WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE 27

arriving early after working late and scrambling to get a project done because of an accelerated timeline. Because of the military, you're uniquely adept to handling these tasks. Your ability to multitask and do so while not succumbing to the pressure makes you a tremendous asset to your team and company. While in your position, make it a point to always ask others if you can help and learn their jobs.

KEEP YOUR MILITARY HOURS.

Do you remember the saying? If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. And if you're late, you're fired. Keeping up your previous military hours will be helpful in staying efficient and successful in your civilian career. If you get to work early, you have the opportunity to sit down calmly and come up with an agenda to see you through your entire day. This is opposed to getting to work right at your start time and sifting through emails and tasks you need to complete as you see them, like a game of Whack-A-Mole.

KEEP UP WITH TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS JUST LIKE YOU DID IN THE MILITARY, EVEN IF IT'S NOT REQUIRED OF YOU.

Staying up-to-date on certifications, new techniques, software and information pertinent to your job and responsibilities was a required cornerstone of your military responsibilities. You should continue that level of training frequency. Doing so will keep you sharp and knowledgeable while simultaneously keeping you ahead of your career peers.

BUILD OUT YOUR NETWORK.

Your network can be comprised of job seeker groups, pro-military companies, job fair groups and even friends. Many companies have devoted applicant sections strictly for veterans. Once you're added to these lists, you'll receive emails about positions specially geared to veterans. You can also add yourself to veteran groups within LinkedIn and if you attended college, utilizing your alumni network is another great way to round up leads. Depending on where you are (pre-separation or in career), these tips can help you carve out a good path to your new civilian career or help you get to that next level within the one you already have.

Ian Perkins is a freelance writer who lives in Chicago, Ill., and writes regularly on education, personal finance, lifestyle and a variety of other subjects. He is a United States Air Force veteran who graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Journalism in 2013. In his free time, he enjoys nature, art and is a major film buff.