Our readers ask: how to change careers from the military and a student survival tip for starting on the right foot
It's that time again - to dip into the reader e-bag. This article deals with a career change and how to start your career track on the right foot.
Q. I've been a military person for most of my adult life, but now feel the need to change (due to personal reasons). How can I make a success in the "outside" world? I have been a success so far, but find the path no longer fulfilling.
A. Your question pertains to many people who are looking beyond and above - this is a GOOD proactive approach for your career. Any career can become stale, stagnant, or even just not likeable anymore - and you are wise to look at your options now. As a military person, you have achieved and acquired many skills that are highly sought in the business (or outside the military) world: how to follow orders; how to be a team player; how to think in stressful (and including life-threatening) situations; how to remain calm in stressful situations; as well as any other specific skills for the career you have in the military. A first step would be to right down all the skills you have - even giving specifics. Add these to your Resume or Skill Set Sheet - this will help you decide where you might want to change your career. If you already know (but judging from your letter I think that is one of the decisions that still needs to be addressed) what kind of work you want - take this Skill Sheet to a local employment office or agency, who can assist you in your decisions as well as even help set up interviews with potential employers.
Just remember - you DO have the skills and experience to change your career path to whatever you choose.
Q. I'm a university student, taking a credit course in Europe for the summer. My problem is that I will be gone for about 8 weeks, but I'm not leaving until July. I need a job for this month though, and want to return to that job after my course. So far, no one has hired me - but I have been telling them the truth. Should I lie and take the job for a month, and then say I will be gone for about 8 weeks?
A. You are in a difficult situation, and unfortunately you don't way WHEN you started looking for a "summer" job. I do commend you for being honest to potential employers, as it would only backfire on you if you did take the job for a month and then left. You are starting your career on the right foot by being honest. However, even though you say you would return, the employer has invested time and money in training you in the job, and might feel that time/money is now wasted - another employee would have to be recruited and trained to take your place.
I suggest you quickly go to a Temp Agency - you can sign up and work when/as you want (within their specifications) - and will have a potential place of employment when you return. Temp Agencies are always looking for people to do short term work, be it in physical labour or Office work. The physical labour jobs often require no previous experience and short term commitment - so that would be your best bet.
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Copyright May 31, 2007. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
