Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

VCTP is FREE for post 9/11 Veterans. Use VCTP.

Eric Martin ⋅ Blackshear, GA KBR, Inc. ⋅ 25 years experience

Are you aware of any open positions at Target IT that a senior IT professional would be able to fill in September of this year? I'll be transitioning from the Navy to the civilian market, and I'm interested in employment opportunities within the IT sector.

Steve Simpson ⋅ Alpharetta, GA U.S. Army, Chief Warrant Officer ⋅ 22 years served

Gwinnett Tech has several programs that can lead to technical certifications in either Microsoft/Cisco specialties or web/game development, info sec. It largely depends on where your experience level is, or if you don't mind starting over, where your interests are. My experience in network support has been that technical certifications will get you considered, but you have to have the experience that the hiring manager is looking for. Entry level jobs will place more emphasis on general education and experience, and you have to sell your potential and enthusiasm to learn and grow within that company.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Veterans (and Mentors),

Also learn about the " Veterans Career Transition Program " (VCTP) at Syracuse University. VCTP offers a variety of free courses with access to an advisor, from technology focused courses to mock interviews, etc. (PMP, CAPM, CISSP, etc.) . I also believe it pays not only for coursework and exam preparation, but also for the exam fee itself.

YouTube video:
http://tinyurl.com/khxcp9t

I believe it is worth watching the YouTube video below, even if the information is not applicable to you, as the information might help you help other Veterans.

"Through online courses—accessible from any location, at any time–veterans have the opportunity to gain an understanding and insight into the corporate culture of civilian business/industry, government and other civilian sector employment opportunities."

Video webinar re: ""VETERANS CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAM" on YouTube (35 minutes)
http://tinyurl.com/khxcp9t

http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/

List of tech courses (other course are also offerred)
http://vets.syr.edu/employment/vctp-learning-paths/

http://vets.syr.edu/employment/vctp-certification-paths/

#

Robert Sawyer ⋅ Woodstock, GA Sikich LLP ⋅ 9 years experience

Many certifications such as Microsoft MCT or MCITP can be aquired by simply taking an examination at a Prometric testing site. Most of these exams also have a reference study manual or publication by Microsoft that you can also use as a prep guide. While the certifications won't guarantee a job, it will clearly demonstrate a commitment and discipline to improve your skills. Also, if it causes someone to look at your resume twice or facilitate an introductory conversation with a company you have an interest, I would say it is time well spent.

Best regards,
Robert

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Dallas, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

Start with your local Junior College. They offer a wide range of Certifications at affordable tuition rates. That way you can try out a few courses and find where your skills are strongest. My daughter did this and is now in her final year getting an BFA in New Media (Web development and design).
Judy Tomlinson

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Information re FDM Group.
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/FDM-Group-Reviews-E234827.htm
https://www.google.com/search?q=fdm+group+feedback

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Janelle,
A few questions that might help you consider which certifications to pursue. Why a career in IT? What are your passions and goals? Where do you "want to be" in 10-20 years?

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

I want to take the time to thank everyone who took the time to response to this question! All responses are appreciated and valued. I am looking to gain some mentors in the IT field if any advisors are interested in helping me during this journey! I think you can never have too many people in your corner helping to guide you to your goals and dreams!

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

Mr. Yaple,

I seen this initiative started by the White House but I couldn't find out how you sign up or get the IT training! Thank you for providing the link! I will definitely be signing up and actively seeking some help getting some training!

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

Mrs. Molin,

When I clicked the link it mostly offers free training to certain states and Georgia wasn't one listed. Although I am taking part of a group where there is free IT training from Microsoft for veteran provided online. I'm just waiting to find out if they will start another session soon. I really appreciate your suggestion.

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

Mrs. Tomlinson,

We don't have too many junior colleges here in Georgia, mostly technical college and they don't prepare you for many IT certifications, mainly the A+ certification. Although I appreciate the suggestion!

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

Mr. Cal,

Thanks for your feedback again! I realize that I didn't get a chance to thank you earlier when you responded. You've given me a great list of resources and I plan on using all of them. I have tried reaching out to CompTia via email a couple of weeks ago I'm hoping to receive a response.

James Yaple ⋅ Austin, TX Department of Veterans Affairs ⋅ 25 years experience

This is a post I submitted to the linkedin U. S. Veterans group. They moved it to the jobs section, so it scrolled off quickly.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Free-IT-Training-Certification-program-87020.S.252442758?view=&type=member&gid=87020&item=252442758&commentID=0&trk=eml-ntf-hero-like-my-discussion-view&fromEmail=&ut=0txYFnl4C8c5Q1

Free IT Training and Certification program for Veterans

The White House IT Training and Certification Pilot is a recent vintage program. Veterans can get FREE training from various sources to better prepare them for the IT job market. See https://usitpipeline.com to sign up or the link below for direct information.

Elizabeth Morin ⋅ Washington, DC ⋅ 10 years experience

Microsoft is also offering free training to veterans and their spouses. You can find out more here: http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/en-us/community-tools/job-skills/veterans/

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

Mrs. Scholz,

I really appreciate your response! Although my experiences at my local one stop shop and DOL haven't been great. I'm not sure if it is just the area that I am in or if the people are not passionate about helping Veterans. I usually get the give me your email and I'll add you to the email distribution list and you can use our computers for job searching. I've received more help through the ACP program and a few other programs geared towards helping veterans. Although I am willing to give it another shot and see if anyone is interested in helping me other than adding me to an email distribution list!

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Janelle,
* Have you requested a mentor from ACP, ideally someone in the IT field?

* Reach out to Vets In Tech and ask for advice
http://www.vetsintech.co/

* Reach out to CompTia using social-media, email, etc. and ask for advice, mentoring and information on professional group sin your area.
http://certification.comptia.org/community.aspx

* Perhaps reach out to a local Project Management Institute chapter. They might be able to provide mentoring, advice and networking opportunities.
http://www.pmi.org/Get-Involved/Chapters-PMI-Chapters.aspx

* Try to find other IT professional groups in your area.

* Ensure your LinkedIn profile and resume are top notch. Feel free to post asking for help with your resume. It also might be useful to include a link to your LinkedIn profile on you ACP AdvisorNet profile page.

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Dallas, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

My daughter received some of her IT certifications at our local Junior College in Texas. I would start there for the programs offered by ITT Tech, etc are really expensive.
Judy Tomlinson

Susanne Scholz ⋅ Conway, AR Hewlett Packard ⋅ 8 years experience

Janelle,

I have listed two places you can go for more information. I am trying to get additional information from my husband, since he is a CISSP.
From: Curt Coy <Oeo.vbaco@VA.GOV>
Date: May 14, 2013, 11:30:00 PM CDT
To: VA_EMPLOYMENT-L@www.LISTSERV.VA.GOV
Subject: Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) update
Reply-To: OEO.VBACO@VA.GOV
Colleagues:
Typically I send out our missives at the end of the week, but….one year ago today we started accepting applications for VRAP.
As you know, the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) offers a renewed opportunity for education/training and job assistance to unemployed Veterans 35-60 years old. As of this week there have been over 117,000 applicants. We have notified over 101,000 Veterans that they are approved to begin training (through a Certificate of Eligibility-COE) and, to date over 47,000 have begun their training towards a high demand career field.
VRAP is a joint program between VA and Department of Labor however; the successful outreach of VRAP was a much larger community endeavor. Many of you represent our stakeholders, community partners, and Veterans Service Organizations who helped u
From: OEO.VBACO@VA.GOV [mailto:OEO.VBACO@VA.GOV]
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 4:44 PM
To: VA_EMPLOYMENT-L@www.LISTSERV.VA.GOV
Subject: Department of Labor American Job Center Update

Colleagues,
Did you know that our partners at the Department of Labor (DOL) fund a network of almost 2,700 American Job Centers (AJCs) in communities within each state? They are operated through the State Workforce Agencies that offer job-seeking Veterans and other covered persons, including eligible spouses, Reserve and National Guard members, with priority of service in all employment and job training programs funded by the DOL.
Every AJC (formerly called One-Stop Career Centers) is equipped to assist individual Veterans to find employment in their selected career field, to chart a new career path or even get a job while they are in school or in training. They can also assist Veterans who have just completed military service, their education, vocational training or retraining programs to find work using their unique set of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
To access information on American Job Centers in your state or throughout the nation, please visit America's Service Locator website at www.servicelocator.org or call the following Toll Free Number: (877)US-2JOBS or (877) 872-5627. In the event that an AJC is not physically located nearby, a variety of virtual web-based assistance are also available as reflected in the attached file.
We appreciate the collaborative relationship we at the VA have with our partners at the Department of Labor and the American Job Center network and hope you find this information useful.

Also, Please Remember:
• If you would like to review prior messages sent through this listserv, click http://benefits.va.gov/vow/economic_opportunity.htm.

• If you would like to research, find, access, and, in time, manage your VA benefits and personal information please visit and/or register at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal.

• If you are seeking employment in the federal government, particularly the VA, our VA for Vets high-tech tools, resources, and professional coaching services can help. Visit online at http://www.vaforvets.com/ or contact a coach at 1-855-824-8387.

V/R
Curtis L. Coy
Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Core Values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence ("I CARE")

Susan

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

Mrs. Smith, thank you for your response! Right now I'm not looking to relocate at this present moment but should I decide in the future to relocate I will keep the FDM group in mind. It looks like it would be a great program for Veterans looking to get more extensive training in IT!

Janelle Hughley ⋅ Riverdale, GA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

Mr. Cal, I am attempting to transition into a career in IT, so I am looking to start with A+, Network+, Security+ and work my way into more intermediate and advanced certifications in the networking field. I want to get develop a career in network administration.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Janelle - are there any specific certifications in which you are interested, or are you still deciding?