Kyle Lautzenhiser ⋅ Lillington, NC Oracle Netsuite ⋅ 16 years experience

Hey Brandon, I think you really need to take a deep dive into your personal mission and really come up with a strong brand statement about yourself. If you really want to get into "corporate america" and find a meaningful career, you really have to finely tune your message to those potential employers. Have a strong story to tell, what your passions are, and how that is going to deliver the ROI to these institutions. There are a host of big companies out there that offer Veteran outreach employment opportunities and I would strongly consider tapping into those resources. This seemed to play out well for me, it definitely took some trial and error, but once you nail your personal marketing message, I think the sky is the limit. Hope this helps! Reach out anytime.

Dennis Haynes ⋅ Chicago, IL Career Compass, Job Search Solutions ⋅ 26 years experience

Hi Brandon,

My background would suggest to you with your background there are two options. Option 1. I do agree with Rich whom advised and you could quickly apply your background to acquiring a project management certification that would package your talents nicely. Selling yourself to corporations is about marketing your unique strengths and talents to solve corporate problems.

Options 2. This approach is aligned with Venkat recommended. To ensure a good job fit, get paid what you worth, and continue too grow professionally, be clear. So if I wee you I would be consider taking a reliable career assessments as my starting point. The ability to have a detailed roadmap from where you are starting out is greatly under rated. Again your NICE or your to get well positioned and further consider that the corporate workplace is continually evolving.

My favorite tool for entrepreneurs transitioning into corporate is the Creating Your Future: Personal Strategic Planning for Professionals. Check your local resources to find career professionals who can further assist you and point you in the right directions.

Venkat Narayanan ⋅ San Jose, CA Cisco Systems Inc ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Brandon, I'd start by defining "nice career". This may be hard or easy depending on how much you have thought about it. Writing it down makes it very explicit. I found the below book very helpful when I was trying to answer the question for myself:

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1101875321/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Lw4.DbPMYBSVA

Best wishes and happy holidays! Thank you for your service.

Rich Blattenberger ⋅ Pittsburgh, PA Advisor ⋅ 37 years experience

Hi Brandon. I’m glad to share my perspective and please do consider input from your friends and colleagues, too. I’d first think about what you do really well - what you’re passionate about - and what department functions (and companies) might fit the best. Is it marketing products to customers, supervising a manufacturing area, purchasing, warehousing or logistics, selling to customers, or another function where you have an interest. Try to get a feel for what job would best fit your personality and skill set. Your entrepreneurial mindset will be useful in any role since companies love people who focus on the customer and take ownership for results! Next, I’d set up a profile on Indeed.com so you get to see the available jobs that match your interest and draft some resumes that match your experience to the jobs and requirements you’re looking at. Consider guidance on resume format so the resume looks professional. Focus the resume on your accomplishments, as much as possible - whether you lead a team through a difficult challenge to a successful conclusion or coached someone up. Summarize the situation, your role, your approach, and the results. Accomplishments highlight leadership and personal skills that are valuable in any role. I’m happy to answer any follow up questions you may have, and all the best in your search!