Military to Civilian Career Transition

12x things I would have done differently if I was transitioning now: 1 - started earlier Should have started 18 months out, but would have loved to had 2-3 years...allowing me to space things out Doesn't mean "I'm getting out & going to job fairs" for 2-3 years Means I'm getting my LinkedIn profile together, growing my network, having exploratory conversations about careers & working on education (if necessary) It took 200+ phone calls & cups of coffee to figure out what I wanted to do...it would have been MUCH less stressful spread out over a few years (instead of 10 months) 2 - take TAP as soon as possible It isn't an amazing course (unless you luck out & get one of the absolute angels that teach it + have experience) But it is designed to give you a FOUNDATION Almost like transition Cliffs Notes 3 - request a mentor from American Corporate Partners (ACP) (14 months) Gives you full year to work with them before you get out Hint: ask your mentor to introduce you to other people if things are going well 4 - work on ethics memo (12 months out) for senior leaders Visit local JAG or ethics office You'll need an ethics letter for many senior defense sector jobs, so better to know now (and maybe even start the cooling off period earlier...while still in) 5 - get free LinkedIn Premium (12 months out) Google "free LinkedIn Premium for veterans" and hit the first link 6 - conduct informational interviews (12 - 6 months out) You ideally start way earlier, but here is where you really narrow down the answer to the question: what do you want to do? I recommend at least 2x calls a week to learn more about what people do, ideally you are doing 3-5x a week 7 - Sign up for USO Transitions (12 months out) Get a USO Transition Specialist that will work with you one-on-one, and they also have some cool webinars 😎 8 - get life insurance quotes (12-6 months out) Do it BEFORE you document everything that has ever been wrong with you for your disability (or get a sleep study) VGLI is #expensive & designed to ensure everyone (even medically discharged) can get it This can save you hundreds a month (easy) 9 - get free cert from Onward to Opportunity (6 months out) Ideally you've done enough informational interviews to choose the best one for your next career (not the automatic PMP everyone says to get) O2O will give you (+ spouse) free training for 1x cert AND pay for the exam They will also give you a career workshop, coaching & help with your resume 10 - take extra TAP classes Visit your transition center & see what else they offer They hold events and have specialized training beyond the minimum required classes 11 - work on resume (4-6 months out) with mentors It doesn't make sense to write a resume until you figure out what you want to do 12 - start applying for jobs (2-3 months from day you can start) Ideally with referrals from your mentors, giving you 11x better odds of getting job) Questions? #quinnsights HireMilitary

Your MOS won’t get you hired. (But your translation will.) Let me break it down for every transitioning service member: Employers don’t speak “military.” They don’t know what an 0311, 42A, or 0369 means. They don’t know that “Platoon Sergeant” meant you managed 40+ employees, ran performance reviews, led operations, and kept people alive under pressure. They just see what you put on your resume. So if your resume looks like your fitness report... If it’s packed with acronyms, billets, and military jargon... You’re not being overlooked because you’re underqualified. You’re being overlooked because they don’t understand your value. Here’s how to fix it: Break it down ↳ Don’t say: “Oversaw training of 80 Marines” ↳ Say: “Led training operations for 80 personnel, improving readiness by 30% through performance tracking and curriculum redesign.” Speak their language ↳ Use terms like: Leadership | Project Management | Operational Oversight | Risk Mitigation | Cross-functional Teams Focus on your impact, not your rank ↳ They care less about E-7 or O-4 ↳ They care more about what you did—and what you can do for them Your MOS was your title. Your value runs deeper. Let’s get you hired (not just thanked for your service). P.S. Repost this ♻️ for your network. You never know who it might help. #MilitaryTransition #VeteranJobs #VeteranSupport

5 things I would do now if I was retiring from the military today… 3 years ago, I applied for retirement. I had one entire year to plan and transition. If I applied today and had one year before the official date. I would now do: 1. Reach out to two people I trust and respect who retired in the last year who work in the civilian sector and ask them: - What financial issue surprised you the most? - What job search issue surprised you the most? - What mental issue surprised you the most? 2. Identify two roles (high level and intermediate level) I desire and research five job postings for each and review the basic and preferred requirements. - Knock out any requirements that I have control over (finish degree/get the certification) - Ask connections on LinkedIn for job shadow programs - Tackle any LinkedIn training courses that are available - Use leave for mini-internships 3. Join a gym/club/church immediately where I can meet new people and explore the civilian way of life. 4. Hire a career coach to assist with transitioning to the civilian environment (specific to the industry you are thinking of). They don’t have to have military experience. Cindy Saunders, Executive Coach SPHR, GPHR, CEC-WCI is someone I hired in 2023. She is great if you are interested. 5. Refrain from getting mentored on Veterati or LinkedIn by Veterans who haven’t worked in the civilian sector. *This was really important to me. I wanted to ensure I was absorbing information from people who at least tasted a bit of the civilian sector. I do not regret anything I’ve done in the last three years. I just have a lot more knowledge now. 😉 What would you do differently? #militarytransition #transitioningmilitary #veteranshelpingveterans #dodskillbridge #veteransaffairs #retirementplanning #usaf

Navigating the Shock of Military Retirement After 20 Years of Service Transitioning from military to civilian life after two decades of service is a monumental shift. It’s not just a career change—it’s a complete transformation of identity, lifestyle, and responsibilities. The adjustment can feel overwhelming, and for many, the process is a shock that’s difficult to prepare for. As a retired Master Sergeant after 20 years in the Air Force, I’ve experienced this shock firsthand. It’s a whirlwind of emotions and logistical challenges that seem to hit all at once. Here’s what I’ve learned and what I hope can help others navigating this transition. The Overnight Shift: New Environment, New Expectations One of the most jarring aspects of leaving the military is how quickly everything changes. You go from a structured, uniformed environment to civilian life almost overnight. Suddenly, you’re: • Starting a SkillBridge internship with civilians who may not understand military culture. • Trading your uniform for civilian clothes, which feels like shedding part of your identity. • Moving off base and figuring out housing, schools, and commutes in a new setting. Each of these changes on its own would be challenging, but all at once, it can feel overwhelming. The VA Process: Reliving the Past The VA claims process is another hurdle. You’re faced with conflicting information about how to navigate the system, which can add frustration and confusion. On top of that, the process requires you to document and validate your physical and mental injuries—bringing past traumas and struggles to the forefront. It’s an exhausting experience that can take a toll on your mental health. Financial Uncertainty: The Waiting Game Financial stress is a common reality for many veterans. Retirement benefits can take up to three months to kick in, leaving a gap where you’re responsible for bills, rent, and other expenses without a steady income. It’s a scary place to be, especially when transitioning to civilian pay scales and financial systems. The Job Hunt: Deciphering the Resume Puzzle Finding a civilian job is another major hurdle. Writing a resume that translates military experience into civilian terms is a skill in itself, and everyone seems to have different advice on how to do it. This conflicting information can leave you feeling lost, trying to figure out what works while competing in a crowded job market. Moving Forward: Self-Care and Support Here are some strategies that helped me: 1. Prioritize Self-Care: Take time to process your emotions and focus on your mental and physical well-being. 2. Seek Guidance: Reach out to transition programs, mentors, and veterans who’ve walked this path before. 3. Stay Open to Change: Embrace this period of reinvention as an opportunity to grow and discover new passions. #MilitaryTransition #Retirement #VeteranSupport #CareerChange #FamilyAdjustment #veteran #military

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce can feel like learning an entirely new language. Veterans bring incredible leadership, problem-solving skills, and resilience, yet many struggle to see how their experiences translate to corporate roles. As I’ve learned from my role on the board of FourBlock, a nonprofit that supports veteran career transition, one of the biggest challenges for veteran job seekers is confidence in the civilian work environment. Veterans often don’t realize how much their skills—like teamwork, adaptability, and discipline—are in demand. They may feel unsure about networking or intimidated by tasks like building a resume or LinkedIn profile because they’ve never done them before. The solution starts with bridging the gap between the military and civilian work world. Organizations can help by: - Offering mentorship programs to guide veterans through the transition. - Hosting workshops on translating military experience into civilian job applications and resumes. - Creating environments where veterans feel valued and understood. When veterans recognize their value in the civilian workforce, their potential is extraordinary. How has your organization supported veterans in their transition? — FourBlock is a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans transition to meaningful civilian careers. I’m proud to serve on its board. To learn more or support this incredible mission, visit FourBlock.org.

A Senior Enlisted Leader and a Colonel Walk Into the Same Interview… It’s not the start of a joke. It's the reality of the job market. After separation, E-9s and O-6s often find themselves applying for the same roles: 🧭 Director of Operations 🧭 Program or Project Manager 🧭 Logistics or Supply Chain Manager 🧭 Chief of Staff And here’s the truth: the job title you wore in uniform matters less than how well you translate what you did. I’ve seen Command Sergeant Majors outcompete Colonels for Director roles, not because they had more experience, but because they told a better story: ✅ They translated their impact into civilian language ✅ They focused on business-relevant outcomes ✅ They demonstrated leadership, not just rank This is where military members sometimes get stuck. They assume their seniority or title will speak for itself. It won’t. You’re not just competing against your peers, you’re competing against each other. If you’re a senior leader (officer or enlisted) and you’re stepping into the civilian world: 🔹 Strip the jargon 🔹 Lead with measurable results 🔹 Position yourself as a problem-solver, not just a decision-maker There’s room for both of you, but only if your value comes through clearly on paper and in person. Need help figuring out how to do that? Let’s talk.

I was recently asked what I would do today if I were in the military and made the decision—or had the decision made for me—to transition out before retirement. Whether you’re in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard, my advice is the same. Here’s what I’d focus on to set myself up for success: 1️⃣ Eliminate Debt: I’d make getting out of debt a priority—everything except a mortgage. If possible, I’d pay that off too. Debt limits your options and can force you to compromise on critical decisions. Freedom from financial burdens creates flexibility. 2️⃣ Max Out My TSP Contributions: I’m a fan of Roth, but whether you choose Traditional, Roth, or a combination, the key is to save aggressively. Your future self will thank you. 3️⃣ Leverage Tuition Assistance (TA): If you don’t have a degree, get one. If you have a bachelor’s, pursue a master’s, and focus on something value-added to your goals. For those in tech, chase certifications with the same determination. TA covered 100% of my BA and MS when I was in the Marine Corps—take full advantage of it! 4️⃣ Network Relentlessly: Create a strong LinkedIn profile. Post 3+ times weekly about the field you want to enter—cybersecurity, business, defense contracting, etc. Attend seminars, trade shows, and any networking opportunities available. Respond when people reach out, and always follow up with a thank-you note. Networking isn’t just online; it’s face-to-face too. Build a large, strong network to maximize opportunities. 5️⃣ Document Everything: Complete and document your medical, dental, vision, and hearing appointments. Keep a copy too. 6️⃣ Protect Your Reputation: Finish strong. Nothing is more important than your last name and professional reputation. Stay 100% committed to your assignment. Dropping your pack in uniform will hurt your endorsements and recommendations. Excellence until the end sends a message: you’re someone worth investing in. 7️⃣ Weigh SkillBridge Thoughtfully: This is personal. I wouldn’t choose SkillBridge because I’m not interested in working for free. Instead, I’d save my leave and use those 60+ days to focus on my transition. PTAD/PTDY can also provide valuable time to reset. 8️⃣ Learn from Fellow Veterans: Reach out to those who’ve transitioned successfully. Ask questions, seek advice on resumes, interviews, starting a business, consulting, contracting, or government roles. Follow up and implement what you learn. 9️⃣ Plan Time Off: Whether you served 4 years or 20+, you’ve earned a break. Take time to decompress, reflect, and think clearly about your future. Be proud of your service—it’s a foundation for what comes next. What Did I Miss? This list reflects what I’d do, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. What would you add? Where do you disagree? To all of you who have served: thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Most everyone has problems in the transition from the military, but I have found that senior officers and enlisted struggle the most: Retiring from a long and distinguished military career presents unique challenges, especially for senior leaders who have spent decades in service. It can be daunting to transition from the structured, hierarchical environment of the military to the often ambiguous and fluid civilian world. Senior leaders must give up their staff and rank and find new purpose independently. Those who try to retain their military rank or treat others like their staff often struggle. Successful transitions require humility and a willingness to start afresh and learn anew. Civilian organizations operate differently. Many workplaces' informal and collaborative nature can feel foreign and uncomfortable to those used to military precision and protocol. Senior leaders may miss the camaraderie and support system integral to their military life. Military rank is more than just a position; it is a significant part of one's identity. Senior leaders often derive a sense of self-worth and accomplishment from their rank and the respect it commands. Transitioning to civilian life requires leaving behind these symbols of authority, which can be a difficult psychological adjustment. Those who maintain their military demeanor and expect the same deference in civilian settings often face friction. The civilian workforce values different attributes, such as collaboration, flexibility, and innovation, over rigid hierarchy. Leaders who fail to adapt their style may struggle to integrate effectively, leading to frustration and disappointment. Finding a new sense of purpose is one of the most profound challenges for retiring senior leaders. The military provides a clear mission and a sense of contributing to a greater cause, but this sense of purpose is not always as readily apparent in civilian life. Without the military's guiding mission, many retirees struggle to find a new path that feels equally meaningful. Successful transitions happen when retiring senior leaders approach their new lives with humility. Recognize that you are starting something new and must learn many things again. By embracing humility, committing to continuous learning, and being open to new experiences, retiring military leaders can successfully navigate this transition and find renewed purpose and satisfaction in their post-military lives. What do you think? Infrastructure Masons Compass Datacenters #veterans #veteransupport #veteranshelpingveterans

The most frequently asked question I get from leaders entering transition or military retirement is - "What is the biggest problem that you see leaders make when they leave the military?" . . . and the answer might surprise you. For context, I have worked personally with over 1000 transitioning men and women from all branches of service and special operations. I've logged more than 5000 one-on-one conversations with successful, high performing leaders. Now, I know all the TAP programs and Soldier for Life focus on how to find a job and take advantage of post-military benefits. Many non-profits boast about their record of job placement and equate that to "successful transition." While those are important, I think they are missing the point. The biggest problem that people face when leaving the military is not finding a job, it is the belief that when you find a job that your transition is a "success" or "over." Let me explain . . . The military is a lifestyle. Your job is a part of that lifestyle. When you leave, the transition is not just vocational. People have the opportunity to thrive in the military because it meets so many basic and psychological needs. Most notably, it provides esteem and belonging. People appreciate and respect the uniform, your rank, all the badges, tabs, and awards you wear. You salute and receive salutes. You stand in front of the formation. You are part of a community, a family of shared values where people are invested in your success and well-being (and that of your family). You know this. More importantly, you feel it. Positive experiences of esteem and belonging release serotonin and oxytocin - two of the four happiness chemicals (the others are dopamine and endorphins). The military is your happiness dealer. When you leave, you tend to miss these things the same way a junkie misses their fix. These are not 'nice to have' things. These are core psychological needs for every human being. If you don't find the lifestyle with the right concoction of esteem or belonging (professional or personal) to backfill what is lost, you will go through a sense of withdrawal. To fill the void, many veterans will self-medicate. Those who don't often experience loneliness and depression. Too many of these "successfully transitioned" veterans fall into despair and take their own lives. This process is complicated by the constraints of adult development. New habits are harder to come by and take longer in older adults. The process takes time. Depending on the nature of your service, it could take years. Assuming everything is done when you find a job is the most consequential mistake that veterans make. Read the biographies of veterans who have succumbed to suicide. They were employed. They were "successful" on paper. Until we begin to address the core issue in this process, we won't get ahead of the 22 a day. How do you address the self-esteem and sense of belonging in life after military service? How do you experience joy?