WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE 25
CAREER & EMPLOYMENT
10 Career Tips for Veterans
Pre-Transition & While in Career
By Ian Perkins Pre-Transition
T
hink deeply about what you want to do before you separate, and have a well thought out plan on what you want to do. Do your research! Make a clear plan for what you want to do, and be clear about the steps you will need to complete it. This tip is number one for a reason, because it is truly the most important. Plan as early as possible before your separation date on what you want to do once you make your transition back to civilian life. This may be attending a higher education institution, trade school or corporate education program. Planning as early as possible allows you to you meet application deadlines, financial aid/Post 9-11 G.I Bill submission due dates and any other necessary paperwork due dates. Also, planning early allows you the headspace to handle any unexpected hindrances that may arise.
PAY ATTENTION AND TAKE NOTES IN YOUR TAP (TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ).
Your TAP briefing has a wide range of information that is helpful in transitioning back to civilian life, so pay attention. It will cover veteran benefits, education assistance benefits, medical benefits, financial planning, health benefits, VA home loans and creating a transition plan. Knowing the ins and outs of these programs can aid you immensely once you're out. Remember, you won't be able to just pick up and drive back on base to get your questions answered. So, make sure you ask what you need and get answers before your date of separation.
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS INTO CIVILIAN RHETORIC.
Many civilian hiring managers/ HR departments do not understand the distinctive terminology used in the military. Help them out and take the time to update and revise your resume to make it easy for them to navigate. Identify and translate your valuable military skills to what employers are hungry to see in their potential employees. Don't be afraid to consult online resources or hire a professional resume writer to update your resume. It's a cheap and justifiable expense if it gets you in the door of the company you desire.
SAVE AS MUCH LEAVE AND MONEY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU SEPARATE.
Not a typical career tip, but quite an important one. Accumulating as much leave and money as possible helps you to ease the transition back into civilian life. Having some leave saved up before your separation date allows you to depart your home base early before your separation date. The same goes for your money situation. Having a nice cash cushion allows you to prepare for a number of months where you may not have any income coming in before you start a new job, begin university or training. In addition to paying for necessary expenses, it also
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