Military.com’s own Randy Plunkett recently appeared on CNN.com to talk about military transition, and the challenges veterans face getting a civilian job, along with some tips. How do your job search experiences and skills tally with what these veterans discuss in the video? Sound off in the comments section below.
Veterans have always faced challenges when making the transition to civilian life. The military services continue to test public-private partnerships to make the transition easier. Mandatory transition program attendance is now the norm for all but the most senior service members. The internet is also a big help for service members as they make the transition from "boots to suits." Official websites such as http://www.turbotap.org provide a wide range of resources from employment leads to benefit information. One of the best things a service member can do is to plan early and take advantage of the renewed interest and media attention given to unemployed veterans. Take classes before you leave the service since many of those classes are low or no cost. Attend the job fairs and do so in uniform. You will stand out for all the right reasons. Have a professional assist with making your resume civilian-friendly. Transitioning from the service is both an excited and challenging time but no service member has to go it alone.
I also mentioned our fantastic Military Skills Translator,which did not make the video edit. I feel it is stronger than any others because it not only directly translate skills, it also mentions ancillary experience,such as training.
My son came home from Iraq in 2008 and used his GI bill to get his degree in Computer Science and graduated in Dec of 2011. Everyone kept saying don't worry with your military background also as a combat medic you will be snapped up after college in a heart beat. He had some interviews with big companies, even one medical company telling him how his medical back ground would play a key importance in landing this job!!! He did get a job for a tech company not making a great deal of money & only part-time. He does some free-lance also to make ends meet. He even stayed near the college he graduated from to live cheaper and took on the part-time job to show employers that he is working and not just sitting around. This guy has an outstanding grade point average and 6 years of military service. I give him credit for coming back from Iraq and being able to function with the job market. I just wanted to let people know the market is not opening their arms because he is a veteran. After the welcome home what can I do for you is gone. He is now fighting a new battle. I think because of the smart young man he is and wanting to succeed it will happen in the future. God bless all our veterans and please keep the faith.