Civilian Career Goals

Through recognizing the fundamental dissimilarities and similarities of your former military career and your new civilian career, you can clarify your future professional needs:
While serving in the military, you receive an assignment which lasts for an explicit amount of time at a standard pay grade consisting of a conventional salary with pay upgrades determined by the assignment) and are provided with all of the clothing, equipment and training necessary to carry out the set objective. Essential difference: Collaborative environment, member of a team, Field Service Record created to detail military qualifications, training and experience, sometimes but not always given opportunity to make choice in assignment(s), generally not subjected to layoffs, downsizing and changing industry environments, always provided clothing equipment and training.
In civilian life, you must look for employment opportunities at varying rates of pay and provide your own clothing. Most positions will provide equipment and some training for the position. Essential Differences: Have full opportunity to make a personal choice in employment and position including starting your own business, must translate Field Service Record qualifications, training and experience into a civilian resume, multiple opportunities to exceed conventional salary structure, must find a position on your own or through assistance, must devote personal time and effort into the art of finding a position through research and application process, subject to layoffs, downsizing and changing industry environments once employed and must supply, at the least, the cost of civilian work clothing.

Volunteer to Gain Skills

Civilian Employment Experience? – Volunteer to Gain Skills
There are many volunteer organizations where you can gain knowledge and experience to add to your résumé. Some organizations which always are in need of volunteers:
• Veterans Hospital
• Disabled Veterans (DAV)
• The United Way
• American Red Cross
• Planned Parenthood
• Catholic Charities
• Jewish Federations
• Other religious organizations
• Legal Aid Groups