1

Get a job, even if it's not perfect, build civilian occupational and professional skills, build civilian professional contacts, then start looking for the perfect job while you have a job.

2

Begin networking years out. Commit to owning your own transition. Decide what you want to do in time enough to ensure you are qualified to do it. Do not expect anything to be given to you - expect to earn it.

3

Out of the chute, it's who you know...work your network....this is when to call in favors from those who you served with who transitioned before you. Modify your resume so civilians understand it (translate jargon, explain acronyms, spell out the places you worked in English, etc).

4

Networking and don't be afraid to ask for help.

5

Own your own transition. Do your own research years in advance and decide what you want to be. Use you last few years to ensure you are prepared and have the education and certs to be competitive. It's no one else's job and no one else's fault when you can't get a jeb because you are not qualified.

6

Clearly identify what you want to do for the next several decades. If you dont know, start talking to people about their experience. Dont rule anything out, but be realistic and be willing to get additional training or education to achieve your goals.

7

Be open minded. Plan early and strive to gather enough information to have a good idea of what you think you want to do so you can be focused in your approach to achieve your goals. If you don't have an idea of what you want to do, it will be hard for others to help you in the transition. If you are interested in starting a private sector career, engage with a military recruiter like Orion that already has a network and track record of success getting veterans new careers. They can provide great insight into the types of roles you are a good fit for and help you get prepared to interview on top of potentially getting you into that 1st job. After that, it is up to you to perform and build your career and options!

8

Transition is a full time job requiring intentional focus, a strong network of supporters and advisors, and it will have challenges.

9

Start networking early. Get off base and in contact with various business groups like the local Chamber of Commerce or one of the various networking organizations that plan local events. Start you LinkedIn account profile and complete it. Yesterday.

10

1) Change the way you communicate - it's not the same 2) Lower your expectations over how you will take care of your people - it's not the same 3) Lower your expectations about how you will be taken care of - it's not the same 4) Look for a career, not a position or merely a job 5) Find out what makes you interested and happy - what types of problems do you like to solve? 6) Learn skills and earn credentials that will make you less likely to be laid off, or make it less painful to find another position in your chosen career path if you do... 7) Build a network in your industry and where you live that will help you weather a layoff - one that will help you help others when they are laid off as well; the door swings both ways...8) Don't assume that what you did i the military means squat to the civilians; less than 1% of today's American population have served in uniform - they don't understand you or your mindset....Good luck!

11

You have to demilitarize yourself as much as possible. everything from sometimes the way you talk to the way you walk. People are intimidated or scared by the things that you will do.

12

Network! There are very few veterans that transition to non-government corporations. Any connection that can be made is very valuable.

13

Nobody cares who you are, or what you did. The only thing that matters is what can you do for them. Figure that out....then sell it!

14

Plan and prepare early and don't underestimate the emotional strain.

15

Start networking OUTSIDE the military as soon as you can and keep it up. Every person you meet could become crucial in your next career.

16

Look at many options, you don't know what is out in the private sector until you look around.

17

1) Have as specific a plan as you can. 2) Know where you want to live. 3) Know what type job you want to do. 4) Target specific companies within the industry or field you want to work in.

18

At least two years prior to separation, look into Entrepreneurship. TAPS did not stress the opportunities to own your own business. There are lots of opportunities out here. Otherwise, as soon as you know you are ending your military career, begin preparing your job/career strategy. Nobody is going to hand you a job. Use LinkedIn.com and other media to help. Find a non-profit organization to help you with employment and transition.

19

Go to transition classes early, make a realistic plan early, at least a year before you separate and start working towards that plan before you separate...

20

Begin networking -- online and within the community you hope to join -- early... a year out at least.

21

Consider the tax breaks for salary (You need a lot more money on the civilian side to be equal). Figure out what jobs/responsibilities you like in the service and find a similar career path. Translate what you did into what you do or can do for the company you are pursuing. Thanks for your service, but no one care what you did. That want to know what you are going to do.

22

1) Take a career transition course or seminar. 2) Get educated. 3) Know what you want to do.

23

Start early...

24

Be flexible, civilians don't react the same way as military in almost every situation....

25

Figure out what you want to do before you separate.