The one challenge I've found during my transition is to find what level of responsibility my military experience translates with identifying a potential job. I've been a director, deputy CIO, and held CIO level positions of various responsibility, but I certainly don't expect to be put into those roles right out the gate. In some sense you are starting fresh with limited experience in the corporate world, but not necessarily. How do you determine the right level and where might someone with my experience look to apply with BP?
Answers
Stephen,
Great question and it depends on your interests. If you're looking to go into an Information Technology role, then your experience will translate very well to managerial or director level positions. BP and the rest of the industry are focused on digitizing work, updating systems, and managing cyber security so your experience would directly translate to industry needs.
If you're looking to change directions, you will likely need to go into a lower level position to gain industry specific experience before moving into higher level leadership roles.
Hi Stephen,
I think when you are looking for how your current level transfers to civilian it will be the same in most private sector companies ie; lead, manager, director, exec, etc... I would search for a reverse skills transfer tool that will show you what your current rank translates to. I think monster may have one for military.
Thanks for the information. The challenge is that I don't want to shoot too low and be over qualified, and possible bored in the position and don't want to shoot too high and be ignored or discounted because of my lack of corporate experience. I believe the best way is to network with people at the company (s) and do research.
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