When you are looking to make a career change, where is the first place you go to get help?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 07:48:24 -0400

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Jun 20 at 2017 8:01 AM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 08:01:20 -0400

We have career counselors, but sometimes it helps to go to someone a few pay grades above you (while letting your chain know the reason why you're seeing that senior) who you work with directly.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 8:01 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 08:01:32 -0400

I had a rough transition so may not be the best advise. I know a lot of people that had luck with recruiters like Bradley Morris and Lucas group, especially if you are willing to relocate. I was not in a position as a single father at the time I retired. It all worked out for the good though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 8:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 08:04:37 -0400

VA rep or your college rep. That really helped me. Your chosen profession will help you. I chose teaching because I wanted to still serve my community.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 8:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 08:36:53 -0400

I wrote a lenghty response then I looked at your LI page and promptly deleted it. You got this.
Before you jump I would recommend you get a mentor in the Army and then one in your chosen career field. There are several veteran centered entrepreneurs on LI that will assist. Look at both COAs and make a decision. Timing is critical due to your PCS and location where you want to land. I figure you have window from 2LT and before 0-3 to pull the cord so I'd timeline it out. Also, remember that Murphy can happen at anytime. Meaning you could be on final approach and then your BCT gets PTDO to Afghanistan. Best of Luck.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 20 at 2017 9:37 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 09:37:00 -0400

I wound up working with a lot of folk looking for "career change", especially as I became more senior in both the MIL and CS side. It's almost always the same story. "Career change" is only about a third of it. The other 2/3rds is you. So when you talk to a recruiter, career counselor, etc. you're only covering the smaller piece. So you have to work with someone who is more interested in helping the "you" piece. Someone who thinks you're worth their time because you demonstrate you are. Someone who sees something in you that's worthwhile. Someone who'd like to see you become something better. So if you're looking for some mentoring, keep those things in mind. I've seen repetitive career changes because the "you" piece was never dealt with properly. Unfortunately about the third time, people tend to become hardened and refuse to work on the you piece. Keep that in mind too. You don't want to become hardened. A lot of junior folk are dealing with the person/job/culture fit thing. You best understand where the rub points are lest you recreate it in your next situation. BTW, you can get some counseling to better understand the whys of where you are at. Frustration, anxiety, dislike, not having any control, and the list goes on. The MIL version of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) deals with that stuff on a confidential basis for free. People tend to be too proud to take advantage of it. I learned not to be proud several times. Better than trying to figure it out on my own.

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Jun 20 at 2017 10:43 AM

LCpl Shane Couch — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 10:43:53 -0400

What helped me the most was looking into my past. What did I enjoy doing the most? You know yourself better than anyone else. I have tried career counselors but they are simply just an outside opinion from someone who is just learning about you. They take your current interests and apply them to career finding. Your current interest may not be a career that is for you. I have taken a few "current interests" and turned them into hobbies. Once I have had a good feel for that hobby, then I pursued it into a career. In order for your new career to work for you, you have to enjoy it. Don't put yourself in a position where you have a job that you dread going to each day. Life is short, enjoy it.

Response by Alicia Quinn made Jun 20 at 2017 10:45 AM

Alicia Quinn — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 10:45:28 -0400

Find a recruiter within your career change field and any one of us would be happy to assist and advise in any way we can. You can also reach out to your local universities to see if they partner with furthering education (investing in yourself for others to invest in you). Also finding individuals that have made a similar change, are in your current field or are in your new field of interest and picking their brain for ideas, mentorship or even just encouragement. Remember change doesn't happen immediately and can be a long challenging process but if you are going into what you love it will ALWAYS be worth it all in the end!