What jobs can a Veteran look at doing in the civilian sector if they have a Bachelors degree of Science in Organizational Leadership?

2015-10-19T08:17:23-04:00

Transition of enlisted Soldiers into the civilian workforce.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Oct 19 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-10-19T08:20:39-04:00

Pretty much anything you want. It's how you would apply that education once you have a job. Also it depends on what the employers are looking for.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Oct 19 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-10-19T08:21:35-04:00

Anything you want. Your degree doesn't matter as much as your willingness to learn new things, and your love of what you are doing.

Response by SPC Kelli Morrison made Oct 19 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-10-19T08:33:24-04:00

Try to find a career in human resources, government or administration environments. .

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 8:59 AM

2015-10-19T08:59:09-04:00

My wife has a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership and a Masters in H.R., but she has been working in Logistics and now she's is a "business process engineer" for SAIC. Seems like having your PMP can up your worth quite a bit...something to think about!

Response by LTC Marc King made Oct 19 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-10-19T09:10:02-04:00

SFC Patrick: I spent over 25 years in the corporate world so my advice would be to leverage the current degree with additional training/education in the area of quality assurance. It is a skill badly needed in industry today and you don't have to interview with the person who sees you as coming after their job in HR. Clearly the first response is HR but some informed thought given to the matter will lead to a better decision in the end. Find out what ISO is all about - get some background and training and you might find your transition to the corporate world a smoother one. Consider almost ever piece of equipment you are using today was manufactured by a company that was required to meet ISO 9000-2001 manufacturing standards and the was some on in that manufacturing plant that was the expert. Check it out.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-10-20T08:43:06-04:00

It is about how you sale yourself. :)

Response by 1SG Mark Shreve made Oct 20 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-10-20T13:39:58-04:00

I left the Army after 22 years with an associates degree, I put my foot in the door at a Fortune 100 company as a security guard. I currently am a Manager of Large Accounts and Operations. It took me 1 year to achieve the progression I needed to compensate for the loss of income when I retired. I have been here 15 years now and went on to earn my BA and several industry certifications. Bottom line is to network in your community, once you get in the door seek to learn your job and the next level as well, know your industry and seek self improvement. All the discipline and training you have recieved will stand out as you accomplish your personal and professional objectives.

Response by MSgt Jeff "JAKe" Kranz made Oct 20 at 2015 4:16 PM

2015-10-20T16:16:31-04:00

Booming Industry = Automation Control Systems. Find a company like Interstates Control Systems Inc. http://www.interstates.com The company is growing faster than it can keep up. New federal regulations are forcing manufacturing companies to install/upgrade automation controls. There are plenty of jobs for people with electronics, mechanical, structural and project management experience. Interstates prefers military recruits.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-10-20T17:06:50-04:00

With that as your B.S. and your general military background, I would look for something in the Systems Engineering field. You may be a perfect candidate to offer a fresh solution to a problem that a company has been mired in.

Response by SGT John Leuth made Oct 21 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-10-21T20:22:42-04:00

Human Resources Development

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-10-21T21:48:53-04:00

Look at clearancejobs.com.

At your rank, you have a SECRET clearance, regardless of your MOS. (Of course, if you were an Intel Analyst, it's much higher.) Plenty of companies are looking to staff positions, many of which are overseas, including combat zones, which may not be to your liking. But a 4-year degree in anything and a clearance is a guaranteed job.

I had a coworker who's degree was in History.

Response by MSgt Ani Stubbs made Oct 22 at 2015 10:20 AM

2015-10-22T10:20:39-04:00

Whilst the degree is helpful, getting the PMP certification will help even more. This is the degree for Project/Program Managers. Gather some experience with contract reviews.

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-10-22T20:55:42-04:00

The first think I would do is remember to put an apostrophe in front of the 's' in your degree description. It's bachelor's and master's. Yes, I am a grammar snob, but even so, if I got CV with a mistake like that I'd toss it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2015 9:26 PM

2015-10-22T21:26:27-04:00

SFC Patrick, This is a tough one to answer, because it depends so much on you, your abilities, experiences and attitude, not necessarily your degree. It also depends on where you decide to live and possibly as pointed out by someone earlier, your willingness to relocate. There were a lot of ideas presented, but what's most important is what job do you want.

Unless you are looking for a job as a scientist, engineer, doctor, or another profession, then the title of your degree really doesn't matter. What matters to many employers, not all, is that you have a degree. What matters most is the job you want.

Unless you just need a job to pay the bills, take time to decide what you want and go get it. Making that decision may not be easy as several people have pointed out already. So here is my short list of questions to ask yourself:

1. What type of job do you want? Factors to take into consideration include job security (think state, local, federal government), risk (law enforcement, fire, construction, mining, etc.), challenge (supervision, management, starting a business) and many other factors.

2. Where do you want to live? This can be a limiting factor in the jobs available to you unless you are willing to relocate. Working from home sounds great to many people, but it's not for everyone.

Once you answer these questions for yourself, it will be easier to answer your original question. If you haven't already done so, create a Linkedin Profile. LinkedIn is not facebook, it is for business only - no family connections and no posts or likes of anything not business related. Most recruiters are now using LinkedIn to find candidates and listing jobs. Resumes are still an option for some employers, but more and more of them are using LinkedIn only.

Here are my recommendations for your LinkedIn profile:

1. Profile Picture: Head shot in business attire (uniforms are great for the military, but some employers do have a bias against veterans).

2. Summary: A quick summary of who your are (not what you've done) and your capabilities. Keep it short.

3. Current and at least two other Job Titles and Description of what those jobs were along with your accomplishments. Try using two short paragraphs with the first being a description of the job (not duties) and the second one being your major accomplishments in that job. If there were no accomplishments, then just use the first paragraph.

4. Recommendations: It is better to give one than to receive one. My general rule of thumb is to recommend three people for every recommendation I get. The recommendation should actually say what the person did and how it affected the business or operation. Don't just say they are good or trustworthy. Be specific. The recommendations someone gives you tells what you did - The recommendations you give tells who you are.

5. Don't list clearances or anything compromising to ongoing operations. Everything else listed is up to you.

Once you have done all of this and answered the first questions I posed, go back to your profile and make sure your job descriptions include key words for the job(s) you want. All future recommendations you give should also include these key words.

Sorry for the long post -- good luck!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Oct 24 at 2015 11:12 PM

2015-10-24T23:12:47-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member - I'd strongly suggest getting that PMP certificate. Between your military backaground, a BA and PMP, you'd have a pedigree that could turn goat's milk into gasolin.

Response by SSG Dave Mack made Oct 24 at 2015 11:58 PM

2015-10-24T23:58:34-04:00

What have you been doing in the military for the past so many years? Look for something that you have experience in and apply for those type of positions. Once you have a job and can pay the bills start working towards something you really want to do. I got out as SSG with no degree. I started out as a DOD contractor for a year and then went federal. I just did that until I found a career. You're going to be out of the service. Do what you want. There are so many options out there. You just have to go after it. The real world is easy. Don't listens to what everyone has to say. I help veterans with writing resumes and helping them find employment all the time. That's how I give back. Let me know if you need my help.

Response by Capt Steve Olds made Nov 26 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-11-26T08:35:31-05:00

Check out positions available with Leadership Development company at https://patriotmission.leadpages.co/development-directors/

Response by Sgt David Hesser made Oct 30 at 2017 10:23 PM

2017-10-30T22:23:44-04:00

First do not sell yourself short, your lack of technical knowledge in certain fields still wont be a hindrance in some jobs. I am always surprised why so many NCO,s do not go straight for management jobs, it is no different than being in the service, remember all those officers that ran great tight and successful units but did not have any or little knowledge on the troops specific jobs but they did know how to get organize and they did know how to assemble a team set goals long term and short term and the knew how to delegate and hold accountable, you are a e-7 you would never had made this rank without having the general qualifications needed in the civilian sector the biggest difference is you are on your own to start off with but dont think you have to work your way up again. good luck.