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Prepare
for the Transition from Military to Civilian Life |
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By Lt. Col
Paul Capicik, American Sentinel University, 2/03/2010 |
The three
key ingredients to finding a successful civilian career are a
degree, certifications (specific training), and experience.
But when you're transitioning from the military to a civilian
career, it will take time and dedicated preparation to gain
all three.
Stay Relevant Through Education and Experience
Earning a degree takes a certain amount of time, but
knowledge-building and gaining work experience must be
lifelong endeavors. Continuing education and experience
provide reasonable assurance of job stability and career
progression.
To keep relevant with the ever-changing aptitudes of today's
careers, or to advance in responsibility and pay grade, you
need to prepare ahead of time with a degree, continuous job
training and certifications.
Prepare Yourself to Talk the Talk
 Research
the industry or job you want. Keep up with the required
skills, the equipment and software that are used in the
position. Learn as much as you can about industry tools and
processes to make yourself marketable to an employer - and
save time once you land the job.
Keep
current with advancements in the tools and trends. Keep
abreast of the tools used now and new tools that are available
or pending release. Join blogs and social networks, sign up
for industry journals and webinars, earn certifications, and
search the Web for information and trends related to your
career field.
Talk
to employees in the field. Talk to people who work in the
industry about their jobs, the training they need, and
requirements for advancing into management. Knowledge and
experience in areas beyond your current position can make you
a much more attractive candidate.
Plan to Prepare for the Job Transition
Create
a timeline for obtaining certifications, degrees or work
experience.
Prepare
a list of your skills and strengths so you can align yourself
with a potential employers' mission, vision and culture during
interviews.
Increase
the breadth of your knowledge (not to mention your network) by
interning, volunteering and conducting informational
interviews.
With this kind of preparation, you will recession-proof
yourself and build your marketability for new positions and
career paths.
About
American Sentinel University
American Sentinel University can
help you earn an accredited online degree and certifications.
Our flexible and affordable programs, coupled with great
military benefits, can prepare you transition into a new
career. |
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Prepare for the Transition from Military to Civilian Life
