3 Simple Strategies for a Successful Military-to-Civilian Transition
Making a military to civilian transition is not easy. Here are three tips designed to assist military members looking ahead to such a challenge:
1. Earn your degree
Being in the military, you’ve already earned some college credit. You might as well put it to good use.
As a veteran, you’ll be competing against thousands, if not millions, of other civilians seeking employment. Market competiveness makes earning a college degree invaluable. Pursuing an online degree program has proved to be particularly relevant, affordable and accessible for former military members.
Moreover, employer recruiting once involved one interview, one reference, and maybe an application. Now, the hiring process has become a matter of qualifying individuals using formal education, risk assessment and testing standards.
One way to leverage your skills is to earn your college degree. The benefits are endless.
Median earnings in 2009 for young adults between ages 25-34 with a bachelor’s degree was $45,000 compared to $30,000 for those with only a high school diploma, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Current market conditions, political and social climates further increase the importance of earning a college degree. Individual retirements are declining and are being put off later in life. Those already in the workforce, stay in the labor market for even longer. Gain a competitive edge, earn your degree, and distinguish yourself.
2. Plan early
If you’re separating from the military, you don’t want to wait until the very last minute to plan your post-military career. Set yourself up for success by planning your military to civilian transition at least 36 months ahead of your separation date — the minimum being one year.
Getting a job after the military may not be as easy as filling out an online application. Because military service can delay college enrollment, you may lack formal education requirements necessary to qualify for even an entry-level job compared to your civilian counterparts. So it’s important to plan your education strategy as early as possible to allow degree completion.
You may also want to explore your career options. Start by thinking about transferrable skills. What skills, experience, accomplishments do you have that will attract the corporate world?
You can visit O*NET OnLine Crosswalk to match your military occupation, skills and responsibilities to its civilian equivalent. You can also find other resourceful information regarding various careers by reading the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
3. Attend a TAPs workshop
The Transition Assistance Program (TAPs) is a program administered by the Department of Defense and provides transitioning service members resources to integrate back into civilian life.
The program can assist in resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, networking, explaining military benefits and more! Each branch has a unique version of their TAP program and is typically four days in length. Transitioning members should be contacted 180 days before their separation date for exit counseling. Please visit your respective branch’s personnel Web portal or readiness center on your installation for more information.
Photo credit: stock.xchng
About the author: Michael Bermudez joined Grantham University in May 2011 and is the Career Services Coordinator in the Grantham University Career Center. Michael facilitates academic and career advising within the United States Air Force Reserves. Prior to joining Grantham University, Michael served as an E-5 in the United States Air Force.
