"Back there I could fly a gunship, I could drive a tank, I was in charge of million dollar equipment, back here I can't even hold a job parking cars!"
- John Rambo (First Blood)
Every time I watch that movie there's something that just resonates inside me that sums up inadequacies that I feels during this transitioning phase, from active duty to civilian life
Needless to say, I'm here seeking truth as I've yet to find a purpose where I feel as significant as I did while serving,
My question: how do you break this plateau or glass ceiling into corporate America when your work experience is limited to field artillery and bomb dog handler (grunt work), is that unrealistic
Location: Long Beach, Ca
Answers
HI Terrell,
You have 8 years of experience. That counts! Bomb Dog Handler sounds incredible. You were responsible for the performance of something else. That seems like something that requires concentration and staying focused on detailed work as well as the ability to react quickly to unexpected circumstances.
William Smith who answered your question appears to work for Right Management. That company offers great assistance to people transitioning to new jobs in all areas. I would highly recommend taking him up on his offer. :)
That being said, you may want to think about the kind of work you want to do. Do you want to be inside or outside? Do you want to do corporate work? What kind of work do you have an appetite for? You would probably be a great Vet Tech, but there is not much career advancement there unless you were able to combine that activity with Dog Training. Veterinarians will hire people with no experience as Vet Techs and train them especially if they are already good with animals. You have that covered! Of course, you may want nothing to do with dogs anymore.
I found this site that might help you think about what you want to do
https://www.zippia.com/advice/what-am-i-good-at/
HI Terrell.
I worked with someone who had bomb dogs in the service. He joined the police and after a short while was invited to the bomb squad. He retired and then traveled the country going to sporting events with his dog s often as he wanted. It may not be corporate work but he loved it. Reach out to me if you want to chat.
All the best,
Rob
Hi Terrell,
First of all, thank you for your service!
Breaking into corporate America can happen via internship, contract work, being an entrepreneur or through a successful career in small business. At the company I work for, all of the above apply.
Look at your skillset, which I can see already is being able to focus under stress and team leadership, and go from here. Look at jobs that you are interested in and don't focus so much on corporations. A small company can have very satisfying careers and often it happens that you end up in a corporation without even asking.
Regards,
Patricia
Hi Terrell,
First off thank you for your service. Thank God we have people like you who are willing to give so much for our safety.
I am a career consultant that works with veteran groups, assisting vets transition into the civilian workforce.
I would be happy to review your resume and come back to you with some suggestions.
You might also check out the website. Military.com. They assist vets in many different areas including job search.
Best Regards
Bill Smith
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