Reflecting on My Journey from the Military to the Private Sector Since retiring from the military in April 2010, I've had the opportunity to grow and understand what transitioning from active service to the private sector truly means. Here are some key lessons for veterans making this shift: 1. Value of Military Experience: Unless you're a senior officer or sergeant major, your military experience may not be as highly valued in the private sector. While you might secure a supervisory or entry-level manager position, this is often due to having a degree rather than your military background. 2. Understanding the Rules: Adjusting to the private sector takes time because the rules differ. In the military, experience and education directly influenced roles. In the private sector, these factors are not always understood or valued the same way. 3. Quitting is an Option: In the military, quitting isn't an option—you see your enlistment through. In the private sector, the ability to quit is new and can be both a challenge and a temptation. It’s important to avoid job hopping, as this can harm your career progression. 4. Choosing the Right Industry: Some industries, like retail, can be particularly challenging for veterans. High demands, lack of support, and leaders who don’t take ownership can make it difficult to succeed. Finding an industry where your skills and experience are valued and supported is crucial. 5. Recruiting Veterans: Companies often recruit veterans for entry-level or junior leadership roles. Understanding this can help set realistic expectations and assist in planning your career path. Transitioning from the military to the private sector is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and strategy. These lessons have helped me navigate my path, and I hope they can provide some guidance for fellow veterans. #MilitaryTransition #VeteranCareers #CareerAdvice #Leadership #PrivateSectorSuccess
You are getting ready for your transition and are all signed up to attend a job fair. But what should you expect? And how do you prepare? Here are a few tips to help get you ready from Military.com: https://lnkd.in/ePfA6QRc. #VeteranEmployment #VeteranJobFair
