I am looking to get back into the workforce after retiring from the US Army on November 30, 2014. Since my retirement, I took time off to complete my MBA (graduated May 11, 2019). I am also a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for the State of Florida. I am a foster parent for the past two-plus years but decided to suspend my license until I figure out my career goals and bring them to fruition.
Here's a summary of my work history: I am a Human Resources Professional and U.S. Army Veteran leveraging 20+ years of proven experience in HR and Administration. Adept at leading teams of 10 and organizations of 200 in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Possess a comprehensive background in operations management, personnel training, employee onboarding, workforce readiness, and employee awards and evaluations. Managed vehicles, equipment, supplies, and government facilities valued at $2M while managing risk, safety, and quality assurance. Career supported by an MBA and Bachelor’s Degree. Inactive Top-Secret Security Clearance.
I have been going on lots of interviews but nothing solid yet. I am currently preparing for my CompTIA Security+ Certification through Onward 2 Outward which is a great organization! Based on my recent job-hunting experiences, it appears I am overly qualified for most jobs I am applying for these days. Because of this, I am looking at business ownership (preferably franchising) but it cost a lot of money that I do not have at this time. I have considered becoming a business management consultant but that will require a mentor to help me break into that world. I just signed up for a mentor through ACP and am looking forward to their input and support as well. There's lots of information packed into this question, so please forgive me.
I have been reading lots of comments on this board and found lots of useful information. I welcome all comments and advice.
Thanks!
Audrey
Answers
Few suggestions
-Consider sticking to and going deeper into human resources, your experience will help.
-For each interview, spend some time to figure out what worked and what did not work, do not resume for few weeks till you bring the improvements. For example, for an HR role, on resume, it would dilute focus to even mention the Security field. Think what would be better for you, 5 interviews with 2 jobs or 45 interviews with 1 job, both might take the same time, say 9 months.
-The country is on a boom(for now), use it, temporarily stay in try other cities and states
-Look for returnship and special programs. These will help work around subconscious bias most interviewers have of hiring more of what they are like/
All the best
Hi Audrey,
I cannot solve your situation, but from reading this post, I have one question. What do you want to do?
You have an MBA, but you are also studying for the Security+ certification which is an entry-level certification in the cybersecurity industry. You also have experience in HR and considered opening a franchise if you had the necessary funds. I suggest sharing this all with your mentor, decide what type of work will bring you the most satisfaction, and then what are minimum salary requirements for you to do the job. This will put you in the field you want to be in and enable others to know how to help you.
I hope this helps.
John
Hello Amit Chaudhary,
Thanks for your input. I am responding to your question from a different account that is corrupted. I had to create a new account with a different email.
Thanks again for your input and so far, everyone is recommending I stay with the HR field. This is also a confirmation of my own personal thoughts. I have shared this with my mentor and she completely agrees. Five interviews with two job offers are definitely better than 45 interviews with only one job offer (great analogy)!
I am willing to relocate and looking forward to the opportunities.
Thanks!
Audrey
Hello John Faber,
Thanks for your input. I apologize for not responding sooner. I had to create a new profile with a different email address because the first account became corrupted and didn't allow me to
Again, thanks for your input. Your answer gave me confirmation regarding the Secruity+ certification versus the Human Resources field. Unfortunately, I have completed all of the modules for Security+ but I also requested they enroll me into the PHR certification. They will only pay for one certification which is understandable. I have also shared these thoughts with my mentor and she agrees with your assessment.
Thanks,
Audrey Baker
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