Dave Miller ⋅ Alexandria, VA Dept of Treasury, 20.5 yrs USN,LT (ret. ⋅ 5 years experience

Most guys I went to school with after the Navy were already working and it was a good place to find out the "word of mouth" info that is not posted on the websites like USA. jobs or clearedjobs.com. Education was one of the things that the hiring managers looked at most for me. Practice interviewing and don't turn down any oppurtunity to look into a job if a recruiter or friend approaches you, even if it is something that doesn't interest you right away. You can always look for other oppurtunites. The goal here is to get 1 or more job offers. I interviewed at several jobs before I finally landed one.

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

William,
It's your decision. Some more thoughts to consider:

I encourage you to give significant consideration to full-time, on campus, education towards a degree. In addition to classroom learning, campus-based education might be a great opportunity to meet fellow students (Veterans and non-Veterans), professors, alumni and guest speakers, and to explore a few different learning and career paths, all in a positive, supportive environment.

School might also open opportunities to summer jobs and paid internships. With your life experiences, you can offer a lot to any campus discussion, and serve as a mentor to others, both Veterans and non-Veterans. Just my thoughts.

Ray Martinelli ⋅ Flanders, NJ U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant ⋅ 8 years served

William,

I was in a similar situation as logistics and supply chain is a broad spectrum and what exactly does it translate to in the civilian community. Held the billet for an 0491 Battalion Logistics Chief.

Found these links: pop the first into your browser & will identify the second.

https://www.nrd.gov/home/about_us/frequently_asked_questions/employment/how_do_i_translate_my_military_training_and_experience_into_civilian_terms

http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/

Best of luck & Semper Fi

Ray

William Myers ⋅ Leland, NC U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class ⋅ 16 years served

Tim, Loretta

Thank you both for great responses as far as school I have about an associate's degree after combining all of my classes. I do have a post 9/11 GI Bill plus I am a Florida Resident with a Purple Heart and will receive the tuition waiver that will pay to finish my undergrad.
I am following the links provided and exploring various options for my future. I just have so many doors I almost have too much of a choice. Again thank you and I will continue to post questions for help guiding me through this transition.
my Linkden is http://www.linkedin.com/pub/will-myers/75/76a/981

Very Respectfully
William Myers

Loretta Carter ⋅ Sugar Land, TX HCA ⋅ 9 years experience

Hi William,

Tom has hit on some key areas. The first thing to focus on is what you’re interested in and not just where your experiences fit. You will find that most military members have such a wide variety of experiences that civilians just don't get it. Focus on what you are passionate about. Where do you want to be in 5 years? Once you have thought that question through then make plans and put the word out. Use the many organizations that are available to help you connect with the people in the industry and don't forget the linked in opportunities.

You should also create a basic resume and as you start applying for positions, customize each resume that you send in to the position you are wanting. It makes it so much easier to get the attention of a hiring manager when they can zero right in on what's important.

Good luck and don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any additional questions.

Thanks,
Loretta

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

William,
I was also Civil Affairs. I recommend that you explore what YOU want to do next, and careers in which YOU are interested and that excite you. Your next career may or may not relate to your military experience, it's really all up to you. (I can suggest ideas and possible careers based on your background in Civil Affairs and as a medic, but I think you should perhaps explore which areas most interest you.)

Are you eligible for the GI Bill and do you have a degree?

Do you have a Linked In profile? I encourage you to include a link to your Linked In profile on your acp-advisornet profile. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you wish to review how I include my military experience (Civil Affairs) on my Linked profile.

Here are a few prior discussions with resources and ideas for self-assessment. These discussions may help you start thinking about your next career. The discussions are pretty long, and contain a lot of useful information, I encourage you to purchase an old-fashioned paper composition notebook, get a pen, and take a few hours and days reading through the discussions, taking notes and writing down your thoughts along the way.

https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/topic/self-assessment