Why is it so hard to find a career? My MOS, 12B, is not highly transferable.

2015-12-06T16:55:43-05:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 4:57 PM

2015-12-06T16:57:48-05:00

That it is not.

You will need to start over in a new field. What are you considering?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 6 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-12-06T16:58:33-05:00

SPC Michael Joseph I think its location and supply and demand in your respectable career. I am in Logistics and a Truck Driver. There is always a need for a Trucker! What's your MOS?

Response by SPC Michael Joseph made Dec 6 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-12-06T16:58:41-05:00

If there any Enlisted 12B vets out there that has not had this issue please reach out and let me know your secret.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-12-06T17:00:57-05:00

Look at it as an opportunity to follow a passion. If you're looking for something similar to your MOS, consider ShooterJobs or https://www.cool.army.mil/

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-12-06T18:54:05-05:00

SPC Michael Joseph, I see that you are a veteran and attending school. That is great! Decide what you want to do as a career, and then make sure you have the needed skills and education. If not, obtain them. As a veteran, you have shown that you have drive and determination. My wish is that you find your dream job!

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Dec 6 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-12-06T19:42:21-05:00

SPC Joseph you are in better shape then you may think. . My Navy skills (ejection seat expert on fighter aircraft) didn't transfer to the civilian world. But the leader ship skills and problem solving skills learned in the Navy led to a very nice life as a Snap-On Tool dealer.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Dec 6 at 2015 8:08 PM

2015-12-06T20:08:41-05:00

You have to translate it into civilian speak. Leadership (who you were responsible for), Accountability (what you were responsible for) etc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-12-06T20:14:57-05:00

I work every day, and everyday i answer this question....

You are looking at backwards.... Its not the MOS, is your service that prospective employers are looking for. Yes, some MOS are directly transferable, but 9 of 10 times, you employer is looking for a few attributes groomed by the armed services.

1. Your ability to be in charge, and take charge.
2. Your ability to complete a task with minimal /no supervision.
3. Your ability to make a decision, implement it, and do better next time.

These are just a few things employers look for... These are the attributes you need to highlight.

--SSG Yax

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Dec 6 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-12-06T22:31:04-05:00

Because every other service member about to get out or veteran who is already out is also trying to find a job they like too! Stay motivated and don't waste your time with USA Jobs or other Internet based job search engines. Get your Resume together and apply apply apply.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Dec 7 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-12-07T11:05:28-05:00

It is both unfortunate and fortunate for you to be a young person in this day and age. First, the unfortunate part - Future Shock - technology and industry are moving so darn fast that it is an effort to merely keep pace with change in all fields. What you learned, literally six months ago about current methodology is superseded by a new wave of doing 'it', whatever 'it' is. The beauty of the time is that you have a vast horizon of choices, unprecedented access to education and information without leaving your living room. Look around, do a little trend analysis on various marketable skills and then dig in and become the best you can, and be prepared to keep digging for the rest of your professional life for that is what will be required of you to stay relevant. I'm 65 and just finished my required course work to maintain my credentials to work another year or two....it never, ever stops and you've got to keep moving with it.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Dec 7 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-12-07T11:06:28-05:00

I'd concur with everything that people are saying - you should focus on transferring your skills and experience and not your job. I started a similar discussion about 11B's, the MOS is different but the guidance from the RP community is the same. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-job-opportunities-are-best-for-an-infantryman-11b-after-being-discharged

What job opportunities are best for an Infantryman/11B after being discharged? | RallyPoint

What are some fields and occupations where others have been successful? Is there anything that an 11B has been particular good at once they get into the civilian sector? Or maybe even particular companies that really "get" what an 11B has gone though and taken the appropriate time and training to make them successful? Any guidance or thoughts about Infantryman transitioning back into the workforce is welcomed.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 7 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-12-07T12:18:39-05:00

Some MOS's are hard to transfer because they don't fit the civilian sector or jobs. I suggest if you are not already attending school to try and do that and get some credits for your MOS.

Response by Sgt Bruce C. made Dec 8 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-12-08T00:50:28-05:00

I can't help with why it's hard to transfer jobs in the military, if that is what your asking? I was an aircraft auto flight control specialist in the Air Force and I thought it would transfer me to an air line mechanics job, but none would look at me. I got lucky and fell into a job with the FAA and most of the time, I loved my job, but working for the government, it was a political controlled job. How long before this enlistment is up? Do you have time to continue school and start putting feelers out there. Have you thought of a military career?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 5:43 AM

2015-12-08T05:43:37-05:00

SPC Joseph, I was a 62J (now 12N) and am currently finishing up my career as a 3E271 in the Air Guard. Your MOS and the ones I have carried can get you in with a Civil Construction Company as an equipment operator even with little experience in the practical application of civilian work. I have took my experience and started a Landscape Business about 12 years ago and specialize in working on Military bases. The security aspect of working on bases has become high and every day companies can't get on base to fulfill the work. That edge you have of easily passing background check and the familiarity of military protocol would allow you to succeed if you chose to start a business. It doesn't take a whole lot of money to get going just drive and determination. If you still have the chance to use ACAP, look into some of these things. Good luck, you will do great! On a side note: If you stay in the guard or reserves after your enlistment you can gain some practical experience you may need or desire. Also the medical insurance under the Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) is excellent and impossible to match under civilian employment. Just a thought.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 7:11 AM

2015-12-08T07:11:31-05:00

Basically what everyone is saying is you have skills you've learned. Regardless if you don't have any skills that are transferable or haven't learned anything, are you going to let that stop you from living the life you'd like to live? Within 6 months of getting out I tripled my income not by doing anything I learned in the military or anything I was taught in school, but because I will be successful and Im willing to do what it takes to get there. So the question Im asking you is, yeah your MOS doesn't relate to pretty much anything that will make you successful in the civilian world but will you let that decide whether or not your successful? Find someone who has done what you want to do and figure out how they got there don't take advice from anyone in life that isn't where you want to be in life. With the opportunities out there theres no excuse for not being where you want to be, its all in your head. Get out there and find it!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 8:34 AM

2015-12-08T08:34:43-05:00

You need your degree. Certain skills are not transferable, but leadership, accountability, and your service will set you apart from people with the degree alone.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 11:01 PM

2015-12-08T23:01:59-05:00

I know it may be hard to believe that blowing up staff is not a very marketable skill. I found out much the same when I left the Army as a 11B. I went to BLET and became a Cop. That is about the only thing that I could do. I would say that going to school to pick additional skills is the way to go. The military skills that we learn are just for use in the military. Very few jobs in the Army transfer over very well.

Best of luck. I see you live by where I used to. I lived in Fuquay Varina for a good while. I was a Cop with the city of Dunn and then the Harnett County Sheriffs Office. But the pay wasn't that great so I went to the Active Duty Guard.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 8 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-12-08T23:05:00-05:00

Engineer? Disagreed. You have a ton of transferable skills. You just need to learn to communicate them. ACS and SFL TAP give classes in this very topic...

Response by SFC Donald Neal made Dec 9 at 2015 1:40 AM

2015-12-09T01:40:27-05:00

There may not be an option to bust out a Uli knot in civilian life, but the other things the military instills are certainly of value in the civilian sector. Work ethic, working challenging environments, diverse work groups, leading/managing/supervising, enforcing safety standards, reporting, emergency actions, implementing check lists and SOPs (think PCCs and PCIs), pre-shift briefings, personnel accountability, basic record keeping, supply and material accountability and so on. Don't forget implementing team based process reviews (after action reviews).

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Dec 9 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-12-09T09:42:00-05:00

SPC Michael Joseph I felt this same way when I got out. My AFSC did not appear to be easily transferable unless I wanted to go into aviation maintenance. I did not.

What I would recommend is think more broadly. Do you have leadership experience, yes! Did you gain problem solving skills, yes! Do you have team work organization experience, yes! Do have experience with Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat analysis, yes! I would bet you even have project management experience. Best of luck!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 12:33 PM

2015-12-09T12:33:30-05:00

I can share how I get my current job, just a year ago. Production Engineer, 6 final candidates, 4 of them have more experience and master degree related manufacturing engineering. I don't believe I am better qualified than any of them, but I am the only one with military background, thanks to the hint from the HR. So I concentrating on what military environment can provide to the plants.

Trust me, we are really the 1% of the cream on the workforce. Talk about preforming under pressure, you will blow them out of water, talk about the ability to learn and adapt under pressure, that will blow everyone out of the water. Talk about working under extremely diversified team member, that will also blow them out of water. Talk about the Military core value that you can apply to your job, they will be like eyes open wide, and many many more.

That is how I climb on top of the other 5. :) hope this will help a bit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-12-10T16:03:53-05:00

Switch your MOS, it is that easy. Counter Intelligence is highly transferable and they are snapping up E4s left and right. If your Army job only really pertains to the Army to complain that you can not do much on the outside, do something about it.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Dec 10 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-12-10T17:27:19-05:00

This is a great question to which most people hate the answer: the reason many of us find it so hard to find a career is because our current educational system is based upon the batched production model that steers us into jobs rather than encouraging us to develop our creativity. Check out this short clip:
https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms

Changing education paradigms

In this talk from RSA Animate, Sir Ken Robinson lays out the link between 3 troubling trends: rising drop-out rates, schools' dwindling stake in the arts, and ADHD. An important, timely talk for parents and teachers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 12:58 AM

2015-12-11T00:58:58-05:00

The people, leadership, teamwork, communication, thinking-on-you-feet skills are all transferrable if you can translate to civilian-speak on your resume. Law enforcement (as your profile indicates your interest in) especially needs these skills that are so vital in the military. It seems you're using your GI Bill at Wake Community College. Finish up your community college degree. Law enforcement definitely wants vets with at least 2 years college and military vets. Consider joining reserves/National Guard for more training, experience, great benefits. (USERRA laws protect civilian employment status) Persistence pays off! Don't give up.

Response by Capt Byron Chen made Dec 11 at 2015 2:12 AM

2015-12-11T02:12:17-05:00

What has been your approach so far to finding a career? Perhaps you can approach it by looking at what you want to do or what you would be interested in doing, first. Then see how your military and other credentials match up. While it might not be apparent at first, your military background translates to many opportunities in the private factor. Unfortunately, you have to do the translating for employers. But you can find success if you do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-12-11T10:09:53-05:00

Turns out surprisingly there isn't a big market for blowing doors off the hinges and doing route clearance in the civilian world.

Response by Capt Bob Abbott made Dec 11 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-12-11T21:41:25-05:00

Michael, Look into Veteran Insider. They specialize in helping vets like you translate their military skills into civilian terminology.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-12-11T22:05:19-05:00

As a former company executive (now retired) I would immediately pay attention to a resume from someone who had been in the military. I directed Corporate Security and so biased for anyone with SP/SF (Security Forces)/MP experience but would pay more attention to anyone with prior military service. So it depends on the company and supervisor doing the recruiting.

Response by 1SG John Aaron made Dec 12 at 2015 8:57 AM

2015-12-12T08:57:09-05:00

Your skills are in demand, but you have to translate those skills into a means civilian employers can understand. I am a retired First Sergeant, 19Z58K8. The civilian world has no idea what that is. Change the military terms in your resume into a something they can relate to, such as "First Sergeant" to "personnel Supervisor and Senior Adviser" or even "General Manager".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-12-12T14:33:38-05:00

SPC Joseph...I had the same struggle (leaving the service as an enlisted grunt), which pushed me to use my MGIB and get my degree. Other than being a cop or security guard, it didn't seem anyone was interested in my education and skills. I came back in as an officer, but agree with others that if I had worked my degree with the leadership skills (which you are honing through your military service) into a solid resume, I think I would have been competitive in the job market.

I am sure you already have, but make sure you take full advantage of the transition office, the education office, and don't be quick to close the door on containing your military career if you are not 100% certain.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 12 at 2015 8:34 PM

2015-12-12T20:34:46-05:00

You might be a casualty of senior NCOs being rifted. It creates a vacuum that needs filling by younger soldiers.

Response by SPC Michael Joseph made Dec 14 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-12-14T16:38:41-05:00

I want to thank all who have shared their opinion and gave feedback. I have took your advice and reworked my resume and made it transferrable to the civilian sector. I am proud to say that because of that I have landed myself a job interview with a advertising and marketing company and the position is "entry level project manager."

Thank you all.

Response by SFC Terry Logsdon made Dec 17 at 2015 5:55 AM

2015-12-17T05:55:39-05:00

I retired in 1992 and was told the only thing I could do was become a rigger. if u are in the right area try getting the state demo permit and work in forestery or quarry

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Jan 1 at 2016 12:38 AM

2016-01-01T00:38:40-05:00

The question you have to ask yourself is what do you want to do in spite of the MOS that you were trained in? Do not expect a company to tell you what to do because no one knows better than you.

Response by Brian Lyne made Jan 8 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-01-08T15:28:58-05:00

Any luck in finding something? Perhaps as others have said consider looking at things differently. If you want to go into law enforcement, perhaps volunteer at a local police department. Make connections, show you are motivated and ask for direction. I know the VA is hiring all types of folks, perhaps the center in Durham has something in their security groups. Also look at local schools, universities, etc they all have security officers and in some cases their own police force. NC State for example, their campus police attend the same academy as RPD. Good luck!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 8 at 2016 4:34 PM

2016-01-08T16:34:07-05:00

You are not per se, and Engineer. Can you destruction, construction, demolition, fabrication, truck driving or concrete work? If you answered yes, then is the lane you should look at.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 8 at 2016 8:02 PM

2016-01-08T20:02:34-05:00

I would look at government jobs, either with the city, county or state. You have construction skills that would suite them well. Also, many govt agencies give you extra hiring points for being a veteran.

Response by CPL Timothy Coffey made Feb 28 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-02-28T20:41:57-05:00

Maybe armorer?

Response by PVT Jevon James made Mar 13 at 2016 4:59 PM

2016-03-13T16:59:06-04:00

Theres a military transcript summary on milconnect it shows the civilian jobs from military experience.

Response by SPC Edward Banning made Mar 16 at 2017 8:18 AM

2017-03-16T08:18:51-04:00

Yeah welcome to civilization bro i found out the same thing when i left the Army in 2000.

Response by SGT Kyle Bickley made Aug 16 at 2017 8:41 AM

2017-08-16T08:41:17-04:00

Depends on if you had any training in heavy junk. Back hoe, bucket loader, dump truck, Dozier, low boy. That's all great skills to learn while your there and will land you a job with highway construction. Great benefits, great pay, great retirement, long hours, hot work, long days. But if your 12B, no big thing in your world! If you elect just to stay in the lines and not try to get with your heavy junk section then you are missing a great opportunity. I know, nobody likes cleaning the tracks of a Dozier, it's just part of the job!

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Apr 29 at 2019 8:06 AM

2019-04-29T08:06:47-04:00

My experience as a Combat Engineer gave me a well rounded foundation in critical thinking, problem solving, team work, can do and leadership, with some college education when I got out that military foundation served me well in business

Response by SP5 Thomas Schmidt made Dec 28 at 2020 10:36 PM

2020-12-28T22:36:39-05:00

12B is a marketable skill set, in the civilian world, if you sharpen you skills in mathematics and further your applied skills with additional trade schools. Specialised Skills done well are always in demand and open you to higher pay scales.