The Transition: One JO's Musings

**Originally posted on LinkedIn 9 Aug 2016**

A little background: I am a 2005 graduate of the US Naval Academy, former Naval Flight Officer (EA-6B ECMO), and current Reserve Information Professional Officer. After almost 11 years commissioned service, I found myself transitioning from Active Duty and embarking on a civilian career, and continuing service as a Navy Reservist. With that, I figured I'd share a some thoughts on making "The Jump". Hope you can learn something from this - but take everything I say with a grain of salt; do your research, as these are just my thoughts and experiences, and are not gospel. 

1. If you have a plan, great. If not, don't worry. If you have a plan, great. You're probably ahead of the game. If you don't have a plan, its not the end of the world. I didn't have a plan when I got the news "Congrats, LT, the Navy decided not to make you a LCDR. You've been selected for civilian!" However, what I did have was a good support group (more on that later). What you'll find is that as you go through the process of transitioning, that a plan will develop. The kicker here is that you have to do some work. Networking, research - that sort of thing. As you start trying to answer the question "What next?", you'll start to gain an understanding of what your options are for what you want to do, regardless of if you go back to school, get a job, or start a company. But the bottom line is that even if you don't have a grand plan, as long as you put some effort into answering "What's next?", you'll figure out where you want to go, and that's the foundation of "The Plan". 

2. Grow your network. The first rule of transitioning is "Grow your network." The second rule of transitioning is "Grow your network." I use the Fight Club reference to show the importance of networking. Use social networking sites, dinners, organizational events (Alumni Associations, Professional Groups, etc) to meet people in your field. If you have a job interview that doesn't result in a job, keep in touch. Not saying become pen pals, but connect via LinkedIn. Your network can be your best friend if you know how to use it. Don't be afraid to reach out to people and ask their advice. If someone gave you a card and said "Call me when you get out", call them and let them know you're getting out. They said that for a reason. Even if your connections can't directly get you a job, sometimes they can land you in the right place at the right time, talking to the right people. 

3. Don't be afraid to use a "Head-hunter", aka recruiting firm. There are literally a ton of them out there. Don't be afraid to use one. It partly goes back to points 1 and 2: They can help you figure out "The Plan" and grow your network. But moreover, they can introduce you to opportunities that would otherwise not be available. My advice is look at a few firms and understand what type of clients, both companies and job seekers, they cater to, what they can do for you in relation to what you want, and how you interact with the people. Make your decision based on that. In my case, I was introduced to a few very good opportunities via a recruiting agency, and one worked out quite well. 

4. Don't try to get all of your separation checklist done soon and fast. Do things efficiently and in a timely manner, but as you develop "The Plan", you'll find some things are better done later. For instance, VA benefits, specifically disability. Definitely file a claim, however, if you plan on doing Reserves or National Guard, it may be better to hold off a bit on filing. Too much of a disability rating can disqualify you from continued service. Bottom line is know what benefits you're eligible for and how they can affect what you think you want to do in the future. Use that metric to figure out what to apply for and when to apply. 

5. Budget. As a transitioning JO, understand that you'll most likely take a bit of a hit in the wallet. That's not necessarily a bad thing if you've got even a remote semblance of a financial plan. I'm not going to tell you how to budget, because that's dependent on your circumstance. However, definitely have an idea of your finances. The hardest part, in my mind, is just before, during and immediately after the transition. If you're eligible for any separation pays, that will help ease the transition. Bottom line here is that you need to incorporate that into your plan. 

6. Learn how to interview. This is very important as many Veterans have not had to interview for something. Maybe a college entrance interview, but for many of us, that's about it. It was for me. Fleet & Family Services (or service equivalent), recruiting firms, and mentors are all good resources. Along with this comes build a strong resume. Again, you can utilize the same resources. Don't pay for it. There are a ton of free resources you can tap into. Remember, your resume doesn't get you the job. Your resume get you in the door, your interview gets you the job. 

7. Go to TGPS (formerly TAP) class early, twice if you can. TGPS will help you understand what benefits you're eligible for, how to apply, and when to apply. TGPS also provides you a list of references to help ease the transition. Everything from resume and interviewing to applying for benefits and a whole lot more. It is a very worthwhile class. This also goes back to bullet 4. TGPS class will explain your benefits, and help you understand what means what. 

8. Sign up for job boards. Monster, USA Jobs, Clearance Jobs, Glassdoor... there are a ton. Some are general, and some are field specific. You'll get tuned in to what jobs are out there, and in many circumstances, recruiters and hiring managers will reach out to you. It helps get your resume out there. With that, I'll also recommend that even if you're approached with an opportunity that you're not interested in or feel you're not qualified for, send your resume and connect with the person. It goes back to growing your network. It also helps if you forward the opportunity to someone who may be interested if you're not.

That's about it for the big things that I can think of. I'll end with this: Don't be afraid to give back. There are other people out there that are transitioning. Some people will have it easier than others - that's life. But you, as a recently (or not-so-recently) transitioned Veteran, have a wealth of knowledge that your buddy might not. Share it. Maybe it'll help someone.