try not to convey too much uncertainty re what you want even if you are uncertain. there are so many people looking for jobs right now especially in financial services that uncertainty can be a deal breaker. one of the concerns that i would have re grad. school is that a lot of recent graduates are finding it tough to find a job. i was in financial services for 40 years and the past 4 years was the absolute worst environment of my 40 years. the fact that you survived it says a lot about you and I think the environment is improving now -- you might find the next 4 years a lot better than the last 4 !
good luck.
Bill

Advisor

Morgan Lerette Glendale, AZ

Hey Michael,

If you are looking at a career change but not sure where you want to go, look into a graduate degree. In many instances, grad school will not tell you what you want to do. Rather it will show you what you don't want to do without making the jump into a new career. I've run into a number of people who thought they wanted a career change only to learn the grass wasn't greener on the other side. Grad school can let you "taste test" different career fields.

It looks like you have some active duty time which means you qualify for at least 50% post 9/11 GI Bill. You can use it while still working to give you an idea of where you want to go without losing your income stream. It is also a great networking opportunity to meet people in your new career field.

If you have questions about the GI Bill or grad school opportunities, feel free to contact me: morganlerette@gmail.com

Morgan

Veteran

Michael Heller Pittsburgh, PA

Scott...Thank you for the insight. I guess I need to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I do appreciate the advice and will try to talk to more professionals to get a better understanding of my options and what my next step may be.

Kevin... I will send you an message here momentarily.

Thank you both for your help.

Advisor

Kevin Callahan Arlington Heights, IL

Michael,

I have a process and several books that can help you with investigating a transition. I think you can contact me via the site (I am an advisor +). I can have a conversation with you sometime in the next few days.

Kevin Callahan

Advisor

Scott McPherson Nashville, TN

Michael, I'd recommend coming to a conclusion about a potential career field first. You can then customize the resume to that field. Look for skills from your military and investment experience that translate to the new field -- ie analysis, teamwork, attention to detail, leadership skills, etc. If you have multiple potential fields, do a separate resume for each one customized to demonstrate to an employer how your skills fit their needs. A resume needs to speak to a hiring manager, showing them how you fit into their firm. I know this can be a challenge when you are changing careers, but there are always skills and abilities from past experiences that can make you a fit for the position. Emphasize those, and be prepared in the interview to amplify your relevant skill set. Good luck!

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