I spent my term in the USAF in the health care field. It was originally NOT what I wanted to do. I am looking to get out in less than 2 years. I just got accepted to a computer security degree program. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for someone who is looking to make such a dramatic career change.
Answers
Try consulting in one of the big firms like Accenture (who specializes in IT). That's what I did. These firms (Accenture, Deloitte, E&Y, PwC) are so big you'll have the ability to try out all sort of different fields... anything from Healthcare to IT to Energy to Finance.
Shawn,
I’m glad are you considering a field in which you find enjoyable. As mentioned below, it will be work but if you enjoy the work, the change will come much easier. A couple of thoughts, build yourself a network of people in the computer security field, the network will help you navigate the waters (maybe I should use navigate the air space), read articles, technology journals, etc. and you will most likely need a degree which is where you can build your network. But again, if you enjoy the field / work, it will be worth the efforts.
Randy
Shawn,
It can be done, but it will take dedication and patience. It appears that you have your near-term plan (going back to school) set. Does this align with your intermediate and long-term plans (which are not related to your planned work career)? If not, then I strongly suggest that you re-work your plan so your short, near, intermediate and long-term plans are nested. I told another advisee that I successfully transitioned from healthcare to a national security analyst position. It took me close to five years to get my credentials, a related graduate degree and a lot of work (to include settling for lower-paying positions) to gain experience. All of this was based on a five-year plan that my family agreed to support. It is much easier to do if you're single, but having a family should not stop you from doing this as well, as long as they have your six.
I do not know what you specifically do in Air Force healthcare, but I suggest that you keep whatever healthcare certifications (if you have any, e.g., EMT, LPN/LVN) you have current as a fall-back position. I worked with Soldiers who decided to switch to the healthcare field when they realized that it was what was going to put food on the table.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Hi Shawn, I had many career changes both in the military and outside. I was also in the AF and I went in throught an Open category and I got put into supply. After 4 years I retrained into computers. Then computers merged with the communications field. Then I became an evaluator at the HQ level for Combat communications. Since getting out I went through Radiology school, became a teacher, went through an IT phase as a configuration manager, then got my MBA and went back to work as a teacher of adults in X-ray.
The important thing to look at is that a dramatic change is a way of life for many people in the workplace now. Technology changes the fields of opportunity and new jobs are being developed every day that were never available when you started in the AF. Keep current on what is trending in technology and education and try to stay on top of fields that are emerging. Don't worry about changing positions, just follow your gut. Thanks, Loretta
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