Kevin J McRoberts ⋅ Des Moines, IA MCRE-US Advisory Services, LLC ⋅ 40 years experience

Start reading anything on information, (news articles, books, magizines, web sites, etc.) concerning the commercial real estate industry... There are numerous type of jobs, careers, and income levels in every part of U.S. and global. You can be the best with good solid desire and motivation... don't give up and learn it. Detailed oriented, creative, helping others, and a very proud and satisfying profession when you do it the right way. Call anytime you discuss.
Kevin J. McRoberts
T: 515.264.8400
E: kjmcre@gmail.com

Brock Renshaw ⋅ Tampa, FL Citi ⋅ 7 years experience

Leverage your professional networks.

Download the military transition app from military.com. It helps align your mil expertise with civilian jobs.

It works for disabled vets and spouses too.

Intuitive tool.

Best
Brock

Dr. Scena Webb ⋅ Auburn, WA Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Steven,

Definitely connect with folks who can share reasonable expectations with you. I am always available to share what I have learned since transitioning.

Kent Watson ⋅ Monticello, FL U.S. Army, Chief Warrant Officer ⋅ 34 years served

Good afternoon Steven, Having computer certifications will open doors in the private sector. If you have a security clearance that is within five years, then this will make you more marketable in the defense/aviation communities. What helped me the most during my pretransition and transition was Networking. Military is based upon merit promotions. Whereas, in the civilian community you will learn the importance of networking to help open doors. Your skill sets and abilities will prove your worth. However, networking up front will help to initially open the door or cause an opportunity to come your way. You can start with professional organizations, trade organizations, technical organizations, fraternities, or beginning an on going dialogue with those in your chosen career field. Having mobility will prove to be another advantage. Thank you for your service to our Nation! Sincerely, Kent T. Watson, Chief Warrant Officer Four, served nearly 35 years as a proud Soldier/Warrior in the U.S. Army of America. Now Fraud Prevention Inspector in the health care industry.

Mike Grayson ⋅ Mckinney, TX FTI ⋅ 45 years experience

Hi Steven,

There appears to be pretty significant demand for those who have both security clearances and technical know-how by Amazon Web Service S3 and Microsoft Azure. The reason is that they have landed secure DoD contracts and are having a problem filling positions. Both are headquartered in Seattle but also have other locations. My advice is to contact them, let them know you have a clearance if you have one and get some direction from them.

Mike

jared townsel ⋅ Antelope, CA U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 10 years served

I started in cyber security six years ago after doing ten years as a signals intelligence analyst. My first step was studying SQL through Onward to Opportunity; they have good IT courses and cyber if that’s the way you want to go.

https://onward2opportunity-vctp.org/course-offerings/

Aubrey McDonald II ⋅ Fayetteville, NC US Army ⋅ 30 years experience

Since you mentioned your interested in the IT Fields, please reach out to Inward to Opportunity. They provide over 25 IT Certifications for Veterans fir Free. Their an amazing organization. I'm not in the in the IT field but truly love helping others locate resources to help them excel.

I own my own Company and am committed to Professional Development and Servant Leadership

Aubrey
910 578 9860

Deborah Carter ⋅ Owens Cross Roads, AL Raytheon ⋅ 28 years experience

Hi Steven,

It's time to do some research!

Decide where you want to be (geographically) and start looking at the types of IT roles being advertised by local employers. Of the roles that you find interesting, determine if there are themes showing up in the job requirements (certifications, education, experience etc.) and if you have gaps, create a plan to close the gaps. Hopefully a year will give you enough time so that you'll be ready and qualified to apply when you transition, but if it will take longer, at least you can start working on a jump start now.

Good luck!
Deb

Chris Barrett ⋅ New York, NY American Corporate Partners (ACP) ⋅ 1 years experience

Hi Steven,

That's a great question and one that many transitioning service members don't think about enough (myself included when I was getting out). I know the Army has some good programs like Soldier for Life which can be a great asset as you begin to think about your next career. You've already signed up for an ACP mentorship which is a great first step!

I think the biggest thing to prepare yourself for is the level of responsibility in your civilian job will pale in comparison (at first) to your role in the military. I think that is hard for a lot of career military personnel to accept, but is a reality for a majority of senior enlisted/officer transitioning. Sometimes people let their egos get in the way and scoff at anything that isn't equivalent to the level of responsibility they had in the military. However, those who are willing to take a slight step back will make leaps forward once their military work ethic is on display.

Another thing that is sometimes difficult is taking the first job you get offered out of the military. This one can be less avoidable as we know that everyone needs to support themselves and their families. Doing your homework now in the job search will help immensely as you get closer to your separation date. I think you'll see that you can find a meaningful position with a company that you can grow with professionally.

The resume writing, interviewing, translating your skills, etc. are all part of the preparation, but will come much easier than altering your mindset to the civilian workforce after a career in the military. Keep an open mind, listen and learn from others, and do your research.

Best regards,
Chris