Preparing In Advance

The job market and your career can be a lot like a roller coaster ride – taking you on many twists and turns, many of which are unexpected. While you can’t predict your future, you can give yourself the best chance for a more rewarding career by thinking and planning ahead.

You can never be early enough and this applies to your military career. This article outlines the different areas and phases of preparation to help you stay one step ahead.

Before Enlisting – Research Military and Civilian Jobs
Prior to enlisting, take a look at the types of military jobs that are interesting to you and see how those military jobs translate to civilian jobs. Studies show that people who enjoy what they do will perform at higher levels, be happier, and achieve greater success in those roles. It makes a lot of sense.

Once you have a good sense of the military training and civilian job you want, determine the requirements for each so that you can start qualifying for them. Some military assignments and jobs require certain test scores (e.g. ASVAB), degree requirements (e.g. BA), or physicals. Be aware of the preparation needed and their respective deadlines. Fulfill them in advance and give yourself some peace of mind.

Another smart thing to do is talk to a military recruiter and gauge the general need for the jobs you’re interested in. And see how they compare in different service branches . Ideally, you will want to join a service branch that will have high demand for the military jobs you are seeking.

During Enlistment – Use Your Education Benefits
While enlisted, you should take advantage of all the training and education available to you. One of the best benefits out there is that which is provided under the GI Bill. Your military service qualifies you to receive education benefits that can help you advance your military and civilian career – giving you new skills and knowledge specific to your chosen industry or job.

The GI Bill benefits are available during active duty and 10 years after an honorable discharge. If you are certain on obtaining more education, it makes a lot of sense to sign up for the $600 Buy-up program because you will qualify for an extra $150 per month benefit as a full-time student – by only contributing $600 upfront. By joining, this means you pay $600 upfront with potential education benefits worth up to $5,400 over three years. Use this chart to determine how much more you’d get monthly by “buying up” under different amounts: Buy Up Rates.

While on active duty, it’s important to stay positive and committed to the process of your military training – whatever you may be doing. It might not all be glamorous or your first choice but remember, you’ve made a commitment to serve and in return, you obtain a wealth of leadership, responsibility, and possibly technical skills that are all highly valued in the civilian world.

After Enlistment – Take Stock and Take the Right Steps
Transitioning from military to civilian life will be a drastic change to say the least. It’s advised to begin a transition at least one year out and even two to three years, if you plan on retiring from the military.

The military has resources to help you with this – the Personnel Office and the Transition Assistance Office. Counselors are there to help you and not judge you so don’t be concerned about sending the wrong message. Ask a lot of questions and get the answers you need to make an informed decision.

In terms of job searching, you should first take a hard look at yourself – taking stock of the military training obtained, your level of education completed, most recent work experiences, etc. With this, you can get a sense of whether you qualify for the jobs that are most desirable to you.

Taking an inventory of yourself against your dream job’s prerequisites and qualifications will help you determine where you might need to fill in the gaps. For example, you may need to get your Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree to work as a Medical Technician.

Remember, it’s important to be open, flexible, and patient. Your dream job may not be the next thing in line but taking the right steps to get there is the right approach. It may mean you have to take a lower level position while you complete a degree. Do whatever it takes.

It won’t be easy but think of your new civilian career as preparing for a marathon. It’s a long race. You have to dedicate yourself to many hours of training before you can even think of running 26 miles. Pay your dues and you will cross that finish line.