moaa career guide
experience in more general terms, like having the ability to follow pro- cesses, maintain attention to detail, and exercise leadership. Crampton points to aviation, acqui-
sitions, engineering, finance, informa- tion technology, law, maintenance, management, and medicine as military fields that readily can be transferred into civilian employment. But he notes it’s not quite so easy to explain to a po- tential employer the relevance of work as an infantry soldier, a pilot, a tanker, or a sailor. Crampton says veterans from these fields need to make sure to effectively communicate their skills in multitasking, working under pres- sure, and using personal and commu- nication skills to organize others and reduce conflict. “People look at an infantryman and think he takes a gun and kills people —
Col. Mark Wasserman served in the Air Force for 27 years, retiring in February 2007. He then became an owner and operator of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in San Antonio. He has 48 employees working for him and is responsible for all aspects of the operation, including marketing, day-to-day activities, and mentoring his leadership team. Wasserman says his transition into the private
sector was easy because working for Chick-fil-A has similarities to serving in the military. “In the military, we are so much about building relationships and teamwork and coaching,” he says. “And that’s what we’re all about at Chick-fil-A .” His advice for other servicemembers transitioning out of the military:
“Don’t do a desperate job search. It will [create] turmoil in your life.” He also says spouses need to communicate with each other. “Don’t make assumptions, because it’s a critical time,” he says. Finally, he adds ser- vicemembers need to know there are matches out there for everyone. “Most people won't transition right to the CEO, so understand that even though you’re very talented, you’re going to have to earn your keep, so don’t get frustrated in the initial transition.”
Resources for Federal Job Seekers
In 2009, President Obama signed Executive Order 13518, Employment of Veterans in the Federal Gov- ernment, to establish the Veterans Employment Initiative. A large part of that initiative was the cre- ation of
www.fedshirevets.gov, a website devoted to providing career-transition information to veterans, retiring servicemembers, and military spouses.
The site provides information on veterans’ pref- erence, Office of Personnel Management hiring events, the federal hiring process, and finding the education and training you need to transition into the civilian sector. You also can search for federal jobs by agency, field, or occupation at
www.usa
jobs.gov.
E MILITA R Y O FFICER MAY 2011 MOAA CAREER GUIDE
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
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