There are many challenges that come with transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce.
Whether you're navigating the interview stage or getting acclimated in your new role, you're likely experiencing some unknown territory.
Overcoming Military to Civilian Transition Challenges
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom Podcast - Episode 35
Most every veteran transitioning from the military, officers and enlisted alike, are looking for the best jobs for military officers, military technician careers. Once veterans have secured their civilian job, they are often faced with a new set of challenges - overcoming the military to civilian transition.
In this podcast, Dustin Mann, an Orion Account Executive, joined the show to discuss transition challenges and how to overcome them. He focused on how to communicate your military background to hiring managers, what to focus on and avoid in the interview process, and how to leverage your military experience to be successful in a civilian career.
At the beginning stages of securing a job for junior military officers or a military technician career, it is important to be able to explain to hiring managers the intangible skill sets that military members can bring to the company, Dustin explains. He listed a few examples, including working calmly under stressful conditions, ability to multitask, a strong work ethic, and the ability to react to an ever-changing environment. These intangible qualities are exactly what companies value most about hiring veterans, Dustin stated.
In addition, Dustin offered some advice on how to have a successful interview. Dustin urged veterans looking for the best jobs for military officers, and military technician careers, to focus on accomplishments in the military that most closely relate to the civilian position, and avoid mentioning positions that do not directly relate.
Once a civilian career is secured, Dustin offers some wise words on how to adjust. In a non-military job, it is often not clear where the advancement is, and many veterans may have anxiety over how to advance, he explained. "Have the same drive and mindset as when you joined the military, and remember that you are entitled to nothing, that you have to earn and work for it," Dustin stated. He advised veterans to find a mentor to help with the process.
Lastly, Dustin directed veterans to "share your story," or military experience. To be successful, it is important to build a professional network, and LinkedIn is a great place to start. Begin by building your "brand," or how you want to be perceived by coworkers and leadership. Maintain a strong work ethic, and be a salesman - of yourself and your accomplishments and qualities, he directed.
