Women Embracing the Transition: Leveraging Your Military Skills in the Civilian Workforce

By now you know, I coach military women vets and today I want to encourage you to embrace the transition. I've noticed that women pivoting in their career often overlook the aspect of "meeting yourself where you are".

Inspired by a recent LinkedIn profile audit with a remarkable woman transitioning out of the military, this topic is incredibly relevant and vital for anyone considering their next career steps.

Understanding Where You Are

One of the most significant challenges is figuring out where to start. It's easy to overthink and get overwhelmed by the possibilities. However, the key to a successful transition lies in recognizing and valuing where you are right now.

During my recent LinkedIn profile audit, I was struck by how much we tend to overthink our career options. The woman I worked with had spent over ten years in the military and experienced a life-changing event that shifted her career trajectory. She is now a passionate speaker and volunteer, helping others through similar challenges. Additionally, she is pursuing certifications in marketing.

Despite her diverse interests and experiences, she felt uncertain about how to combine these passions into a coherent career path. This situation is not unique. Many of us have multiple interests and skills, but we struggle to see how they fit together in the civilian job market.

Balancing Present Skills with Future Goals:

It's essential to start where you are. Evaluate your current skills, experiences, and passions. What are you capable of doing today? It doesn't mean you should abandon your future aspirations; instead, it's about finding a balance between where you are now and where you want to be.

For instance, if you are passionate about marketing but also enjoy project management, consider looking for opportunities that allow you to do both. You could start as a marketing specialist in a company that values project management skills. This way, you can leverage your existing skills while gaining new experiences that align with your long-term goals.

Action Steps for a Successful Transition:

1. Self-Assessment:

Take a moment to reflect on your current skills, experiences, and passions. Write them down.

Ask yourself: What can I do now? What am I passionate about today?

2. Set Clear Goals:

Identify your career aspirations for the next 3-5 years. Write them down.

Ask yourself: Where do I want to be in the future?

3. Create a Roadmap:

Work backwards from your future goals to your current position.

Identify practical steps you can take now to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

4. Explore Opportunities:

Look for roles that align with your current skills and interests while allowing room for growth.

Consider entry-level or supporting roles in your desired field to gain relevant experience.

Embracing the Journey:

Remember, transitioning to a civilian career is a journey, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and perseverance. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that building towards your dreams is a gradual process. If this resonated with you, I want to invite you to join me on my upcoming LinkedIn Live Event.

Join me on LinkedIn Live Event:

To further assist you in your career transition, I am hosting a LIVE event "Identifying Your Ideal Career Role after the military" on June 19th at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. This session will provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate your career transition. Click here to register >>> or send me a direct message with the word "career" on LinkedIn, and I will send you the details directly.

As you embark on your career transition, remember that you have a wealth of skills and experiences that are incredibly valuable in the civilian workforce. By meeting yourself where you are, setting clear goals, and taking actionable steps, you can successfully navigate this transition and achieve your career aspirations.

Thank you for being part of this community. I look forward to seeing you at the LIVE event and continuing this journey together.

With Appreciation,

Wendi

P.S. Don't forget to reflect on your current position and set your career goals for the future. Let's make this transition a successful and fulfilling one!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I determine which civilian career is right for me given my military experience and skills?

Answer: Start by evaluating your current skills, experiences, and interests. Reflect on what you enjoy doing and where your strengths lie. Consider seeking advice through a LinkedIn profile audit or career counseling to help identify potential career paths that align with your background and aspirations.

2. Is it necessary to have all the required certifications and degrees before applying for a civilian job?

Answer: While having certifications and degrees can be beneficial, they are not always necessary to start your career. Focus on where you are now and look for entry-level or supporting roles that allow you to leverage your existing skills while gaining the experience needed to achieve your long-term goals.

3. How can I balance my current job search with my future career aspirations?

Answer: Identify roles that align with both your current skills and future goals. For example, if you have a passion for project management and HR, seek project management roles within HR departments. This way, you can start gaining relevant experience while working towards your ultimate career aspirations.

4. What steps can I take to ensure a smooth transition from military to civilian employment?

Answer: Begin by conducting a self-assessment to understand your strengths and interests. Set clear career goals for the next 3-5 years and work backwards to identify actionable steps you can take now. Seek out resources and support networks, such as career workshops and webinars, to help you navigate the transition.

5. How can I effectively market my military experience to civilian employers?

Answer: Highlight the transferable skills you gained in the military, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to emphasize these skills and provide examples of how they apply to the civilian roles you are pursuing. Consider getting professional advice through a LinkedIn profile audit to help recruiters or hiring managers find you. Send me a DM with the word "audit" and I'm happy to help you!