John NORDIN ⋅ Lake Forest, IL Independent Angel Investor ⋅ 37 years experience

Aaron-
I would echo all that Clifford stated and add that, given your background in M&L, you target software companies that are selling transportation and logistics technology and services.

Specifically I would seek out customer service and helpdesk opportunities. Those jobs would get you into the IT ecosystem without having to "cert-up" beforehand. Some of my best and brightest IT folks started out in those roles and are now senior IT dudes and dudettes.

Thanks for your service to our Country and all the best with your transition and job search.
John

Stefan Beyer ⋅ Kirkland, WA Wipro Ltd ⋅ 12 years experience

I'd focus on how your outside experience and perspective will be an asset to the position you're applying for. Companies tend to look for specialists, but if they're adding a member to an existing team of a decent size, having someone with a different perspective could help give you the edge.

I wrote an article a while back about highlighting outside experience which you might find useful: https://acp-advisornet.org/articles/326/resume-cover-letter-multi-talented-individual

Hope this helps!

Karen Galecki ⋅ Chicago, IL Aligned Search ⋅ 18 years experience

I wouldn't get a bunch of certifications, but getting one or two entry ones wouldn't hurt, as it would show initiative and that you are serious about transitioning into IT to a potential employer. I agree that initially targeting companies related to your current role could be a great way in, as you already have some industry knowledge to bring to the table which is a value add.

Jo Prabhu ⋅ San Rafael, CA International Services Group ⋅ 20 years experience

Seek out Google and Facebook directly-they offer training in a multitude of skills and hire trainees upon completion of certification. The City of Long Beach, CA pays for on-the-job training and offers 4500 paid jobs for interns and externs many of whom get hired full time. Check out your City or State for similar programs.

Aaron Brumley ⋅ Riverview, FL U.S. Marine Corps, Gunnery Sergeant ⋅ 17 years served

WOW! Great info...Thank you!!

Clifford Gardner ⋅ Gordo, AL Fresenius Kabi USA ⋅ 9 years experience

Certifications never hurt to pad a resume but unless they carry a direct benefit for a potential employer, they don’t get more than a passing glance from a potential employer. After 17 years, I’m sure you already have tons of courses and awards to serve the resume padding purpose. I would focus on getting a paycheck first and then let them pay for your development. “Generic” IT searches only get you so far. I would play up your maintenance and logistics experiences as those are skills a tech person needs to function independently. Search the job sites for “Field Service Engineer.” Also, pick hot industries like aviation or medical device, identify the top 5-10 companies, and then manually search their career pages. A recent HR report shows that qualified candidates are on the market for only about 10 days before they’re snatched up. Hope this helps!