Career Transition
1️⃣ Programs & Resources for Military Transition
2️⃣ Step-by-Step Guide for Transitioning to a Civilian Career
1️⃣ Programs & Resources for Transitioning Veterans
🔹 American Corporate Partners (ACP) – A free mentorship program that pairs veterans with corporate professionals for career guidance. Listen to our episode on ACP here:
🔹 Hire Heroes USA – Provides free career coaching, resume assistance, and job placement support.
👉https://www.hireheroesusa.org/
🔹 DoD SkillBridge Program – Offers active-duty members internships with civilian companies before separating.
🔹 Onward to Opportunity (O2O) – A free program offering certifications in business, IT, and cybersecurity for transitioning service members.
👉https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/o2o-admission/onward-to-opportunity-application/
🔹 Veterati – A free mentorship program that connects veterans with professionals for career advice.
🔹 LinkedIn Premium for Veterans – Free 1-year LinkedIn Premium for networking and job searching.
👉https://socialimpact.linkedin.com/programs/veterans
🔹 Warrior Rising – Helps veteran entrepreneurs launch businesses with mentorship and funding.
👉https://www.warriorrising.org/
🔹 VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP) – A required program that helps service members prepare for civilian life (includes career planning, VA benefits, and financial advice).
👉https://www.va.gov/transitions/
🔹 Feds Hire Vets – A federal hiring initiative that helps veterans land government jobs.
👉https://www.fedshirevets.gov/
🔹 My Next Move for Veterans – A career search tool that translates military jobs (MOS, AFSC, NEC) into civilian job opportunities.
👉https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/
🔹 VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) – Helps disabled veterans get job training, education, and employment assistance.
👉https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
2️⃣ Step-by-Step Guide: Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
1. Start Early – 12 to 24 Months Before Separation
✔️ Attend the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) – Your base should offer TAP classes, which help you understand benefits, job search strategies, and financial planning.
✔️ Create a LinkedIn Profile – Connect with professionals, recruiters, and veteran groups.
✔️ Identify Career Interests – Use tools like My Next Move for Veterans to match your MOS/AFSC/NEC with civilian jobs.
2. Build Your Resume & Certifications
✔️ Download a Veteran Resume Template (✅ Here it is again if you missed it!)
✔️ Get a Free Resume Review – Use Hire Heroes USA or ACP for expert feedback.
👉https://www.hireheroesusa.org/
✔️ Earn Certifications – Programs like Onward to Opportunity offer free certs in IT, business, and project management.
✔️ Prepare for Interviews – Sign up for mock interviews with ACP or Veterati.
3. Network & Find Job Opportunities
✔️ Use LinkedIn & Attend Hiring Events – Apply for LinkedIn Premium for Veterans (free for 1 year).
✔️ Leverage Military-Specific Job Boards:
✔️ Apply for DoD SkillBridge Internships – Get a civilian job lined up before you separate!
4. Plan Your Benefits & Financials
✔️ Understand VA Benefits – Check your GI Bill, VA disability, and healthcare eligibility at VA.gov.
✔️ Create a Financial Plan – Build a budget to transition smoothly (TAP provides financial planning workshops).
✔️ Check State Veteran Benefits – Some states offer extra property tax breaks, hiring preferences, and tuition assistance.
5. Final Steps Before You Separate
✔️ Request Your DD-214 Early – This is the most important document for your VA benefits, jobs, and housing.
✔️ Use VA Vocational Rehabilitation (If Needed) – If you have a disability rating, check out VR&E.
✔️ Find Veteran Support Groups – Join organizations like Team RWB, VFW, and American Legion for networking and support.