1

Attend TAP 18 months out-and again 6-12 months out from out date

2

Must figure out WHAT you want to do and be able to explain what you want to do and why you are best suited for that type job so you can share with your network

3

Transitioning from your military life to a civilian life is a challenge and it is difficult to plan for. When you think about it everything changes when you depart from the military. Understand that you will not walk into an organization and be given the same amount of responsibility that you may have been use to. Also plan to met supervisors who have had little to no leadership training.

4

Find a job before you leave the military

5

"Never turn down a job until offered"

6

Take time to find out what you want to do so you can tell others. Many want to help but I found the hardest thing to do was to determine what was out there (besides the job descriptions) and where I would enjoy the people and job. After 35 years of service and retiring as a COL, I didn't know what I wanted to do and the networking was more difficult than I expected. Also what you are willing to do as far as commute and travel. But you have to get out and figure it out so you can explain a major career shift. Most civilians don't understand how your experience can apply to a civilian business.

7

Networking, develop civilian networks as soon as possible. Continue to reach out to former military in your area.

8

Start your transition at the two-year mark. Be disciplined and honest with yourself. Unless you are getting a Gov't job, you will have to prove your worth to a civilian employer.

9

Get your foot in the door on a first job. Expect it will just be to start, and that you will start looking again in a few months.

10

Learn to accept rejection. Many of the folks who interview you, may or may not view the military favorably. Learn to de-mil your vocabulary. Many who interview you have pre-conceived notions about veterans; you have to remake yourself, quit looking, speaking and acting like a veteran. Learn how to translate the skills you learned in the military into civilian terms. Instead of squad leader, you supervised____ of individuals.

11

The importance of networking and the need to reinvent yourself.

12

1 Be energetic with a positive attitude; 2 Have realistic expectations - you may be looking for a job for awhile - especially if you are limited on relocation or lack the certifications required for the positions you are seeking; 3 Your resume should reflect language in civilian terms - there are numerous websites and services that provide resume writing guidance; 4 Determine the industry you are seeking employment and join the professional association (i.e Project Management -> Project Management Institute, Process Improvement/Quality Assurance -> Association of Service Quality, Human Resources -> Association of Talent Development); 5 Setup a LinkedIn profile and use a professional looking head shot for the profile photo. Get business cards that reflect your competencies; 6 You will hear everyone express thankfulness for your service and how you should be hired based on your service experience. The reality is that most employers are risk averse to hiring veterans (and anyone else) who do not have a specialty (technical,medical, ect.) that easily adapts to their requirements; 7 Take advantage of ALL the job fairs and any opportunity to gain exposure to potential employers; 8 Rehearse 30 second introduction speech; 9 Have someone you trust provide a critique on your non-verbal messages and appearance during a mock interview.

13

Attitude. The attitude and can do spirit of the retiring individual is refreshing to the civilian workforce. But it can also be a ball and chain because your civilian counter parts do not have the same can do attitude. Be understanding and respectful of your civilian counter parts. Some of them have never been what you have been through and never will. So your attitude which has been establish from 20 plus years of battle tested fortitude may be a little much for the your new co-workers so tone it down till they get to know you.

14

Don't dwell on who you were, but rather the skills that you developed.

15

Start preparing early and establish contact with vets who have already made the transition, especially folks in your area of specialization.

16

Get as much education as possible; College, technical training, certifications, etc...

17

Be specific about accomplishments and results in your resume. Don't just list what you were responsible for. What did you actually achieve?

18

The transition is a major one and is difficult to adjust to. Take full advantage of every transition training and programs that are offered. For a major lifestyle change such as retiring, you'll experience many emotions, but hang in there and take things one step at a time and day by day!

19

Focus on resumes when you are in ACAP, especially the Federal one. Do your VA Claim immediately after discharge. On your ETS Physical list EVERY ache and pain, both mental and physical.

20

Be prepared for the huge volume of information form the transition processing center. We do a very poor job of teaching troops what to expect during the process. The process is frustrating and not a good note to leave the service on. Finding a job on the outside is not as easy as one would expect. Employers are not interested in our service experience. They are interested in civilian education which many of us passed on to further our Military education.

21

Have a plan, know what you want to do (I.e education, and in what field, or employment, and in what area / field).

22

1) The importance of Research and Meeting People (networking); 2) Stay Positive; 3) Take time to celebrate my (and family's) military service

23

Start developing a network with people in career fields you may be interested in working.

24

The best advice would be: have a career goal, work towards your education goals. Don't get caught in the on and off orders. Now that you are civilian, focus on the civilian life. Find a mentor who can help you navigate this new arena.

25

The power of Networking is King.

26

Start networking with civilians in the geo location and employment field you're interested in NOW. Take all available TAP-GPS courses in your geo location and online.

27

Those in the combat arms MOSs have a more difficult time transitioning because their skills are not as marketable. Advance planning and preparation are a must. There was not such program as TAP when I retired. Use such resources to diminish separation shock.

28

Don't be so dqmned picky about your next job. Find one and do it well. It's easier to find a job I'd you have a job. And don't fall in to the trap of thinking that you are special or that anyone owes you anything. I worked three jobs before finding my permanent job. Each of those three jobs contributed in a significant way to me landing my permanent job. Also, no one cares how much you "need" to earn. They only care what your contributions are worth. We still live in a capitalist society; your income is based on your worth not your needs.

29

Your loose friend network will help you find your next opportunity. The resume is secondary to the fact that it is more about who knows your reputation and is willing to align an opportunity for you. Second, make sure you get your medical evaluations completed within 3 months of leaving active duty, however, be sure to follow up on all your appointments.

30

Take time to contact your mentors and others you know who have retired to get their input on transitioning and how to get your foot in the door. Many folks will say, Send me your resume and I'll forward it to our HR. In my case that did nothing. Even though you are loath to do it, take advantage of those offers of writing recommendations. It is who you know.

31

Understand the current job market and be willing to reinvent yourself or take action to become more marketable.

32

First, ensure your military skills can be readily translated into a civilian career. Just using "leadership" skills won't cut it and only widens the competition. I was enlisted US Army Infantry, Field Artillery, Finance, then Medical Service Corps (IT) for a total of 30 years AD. Take classes on your own time if possible. Second, begin the job search at least 1 year out. You will hear that's too long, but that notion is hogwash. You will learn to great pieces of information doing so: a) You will learn how your fare in the job market at that time; b) You will learn how to narrow your job search (geographical, career, and so forth). Both will save time and agony. Third, do not oversell or undersell yourself. Find your market worth. Look up what the civilian job market is paying for your job skills and let the facts sink in. Fourth, do not believe that in today's job market there is some overwhelming ideal of mutual respect, job security, or honor as a general rule. Once you have figured that out, you will proceed with your eyes wide open. There are some employers that value their employees greatly and seek them out if your job skills match. Fifth, do not be affraid to go back to school (even part-time) to keep up with the job market. I still believe in life long learning and it's a valuable fact of life and employment. If you aren't willing to keep up with the "change" pace, you won't be marketable. Sixth, network, network, network. Join professional organizations, community organizations, and volunteer to help those in need. It should be an essential part of your nature leaving the military so don't let those skills get rusty. Networking can often lead to new positions of greater responsibility as well. Also, help those in need of a job where and when you can, but realize that your "name" is going on their job application as a reference. Have fun, plan for your future in the civilian market. Be prepared for rejection (which comes more often than acceptance) and keep moving forward. Honor your family, friends, and colleagues daily. They are your most important support group so don't treat them poorly. If you need medical attention (such as PTSD) get it and don't be ashamed. You are not alone unless you choose to be alone! Get on Linkedin -- it's that important. Other social media is for fun, but don't waste much time on it! I entered military service as a Private E-1 and spent 6 years enlisted. Then, after college graduation, I was commissioned a 2LT and served another 24 years retiriing as a Colonel. I never had a "rank" issue during or since my transition to civilian life--that's resulted in enormous success (career and financial). I'm proud of my military service, but have been able to be just as proud of my civilian career choices.

33

Start the transition process well in advance of your separation date. I started too late, less than 5 months before retiring.

34

Take the time to plan for your future career by attending job seminars and doing personal research to determine the best fit for your skills. Don't set you sights too high with regard to salary, but look for companies that have upward mobility opportunities.

35

be willing to change everything: your skills, behaviors, location, appearance, resume, standard of living, etc.

36

Network with other veterans that have transitioned from the military to the civilian workforce. It may be something you hear all the time, but getting their experience will better help you get that job.

37

Realize that you bring a skill set to a new employer that has benefits but you also have to be open to new ideas. I have seen too many veterans expect that their way is always the best and always superior to others. Rank isn't a determinant of success. Realize that in most companies, you will be supporting yourself and that's okay.

38

Everyone is looking for the discipline and Mission focus that military members bring to a company. Few of them, however can say that due to squirrely HR and hiring systems. Worse, the Military MOS's, AFSC's, ratings, etc do not readily translate into Civilian Descriptions. Best advice, take what looks to be a match in jobs, then spend the first year of the job talking to your contemporaries about the system, and how career progression works within your industry.

39

1) Be Bold - go in if you can and ask to speak to HR or the hiring authority and drop off your resume. Don't just send it in and hope for a call. 2) Be Brave - low risk = low reward. Higher risk = higher reward. I know you are used to a steady paycheck. But commission work isn't all bad if you work at it. 3) Be Patient - Don't be afraid to accept an entry level position and then prove yourself. Your military skills will show through and propel you upwards. Besides - remember - It's a lot easier to find a job, if you have a job.

40

Build your network. Who you know matters.

41

Start early

42

Take some time after retirement to decompress and assimilate into the civilian environment. Do this before you make a job decision.

43

When you pick your retirement home make sure there are jobs in the area.

44

Complete all of your active duty physicals before you transition and have to go to the VA.

45

Be prepared to take a job for which you may be over qualified.

46

Start looking as soon as you make the decision to leave the military. Look at the job market and access your skill set to see what you can bring to a potential employer. There are organizations that are looking for vets and can assist you - if they are decent - They probably will be free because the employer will pay them a finder's fee. If you need to take a class to prepare for a job you want - now is the time.

47

1) Be prepared for drastic change in work ethics, 2) Prepare financially.

48

Prepare yourself ahead of time with appropriate education/certifications, volunteer time in field if possible ahead of time, network with others already in the field, begin applying 3-6 months before retirement.

49

Talk to people in the fields in which you are interested and build a network.

50

You need to network in order to find a job. Do not rely on sending resumes out or applying blindly for jobs.

51

Have a masters degree before separating/retiring.

52

Take the time to prepare for separation . The military gives you the time but it is you that needs to aggressively prepare yourself

53

Network early while you're still in the service. Establish a LinkedIn profile and have all military training and experience listed in civilian language. Take advantage of ALL "optional" transition classes/courses: don't just attend the mandatory training. Have your resume reviewed by civilians in corporations BEFORE sending it to a potential employer.

54

Emphize leadership skills. There are attitudes in the civilian sector who are " hygiene freaks". They are only interested in the basic survival needs of food, homes, salary and self adulation. They avoid responsibility and don't want to jepordize their position. This leaves a void of leaders and piles on the " I don't want to be the decision makers". Be pro-active and lead.