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

Josh first thing I would do is some Informational Interviews. Google it and be sure to obtain the does and don't s! For instance create a script you become comfortable with, be sure you mention you are a veteran looking for help/assistance, do not ask about positions or openings, as you will be shipped off to the Web site. You want to speak with someone who could provide you with some help in the career field. You are being honest, should not be hard to script the truth. Secondly, the PMP has a variety of paths, one requires past experience in the PM field. Most senior military with at least 10+ years have that experience not sure you were in that long. Syracuse University has a number of very veteran friendly, FREE programs for veterans. It is the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. After you feel comfortable after speaking with professionals, be sure and ask what requirements are, then you are making an educated decision and move. Remember a university sees a veteran as a BIG $$. Know what you need and what the industry accepts prior to using your GI Bill money. I see so many worthless, or very tough degrees to sell in the real world, because the school sells you a BA that only takes 3 years, forgot to tell you a BA usually starts at over $10 less than a BS on average- business needs math and other science not philosophy and humanities. Hope this helps, thanks for your service and God Bless. P.S. I do gratis LinkedIn reviews, so if you get ready to hit the PM world shoot me an invite and I will offer some "free" advice.

Chelsea Davies ⋅ West Point, NY ⋅ 5 years experience

If you are a welder look into going to the quality side of things. Most companies are generous in helping gain certifications and I think six sigma experience would help too.

John Faber ⋅ Arlington, VA Booz Allen ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Josh,

I would also recommend looking into the Project Management Profession (PMP) certification and see if you can get certified. The best advice is 1) know how to be an effect project manager, and 2) know how to differentiate and market yourself to get the role that is best for you. Hope this helps.

Best,
John

Greg Brown ⋅ Pell City, AL SKF ⋅ 12 years experience

Hello,

I would look at getting some education in this area first. I've looked into this also, I'm already working on managing projects, but I also have a BSME.

Look into this school, it is online.
https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/online-degree/certificate-programs/project-management.aspx