What was the best thing you learned from attending the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) / Transition GPS?

Bethany Duffy — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 12:37:41 -0500

When exiting the service, you attend a mandatory five-day workshop. Please share and let us know if that helped you in your transition as well as some memorable or interesting things you learned while attending.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 18 at 2016 12:52 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 12:52:21 -0500

Careerinfonet.org has a regional salary calculator to help with salary negotiation.

Response by MSG Patrick Quinn made Jan 18 at 2016 1:40 PM

MSG Patrick Quinn — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:40:43 -0500

This may seem like common sense, but the biggest takeaway for me was 'civilianizing' and quantifying my resume. There weren't a lot of online job search resources when I got out, and I'm sure the program has changed a lot since then.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 2:53 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:53:06 -0500

Quite honestly, I did not benefit from TAPS at all. First off, it was required in order to go on terminal leave and while it was nice to get off of the ship for about a week, it was not very helpful.

I came into the class with a few resumes because I had already printed some off and applied for jobs and the instructor asked if anyone had one and I handed him mine and he tore it apart as subpar (compared to my resumes now, I agree). A few hours later I got a phone call offering me my first post-Navy job.

I think it is better to speak to someone in the field you want to pursue then listen to a career generalist.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 3:56 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:56:03 -0500

From my experience, it's a check the block. National Guard have to do it after every deployment and the many of us have a civilian career that is already in place. I think it should be an optional program for reservists, that way those that complete it are interested and not just using up resources.
I'm interested in seeing what the positives others have seen. I had several soldiers told by the counselors to fill out an application, any application , and send it in as proof you applied for a job- they used Burger King as the example and that the same one could be used for both required applications. Sad, really.

Response by Sgt Joey Eisenzimmer made Jan 18 at 2016 4:23 PM

Sgt Joey Eisenzimmer — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 16:23:55 -0500

The best information I recall was related to our VA education benefits, specifically the GI Bill. Every Vet should take advantage of the opportunity to put some tools in the tool box whether its certifications, degrees, etc. After having my resume fine tuned by a seasoned HR professional in 2015, the TAPS class couldn't offer near the quality services like I received. Point being, they try to push too much information, jack of all trades and master of none. I knew getting into business and earning my MBA and PMP certification is what I wanted to do, therefore a course helping Vets identifying top business programs, how to apply, what to expect, etc. would have been invaluable to me. Instead, I received a plethora of information on other topics, one of the top hiring rail road companies for example, which is an outstanding career path but it wasn't relevant to me.