Civilian Career Advice for the NCO who wants to work in the Financial Industry

I would highly encourage you to apply, you are a non-commissioned officer. Be prepared to answer what that means to you, the things you share in common and what sets you apart from commissioned officers. I think it could be a selling point, rather than a weakness, that you are a NCO and can bring that different perspective.

If they are inflexible and cannot see outside of the box, they may not be the best choice for you.

Not sure about specific programs, but if you think you meet their requirements, contact them and apply!

Cpl James McCoy-Flowers I also agree that if you meet the requirements for the job/company and especially with an advanced degree in an area they are seeking as a junior NCO you still have demonstrated leadership above what many of your civilian peers have had the opportunity to practice. In your resume, be sure to "translate" military to civilian equivalent representation and do not use acronyms (some great advice on resumes here in RP, mine is at "Lessons Learned from Building and Reviewing Resumes" but there are some others too well worth reading). I have now been on several government job selection panels and a well presented and well written resume was the first discriminator used to go through the hundreds of applicants and the second was education, followed by experience that met the job description requirement. At the risk of repeating what I have put in other discussions, I can't stress enough how important capturing classes you have taught and articles you have published are for a resume/Curriculum vitae (CV).

Also, don't wait for a company's exec development opportunity if that is something you truly desire as there are many out there you can do on your own or with your GI bill benefit. I have taken advantage of several offered by the Fred Pryor Group (http://www.pryor.com). $200 gets you one year of unlimited online classes and two free resident programs. Also there is a RP discussion on getting certified as a program manager and other programs that are recognized by civilian employers. The most important step is getting into the company with a culture that is compatible with your values and goals and that you feel you can assist to the "next level" and then look for professional development opportunities there. Seek something you are passionate about and when you get to the interview be prepared to tell them how you will be able to help them. My best wishes to you!