Guide to Veteran Transition Success

This is Part 1 of a series of articles I intend to write to provide some of the tips that I give to my colleagues who are getting ready to transition out of the military. It is my hope that this knowledge will open my brothers’ and sisters’ eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead. I’m always available to help with the transition, so please email me at wilson@juncyber.com.

Part 1. Prepare Yourself

Transition is scary. It was especially daunting for me as I had a family to think of and bills to pay. Each of us have a reason why we are transitioning but one thing we know, if we fail to plan then we should plan to fail.

Lets start with series with the tips that I’ve used to prepare myself for the “civilian” life.

1. Come to terms with your transition!

Once you’ve decided that your service to the country is up, your “End of Active Service” date is looming above your head. You have to acknowledge this! By doing so, you have set yourself a target date to backwards plan from. Every month, week, and day matters from this point as it will become a journey.

2. Transition Assistance Program (TAPs)

This training is mandatory and it is also a check in the box for you on your check out sheet. It is designed to help you figure out where and what you want to do next. I can’t tell you how many Marines I saw just biding their time. The information and the tools that they give you are invaluable to your success. Pay attention.

3. Get yourself and your transitioning friends on LinkedIn

You need this account because this is your resume online. It’s a source that people can search for those with the skillset that they require and a place for you to network. I’ve found that it has been indispensable in connecting to former colleagues and getting recommendations on the work that I’ve done. We’ll get into this later but understand that your online presence is important. More to follow.

4. Clean Up Your Facebook and other social media

You’ve heard this before, if people get into trouble by the 1st Sergeant for posting “fun pics” from the birthday ball, you can be sure that the employers you send your resume to will be looking at your profile. Think about it, if someone was coming into your unit, you would want to ensure that they were good to go. Where is the first place you look? Facebook.

Google your name like such “First Name Last Name”. What ever pops up, is what can be searched on you. So, if you still have that MySpace account that maybe in 2008 you posted something you shouldn’t have, either delete the account or adjust your privacy settings.

Short, simple, and to the point. This is the beginning of your new adventure. Get to work.

If you like the post please feel free to share it as I will continue the series with Part 2: Finding Your Passion.