Military to Civilian - How marketable am I?

LMVen

Just wondering what I can expect when moving over to the civilian sector in about a year and a half. I have 12 years network admin/technician experience, with a few years managing a work center of about 14 other technicians. I also have some security experience, an Associate's, and the following certs: Net+, Security+, CCNA, and CEH. No Bachelor's as of yet.

MTciscoguy

Sounds like you are real marketable, I just secured a private sector job yesterday and I spent 30 years in the Army, so if you have your certs and you have the experience, I am sure somebody will hire you, I only convinced myself to go back to work about a year ago and only really got serious the last couple of months and finally got hired.

Concerned Water

You'll be fine with those certs and experience. Especially if you have at least a Secret clearance.

LMVen

Cool, I was a bit worried that not having a BS would limit me quite a bit, especially in the non-military contracting world on the civilian side.

TechGuru80

LMVen wrote: »

Cool, I was a bit worried that not having a BS would limit me quite a bit, especially in the non-military contracting world on the civilian side.

Well it still might. When people talk about having a clearance they are referring to a contract or federal position. All depends on the companies but in some situations having a degree is a requirement. Your experience will help but I would finish your degree ASAP because there is no question that it will hurt you at some point...more than likely later down the road than at first.

Concerned Water

A BS could open more doors, but it's not a show stopper for technical positions. I've been in the field a little over 4 years and progressed from Desktop Tech to Network Security Engineer (job hopped a bit though) without a degree. If you want a management position, you'll definitely want a degree though.

Robertf969

I'm in a similar situation as you. I would finish your Bachelors as soon as possible. I am getting plenty of interest but I am still getting ruled out from a lot for not having that piece of paper. 2 more semesters

ImYourOnlyDJ

You shouldn't have any trouble securing a job in the private sector especially with your experience. Just do what I did and find a hiring manager that was former military . My military experience was definitely a plus during interviews even though I had a non technical MOS (Grunt).

SteveLord

Use your tuition benefits and get a degree. Check out the stickies on WGU. You would likely transfer in a ton and could probably knock it out in a year or less.