Will be leaving the military in 11 months. Need guidance.

I am active army with MOS 25N, specialist. 4 years in by the time I leave. Secret clearance and CCNP switch done (CCNP will be complete by August if I stick to my schedule). I will be staying in the Anchorage area for a couple years. I have thought about reenlisting but I do not like army life and I don't feel challenged here. Also considered going warrant but I don't want to reenlist for a *chance* to become one.

1. I just need advice on how to start looking for a job. Do I start attending job fairs? Looking at job postings? How soon should I start (or even how) sending out resumes?

2. Anything else to make myself more marketable? VMWare really interests me but I have ZERO experience in it. Same thing with Microsoft.

3. Thoughts on National guard? Dod?

4. Any other tips, thoughts, comments? I am freaking out lol

Thank you.

Edit: I am most interested in a Network admin type job, one day network engineer but I know I will need to work up the ladder.

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Comments

aftereffector

If you do nothing else in ACAP, go to the DOL (Department of Labor) class. I learned a lot about resume writing and interviewing and I thought I was pretty capable in both areas before I went into that class.

CCNTrainee

At this point in the game, your Resume will be the very thing that will make or break you. Thou that are just the first half of the game, second part will be the way you sell your skills in the interview and show off how knowledgeable you really are. You can be one High Speed, Low Drag comm guy, but it won't mean much if you can't sell yourself to civilians since majority has never served. You should start sending them now, so you can test the waters and see if you can get a few bites. It will let you know how strong your Resume is and you can test yourself on the interviews if you get that far.

In the mean time you can still always upgrade your skills and making yourself multitalented, like gaining some Linux user fundamentals, server basics, building a mini virtual network to test and expand your skills. That will make you more technical which will make you more marketable and cards to add in an interview.

Lastly, since you don't plan to relocate/travel soon, I would look into a local college in the area. This will help if you plan on going into the guard and if you can't find a job right away after separation. That way you will get paid BAH while attaining school semi full time from your post 9/11 bill. Good luck on whatever plans that you have.

LittleBIT

I wont beat the dead horse about resume writing.

However, you can always create a LinkedIn account/Monster account, post all of your experience and certifications, and you can end up getting emails about job offers (although a number of them are terrible). You can always look into becoming a GS/Contractor as well and gain your experience that way.

I honestly used Craigslist for all my jobs, I posted my resume there (Delete your address and leave only your email address, no first name) and you can end up getting contacts that way.

I also recommend the Guard and College/BAH route, you can focus on school - get an associates/bachelors out of the way and hit the job market. All the while working on your certifications. I am currently deployed myself and have attained 5 certifications since October. Drive and motivation.

I hope this helps.

shodown

I would suggest getting as good as you can with what you work with now. When I was getting out I did windows, linux, unix, and cisco. Nothing good enough to have a decent job outside of the JOAT jobs. I decided to focus on cisco and spend all my time and energy there. Got involved in all things cisco at work so I stood a shot at a decent job when I got out.

networker050184

I was a 25N as well. I did voice work at first when I got out making good money. That will probably be your most unique skill set coming into the civilian world, but not your only available path. If you work on your resume, tech and interview skills you won't have any problems finding a job.

DoD is something a lot of people are interested when getting out, but I never even looked into it. I was looking to get as far away from the military and government as possible so I don't really have much advice for you on that front.

Don't freak out! It is a stressful process, but proper planning can help ease the transition. I'd start applying and posting your resume to job boards about 4-6 months out from the start of your terminal leave. I started a little earlier at about 12 months out (I was freaking out too!) and really couldn't find anyone to take serious consideration in me with so much time left.

Good luck and let us know if you have anymore questions.

CCNTrainee

LittleBIT wrote: »

I wont beat the dead horse about resume writing.

However, you can always create a LinkedIn account/Monster account, post all of your experience and certifications, and you can end up getting emails about job offers (although a number of them are terrible). You can always look into becoming a GS/Contractor as well and gain your experience that way.

I honestly used Craigslist for all my jobs, I posted my resume there (Delete your address and leave only your email address, no first name) and you can end up getting contacts that way.

I also recommend the Guard and College/BAH route, you can focus on school - get an associates/bachelors out of the way and hit the job market. All the while working on your certifications. I am currently deployed myself and have attained 5 certifications since October. Drive and motivation.

I hope this helps.

Geez, you got 5 certs in less then two months?!?!? Dang I feel shameful... Lol

Been downrange since July and knocked out 4 of my exams, got burned out after my CCENT. After a month break, started my College class, probably won't get to test for another cert till I get back stateside. Congratz and good luck to you as well.

instant000

Signal Corps!!!!!

(Former 25B Here.)

It's good you started asking this question now, versus later.

When you get on LinkedIn, check out the "Veteran Mentor Network."

Also, look me up (link is in my signature).

Additionally, if you've already decided where you want to be working, you need to get involved in that community. Try to find meetups, chamber of commerce meetings, etc. --- basically, any networking events that are going on in your area.

Being an outstanding candidate is great, but being able to go to these meetups will help a lot.

It is about doing the job well, no doubt. It is about having the skill, no doubt. But, you've already decided on the market you want to be working in. Now, you need to get into the habit of meeting people in that market. This way, you'll be in a position to decide between great offers, versus hunting for a gig just to keep the cash rolling in.

Hope this helps.

CCNTrainee:

Don't feel shameful. If you study for months and months and clear that CCNA, it'll be so worth it, because it'll make it so much easier for you to understand other things that are going on in the network.

Dieg0M

You seem to be keeping the same pace I had when I got out of the military. Make sure you don't burn yourself out. My best advice would be to find a good recruiter to find a job for you. I noticed highly skilled people are generally bad at selling themselves but do very good in technical interviews. Keep up the good work and don't be worried about the transition to the civilian world, the job market for highly skilled people is very good.