I want to be a senior cyber defense manager at a San Antonio bank. Should I zero in more on what I want or be flexible?

SSG Ed Mikus — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:54:16 -0500

I will retire in 28 months, I have a plethora of marketable skills, but I want one job and I know it will not be easy to get. I desire to be a mod to senior cyber defense manager/director at a bank in San Antonio, Preferably USAA. I plan to apply everywhere and take in as many interviews as possible, my question is; should I zero in more on what I want or be more flexible?

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 26 at 2016 11:58 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:58:37 -0500

You definitely want to remain flexible as possible. Don't want to set your expectations to high where they can't be met.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 12:09 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:09:13 -0500

SSG Mikus, do yourself a favor and reach out to your local workforce board even after you finish TAP, if it's still offered. They can definite help you find what you are looking for.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 12:33 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:33:30 -0500

It is good to know exactly what you want to do, but remain flexible for opportunities that may come up. On LinkedIn, change your profile picture to one where you are wearing a suit and tie. In your Summary add your transition date and your career goals. Add more details and your accomplishments to your work experiences. Join the LinkedIn group, "Veteran Mentor Network." the discussions will be helpful to your transition.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 1:53 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 13:53:10 -0500

You have got to start creating relationships with possible employers ASAP. Leverage LinkedIn to start creating relationships with recruiters /hiring managers. USAA is a tough nut to crack and the hiring process is long. You should also be proactive and check what the job requirements are for the type of jobs you're interested in and prepare yourself, i.e. Certs, Education, experience on specific tech platforms, etc. We are launching the Cyber Warrior Network to help members do a comprehensive skill gap assessment and connect them to cyber employers. Feel free to connect with me for more info.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 26 at 2016 1:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 13:54:55 -0500

Become what the companies want.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 26 at 2016 7:25 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 19:25:58 -0500

Be willing to flex on something. Company, location, role, function, level, industry. Pick the must haves and pick the ones you can flex on.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Feb 27 at 2016 6:47 PM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 18:47:07 -0500

Be flexible. There is a LOT of competition in San Antonio right now. You might consider some of the GG-12 and GG-13 positions being advertised for the new Air Force Cyber Operations Squadron. The GG-13 positions are CND manager positions.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Feb 27 at 2016 8:30 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 20:30:41 -0500

We hear about all these young men and women coming out of college and unable to find jobs for years now. They are overly burdened with college debt and no way to pay for it other than a minimum wage job.

One thing we keep hearing is that they are unable to find employment because of a general lack of jobs, but that's just the surface of the iceberg. The lower half of that iceberg is the simple fact that so many of them want a certain job that pays a certain amount of money and that's all they want; they lack simply flexibility.

When I retired, I was willing to take anything just to get my foot into a door. In doing that, I found a job before my retirement checks starting coming in.

After you've been let through that door, flexibility isn't as important as hard work and effort is.

In your case.... Zeroing in it's a bad thing because it gives you focus, but keep your options wide open. Flexibility has always, and will always, be the most important thing for the job seeker.