Careers + Continuing Education October 2016

Fall 2015 2016

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FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURSUING

HIGHER EDUCATION page 14-15

YOUR GUIDE To Employment Opportunities and Higher Education

2 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

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To learn more about nursing at CRH, or to apply for an open position, please visit our website at ChesapeakeRegional.com/careers.

FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 3

Published by:

MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 757.222.3990 Fax 757.853.1634

PUBLISHER Laura Baxter

MNV EDITOR Rebecca Hastings

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tricia Lieurance

DESIGNERS Susan Cofer Allyson Garner Kyle Raymer

ADVERTISING 757.222.3990 sales@militarynews.com

EDITIORIAL 757.322.2865 editor@militarynews.com The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DOD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®. The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts or supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the federal government, the DOD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised. Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm in no way connected to the Department of Defense or United States Coast Guard.

IN THIS ISSUE

04 | 06 |

4 Tips For Transition Success

08 | 10 |

Understand Your Career Options Retirement

11 | 12 |

Know Your Benefits: Post 9/11 Gi Bill

7 Steps To Create And Submit A Federal Resume

Transition Resources From Your Local Ffsc

Find The School That’s Right For You

14 | 16 |

Factors to Consider when Pursuing Higher Education

18 | 19 |

Writing A Civilian Resume

20 | 22 |

Navy Veteran Named 2016 Thomas Moss Scholar

Land A Civilian Job After Military Service

Interviewing For A Civilian Job

5 Reasone To Make A Career In Fitness

4 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

4 TIPS FOR TRANSITION SUCCESS Military OneSource Beginning the transition from the military into civilian life can seem like a Mt. Everesttype journey. Although there are many programs and resources to help you every step of the way, ultimately you’re the one making that climb. Here are four tips to help make your transition into civilian life a success:

2. STAY MOTIVATED.

4. SHOW CONFIDENCE.

It’s easy to let feelings about leaving the military get in the way of moving forward with your plan. But this is no time to procrastinate. Successful transitions start with facing the challenges ahead with the same “can do” attitude you have for the military mission.

Transitioning service members sometimes wonder how much civilian employers will value their military experience. Take time to recognize and appreciate the scope of knowledge, skills and abilities you acquired in the military. It will be easier to present yourself to any prospective employer when you show confidence in your military experience. Not only do you have exceptional technical skills and training, you’ve also mastered the military traits of good discipline, teamwork, leadership and the ability to put mission first. Employers value these qualities in applicants regardless of the nature of the work.

3. PRACTICE NETWORKING. 1. GET FOCUSED. Make the most of your individual transition plan, or ITP. It’s your transition road map, and you will receive information on developing one during pre-separation counseling. If used correctly, your ITP will help guide you through tough decisions like your next career move, financial goals or continuing your education. Develop your plan with care and thought toward your goals and objectives for any areas of your life affected by the transition. Update and refine action steps to help keep you focused on your goals.

Transition assistance programs emphasize the importance of networking as a way to find out about job opportunities. Networking simply means seeking out people who may be able to help you with advice, job leads and contacts, and then letting them know about you and your employment goals. Networking involves promoting yourself and asking for help — two skills that don’t always come naturally. But the more you practice networking with friends, current or former colleagues, and acquaintances, the better you’ll get.

A lot of preparation goes into a successful transition. Have confidence and never take your eye off your goals.

GET FOCUSED

STAY MOTIVATED

PRACTICE NETWORKING

SHOW CONFIDENCE

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FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 5

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6 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

7 STEPS TO CREATE AND SUBMIT A FEDERAL RESUME

Military OneSource So, you’d like a federal civilian job. If you’ve just separated from the military, chances are your resume could use an overhaul — it’s probably time to remove “Fifth Grade Spelling Bee Champ” from your accomplishments section. Or, perhaps you’re starting a resume from scratch. Either way, before you begin filling out applications, it’s important to get your resume in tip-top shape. This is prime time to create a federal resume.

A federal resume is different from a civilian or corporate resume-it’s longer, more detailed and includes specific job-related terminology. Follow these steps to build your resume and pursue a federal civilian job:

1. GET ORGANIZED. Before you sit down to type, gather: • Contact information for your former supervisors • Performance appraisals • Awards • Letters of recommendation • Military documentation, like your DD214, ACE transcripts and Verification of Military Experience and Training • Any additional information that could help you stand out as an applicant

FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 7

2. CREATE A MASTER RESUME. You can build a master resume that includes your work history, skills, accomplishments, volunteer work and training. Be sure to edit it for accuracy and clarity. You can then copy and paste sections from your master resume into the online resume builder website of the federal agency that you are applying to. Or, you can easily create a hard copy of your resume if a federal agency requires one.

3. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY. A human resources staff member — or a computer — will likely scan your resume for job-related key words and phrases. To help your resume make the initial cut, go back and incorporate key words and phrases from the “Duties” or “Qualifications” section of the job vacancy notice into the “Work History” section of your resume.

4. FILL IN THE DETAILS When you list your work experience, share details that demonstrate your past responsibilities and your work ethic. Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your accomplishments. Point out, for example, that you “reduced department expenses by 30 percent in the first six months.”

5. GET A SECOND OPINION. It’s easy to miss simple errors when you read through your own work, especially after you’ve been staring at your computer screen for a long time.

Recruit another pair of eyes to check your resume for clarity. If you can get a federal employee or someone with human resource management experience to review your resume, that’s even better.

6. SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AND FOLLOW UP ON IT. Once you submit your resume, the ball isn’t necessarily out of your court yet. Follow up to make sure that the receiving agency actually received your resume. Then, follow the agency’s policies and timelines to check the status of the position you applied for.

7. STAY IN MOTION. One resume out there in the world is great progress, but it’s not a sure thing. While you wait to hear back from an agency, keep your eyes and ears open for other job opportunities.

Continue to apply for other positions.

You can jumpstart your quest for federal employment with a solid resume. Your resume is an opportunity to sell yourself to your future employers, and putting your best foot forward should be your number one priority.

Increase your chances of landing an interview by keeping these seven steps in mind. And now that you know what a federal resume is, it’s time to get busy building and submitting yours.

A federal resume is different from a civilian or corporate resume-it’s longer, more detailed and includes specific job-related terminology

2 WAYS TO SPARK

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8 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

UNDERSTAND YOUR CAREER OPTIONS RETIREMENT

By Theodore Green | The Flagship Sailors can expect to navigate a sea of new career options after the recent approval of the DOD overhaul of the military retirement system.

The U.S. Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System takes effect Jan. 1, 2018, and gives Sailors a greater individual responsibility in securing their financial future.

The Fleet and Family Readiness Centers (FFRC) of Hampton Roads plans to educate Sailors about these new changes by offering town hall-style events, educational videos, leadership briefings, classroom seminars, and one-on-one counseling to all fleet and shore commands in the Hampton Roads area, ensuring the widest dissemination over the next two years.

“This is an exciting time,” FFRC Mid-Atlantic Education Training Supervisor Karen Melvin said.

Finalized marketing campaign and curriculum materials have not yet been released by the DOD. Sailors can expect

their local FFSC to offer the new training as early as this spring.

“I anticipate we will do a lot of wardroom and chief’s mess briefs, in addition to enlisted briefs, to give a basic overview, but what people are really going to be interested in are the workshops and one-on-one counseling,” Melvin said.

Melvin added the FFSC’s main focus will be to help determine what will be best for the individual Sailor based on their unique life situation and their goals for the future.

But just what do all these changes mean for Sailors?

The new plan offers a blended system of accounts and pensions that is set to replace the current traditional retirement system – which pays out only after a minimum of 20 years of service.

“I think the big thing that we see is obviously people are going to have more options earlier in their career,” Melvin said.

The modernized plan is built to accumulate retirement savings regardless of time served through the addition of a 401(k)

style investment option. This option combines automatic and matching contributions, giving Sailors a choice of making the Navy a career or leaving the service, while still securing an investment in their future.

“When you’re 18, nobody will ever tell you the power of time and money,” Melvin said. “This puts people in a better situation earlier in life. It also encourages people to invest now and not wait. Let’s start thinking about your future when you’re young as opposed to when you’re in your thirties and are like, ‘well I don’t know if I want to stay in the Navy for the rest of my life.’”

For the first time, Sailors with as little as three years of service, would leave the Navy with some type of retirement benefits as opposed to the traditional all-or-nothing approach.

Broken down, the blended system has many appealing elements.

“With the new blended retirement system, one of the biggest highlights is that you’re going to be automatically enrolled into TSP, and not only that, but for the first time the [Navy] is going to give matching funds. They’ve never done that in the past,” Melvin said.

New Sailors entering service will have 1 percent of their basic pay automatically withdrawn from their paycheck and deposited into a thrift savings plan (TSP) account after completing their first 60 days of service. They will then have the option of adjusting the amount they contribute.

After reaching three years of service the Navy will begin matching a Sailor’s contribution up to 5 percent of their base pay, another first.

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FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 9

Money in the savings plan will not be available without tax penalties before age 59.5. In addition, any money contributed while in a tax-free zone will remain tax free as a Sailor begins to withdraw benefits. “[This plan] is really putting us on par with civilian organizations,” Melvin said. “So many civilian companies now automatically enroll their employees into a 401(k) on day one of work. Investing

means you’re not going to get your benefits until you’ve worked there for a certain amount of years, and this is the same, you’ve got to be there for at least three years.”

To curb a possible exodus of valuable mid-career leaders, the Navy will offer compensation incentives for those with 12 years of service electing to serve an additional four years, while still offering the promise of a healthy monthly lifetime annuity

for those who chose to stay Navy until retirement.

The 20-year retirement pensions will remain for all, but only at a reduced rate of 40 percent of a three year average of the Sailor’s base pay at retirement, compared to the 50 percent average currently offered.

Anyone enlisting after Jan. 1, 2018, will be automatically enrolled in the new blended system.

Sailors who entered service after Jan. 1, 2006, with 12 years or less, and anyone signing up in the next 24 months can choose to receive the traditional 20-year retirement pension or opt into the new 401(k)-style blended system.

This means those who are midway through their career may have to wrestle with some tough financial decisions before 2018, but they’re not alone.

The FFSC’s doors are open to anyone looking to discuss their individualized plan with one of their highly trained personal financial management staff members.

“I think it’s really about weighing your options, how long you want to stay in, which is going to be financially better for you?” Melvin said. “You need to sit down and do the math, and we can help.”

FFRC already offers over 22 financial education courses for military members and their families, including money and credit management; strategies for car buying; and tips for developing a saving and investing plan.

“I think the big thing that we see is obviously people are going to have more options earlier in their career.”

- FFRC Mid-Atlantic Education Training Supervisor Karen Melvin

WHILE YOU PROTECT OUR COUNTRY, LET US PROTECT YOUR FAMILY. We believe that the men and women who have helped keep our nation secure deserve a financial ally to help them keep their financial horizons secure. And that’s why our life insurance and annuity products are always competitively priced and never contain military restrictions or fine print.

To learn how we can help your family visit NavyMutual.org

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Defense

10 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

TRANSITION RESOURCES FROM YOUR LOCAL FFSC FFSC Norfolk – Change is a good thing, right? Absolutely! However, for those service members currently transitioning from military to civilian life, this change may be quite intimidating. Transitioning service members find themselves asking various questions during their transition. Where am I going to live?

How am I going to pay the bills? How am I going to get a job? Do I need to go to school?

What benefits am I entitled to? The list goes on and on. The answers to these questions are, in some cases, not easily found, and may require the transitioning service member to seek the assistance of others in their search for those answers. Here are the Top 10 resources for transitioning service members:

1. NATIONAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY (NRD.GOV) This directory is currently maintained by the Department of Defense, Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As an online directory, service members are able to connect 24/7 and receive resources pertaining to Benefits and Compensation, Education and Training, Employment, Family and Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Transportation and Travel, Volunteer Opportunities, and many more.

3. LABOR DEPARTMENT (DOL.GOV/VETS) During their Transition Goals Plans Success (T-GPS) five-day workshop, transitioning service members will receive a three-day presentation offered by representatives of the DOL. The presentation focuses on assisting service members in job searches, career decision-making, current labor market information, the drafting of resumes and cover letters, skills analysis, and interviewing techniques.

Post-transition, the DOL assists veterans with job seeker services through the DOL Gold Card. The DOL Gold Card enables unemployed post-9/11 veterans with the follow- 6. JOB FAIRS (VEC.VIRGINIA.GOV) One of the major hurdles for a transitionup services they need to succeed in their job ing service member to overcome is obtaining search. Certain grants and other resources are a civilian job that will cater to their needs. also available through the DOL. Networking has a major influence on landing that dream job, and one way to successfully 4. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS network with employers is through job fairs.

(DAV.ORG) The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) State websites frequently post job fairs, as do organization is dedicated to “Empowering various military installations. Being able to veterans to lead high-quality lives with re- write one’s skills on a resume is one thing, spect and dignity.” Many transitioning ser- but connecting with employers face-to-face vice members feel the physical pain associ- has proven to be extremely effective.

ated with injuries incurred while on active duty. However, some of these service members may not know where to go to get the assistance they need. The DAV assists service members, veterans, and their families with filing disability claims, job search, transportation options, and other outreach programs.

2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS The DAV has over 60 offices throughout the AFFAIRS (VA.GOV) Probably the most popular veterans organi- U.S., which enables service members to obzation, the VA, provides services to men and tain assistance from virtually anywhere in women who have served in our armed forces. the country.

As the mission statement on their website states, “To care for him who shall have borne 5. FFSC (CNIC.NAVY.MIL/NAVYLIFEMA) Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” which fulfills President Lincoln’s promise to provide service members, veterans, and their serve and honor the men and women who are families with numerous programs, includAmerica’s veterans. The VA offers health care ing relocation assistance, new parent supoptions for veterans and their families, as well port, deployment services, clinical counselas other benefits including retirement compen- ing services, financial management, family sation, education and training, home loans, employment services, family advocacy, and life insurance, burial benefits, and vocational transition assistance programs. Transitioning rehabilitation. The VA eBenefits website is an service members are encouraged to stop by online portal that allows service members, vet- one of the FFSC offices and request inforerans and their families research their benefits mation on upcoming events and workshops and have access to these benefit options 24/7. relating to their transition.

7. MENTOR GROUPS (ACP-USA.COM) Everyone needs a mentor, whether that mentor is a parent, friend or business executive.

Transitioning service members find that connecting with individuals in their desired career field can be useful in gaining the knowledge needed to succeed. Certain mentor groups, such as American Corporate Partners can provide this assistance. These groups are often free for transitioning service members and veterans, and offer a year of mentorship for that individual. Managerial level civilians offer their help and advice to transitioning service members on the matters of job search, networking, education, and transition in general. Mentors are available to chat online, through phone conversation and sometimes even in person.

8. COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING SERVICES (DANTES.KUDER.COM) Some transitioning service members may find that they may need to pursue education opportunities post-separation in order to find a job that will benefit them. Others may feel

as if they are undecided on which career path to pursue. In order to assist with questions associated with choosing an educational program, or choosing a career path, certain skills assessments may be useful. The Kuder assessment is designed to assist individuals in answering those questions. Services are free for service members and veterans.

9. GI JOBS MAGAZINE (GIJOBS.COM) The GI Jobs Magazine is issued monthly and delivered to most military installations.

Interested individuals may also subscribe to the magazine and pay a fee to have the magazine delivered to their house. This magazine includes information on military friendly employers, military friendly schools, military friendly cities, and military franchise opportunities. The GI Jobs website allows for individuals to navigate through their site, and connect with recruiters, receive assistance in resume writing, and information on business attire.

10. SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can be used in order for individuals to be able to network with other professionals in their chosen career field. LinkedIn, for example, has become more and more popular in the recent years for many different reasons. The social network allows individuals to connect with people in their career field for networking purposes. Individuals can also join interest groups in order to share ideas and welcome feedback. LinkedIn provides job postings, as well as information on employers, that may be beneficial for anyone looking to enter the workforce.

FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 11

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KNOW YOUR BENEFITS: POST 9/11 GI BILL The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is an education beneďŹ t program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.

AM I ELIGIBLE? You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty* after September 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days following September 10, 2001.

Note: Children of a member of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill beneďŹ ts under the Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship Program.

WHAT WILL I RECEIVE? You may receive a percentage of the following payments (see chart). â&#x20AC;˘ A Tuition and Fee payment that is paid to your school on your behalf â&#x20AC;˘ A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)** that is equal to: the basic allowance for housing (BAH) payable for the zip code of your school to a military E-5 with dependents for students pursuing resident training â&#x20AC;˘ one-half the BAH national average for students training solely by distance learning â&#x20AC;˘ the national average BAH for students pursuing training at foreign schools â&#x20AC;˘ A Books and Supplies Stipend of up to $1000 per year

HOW MANY MONTHS OF ASSISTANCE CAN I RECEIVE AND HOW LONG AM I ELIGIBLE? Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You will be eligible for beneďŹ ts for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

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WHAT KIND OF TRAINING CAN I TAKE? You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill at colleges, universities, trade schools, and for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and ďŹ&#x201A;ight schools. To see what programs are currently approved for Veteran Affairs (VA) beneďŹ ts, go to our website, www.beneďŹ ts.va.gov/gibill/.

You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for tutorial assistance, licensing (attorney license, cosmetology license, etc.) and certiďŹ cation tests (SAT, LSAT, etc.)

Note: If the program you are interested in isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t on our website, contact your State Approving Agency (list available on www.beneďŹ ts.va.gov/gibill/) to see if it can be approved.

CAN I TRANSFER MY ENTITLEMENT TO MY DEPENDENTS? You must be a member of the uniformed services to transfer your unused beneďŹ ts to your spouse or dependent(s). Generally, you must agree to serve four more years when transferring beneďŹ ts.

WHAT IS THE YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM? The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover all in-state tuition and fees at public degree granting schools, but may not cover all private degree granting schools and out-of-state tuition. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional support in those situations.

Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund uncovered charges. VA matches each dollar of unmet charges the institution agrees to contribute, up to the total cost of the tuition and fees. *includes active service as a National Guard member under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training and active service under section 502(f) of title 32 for the purpose of responding to a national emergency. **The MHA is not payable to individuals on active duty or those enrolled at half time or less.

12 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

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FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 13

Compiled from Military OneSource and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Searching for the right school for your postsecondary education can be challenging. The College Navigator at nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator, a free online tool from the National Center for Education Statistics, can help you with your search. The tool provides a wide range of information for more than 7,000 postsecondary education institutions, allowing you to compare schools’ features that are most important to you, such as, tuition and cost of attendance, financial aid statistics, accreditation information, graduation and retention rates, credit transfer, and student loan default rates

BEGIN YOUR SEARCH The college search has gotten a bit easier with College Navigator. This free tool is easy to use – just enter the information and click “Show Results.” It’s just that easy. Your search results will provide a wide range of information, as well as the opportunity to do the following: • Refine your search to select additional criteria • Build a list of schools for side-by-side comparisons • Pinpoint school locations on an interactive map

• Export results into a spreadsheet • Save your search session

VETERAN FRIENDLY Be careful about schools that claim to be “military and veteran friendly.” Make sure your prospective school is friendly to your needs. There are objective sources to help you determine those needs. The American Council on Education (ACE) has developed a toolkit for how schools can create or enhance policies and programs to better serve veterans. It has examples of many successful programs that are available to you.

OTHER THINGS TO CHECK FOR: • Transfer of credits from other schools or for military training – Your school should recognize your past coursework and training, and accept your transferred credit. Be vigilant in understanding whether your coursework will transfer to a new school. Not all credit will be accepted, but finding an institution where this credit is best utilized towards degree requirements will help you make the most of your benefits. Check out the ACE Military Guide to find out what kind of credit you may receive for your military experience.

• Campus and community support – Look for ac-

Become an

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Military Career Transition Program Proud to Serve Again by Teaching America’s Students...

Transition into a teaching career with Old Dominion University’s Military Career Transition Program (MCTP). Become a licensed teacher by using your knowledge, skills and experience to serve students in public schools. MCTP guides you through the approved teacher education program to earn a Master of Science in Education with Initial Licensure MCTP is designed to prepare military personnel and related members who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and want to become licensed teachers. Continue your commitment to service by becoming a licensed teacher in one of the following endorsement areas: • M.S.Ed. Elementary Education PreK-6 6-8 grades: English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies (choose 2 subjects) • M.S.Ed. Secondary Education 6-12 grades: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, History/Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physics

cess to mental health and medical support, disability services, academic accommodations, and available career services.

• A strong Veteran voice – Find an administration that listens to and involves veterans in veteran programs such as a school with a Student Veterans of America organization. We want you to be a face, not just a number at your institution.

• Central point of contact – Hands-on, in-person assistance with navigating the educational process makes the academic journey much more manageable. Schools that agree to the President’s Principles of Excellence are obligated to have such a person for veterans.

• Veteran specific space – A designated location for student veterans offers a dependable and supportive environment where trust, support, and camaraderie can be found and fostered in an academic environment.

• Principles of Excellence participant – Be sure to review VA’s list of schools that agree to participate in the President’s Principles of Excellence Program by searching for schools using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

• Expanded housing options – Student veterans sometimes have unique housing preferences and needs; options differ by institution.

online

FIND THE SCHOOL THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Visit 1.usa. gov/1UVzbaI to set up an appointment with an education consultant to discuss college information, scholarships and financial aid.

Military Career Transition Program Darden College of Education Teacher Education Services Office 152 Education Building To learn more about MCTP visit us at: http://education.odu.edu/mctp Contact 757-683-3348 to schedule an appointment.

14 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION As an eligible Service member, Veteran, dependent, Guard member or Reservist planning to use the GI Bill, you are a consumer about to make one of the most important decisions of your life. Where you begin your post-secondary education is critical. Similar to a car, your education is a big investment. Would you buy a car before considering your needs or before checking available resources for specifications, reliability ratings, and prices? The answer of course is “no.” You owe it to yourself to thoroughly consider your needs and what different schools have to offer before choosing a school or program that’s the right fit for you.

Making informed decisions about how to use your benefits and how they can best meet your needs means doing a little homework before classes start. This guide presents six important factors you should consider towards becoming an informed consumer first and a GI Bill user second.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? HOW DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A LIVING? Choosing the right career means considering many important factors. Be sure to explore your vocational interests in-depth. The self-assessment toolCareerScope® is designed to help you determine your vocational aptitudes as well as academic readiness. CareerScope® is self-administered and offered at no-cost by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It will provide an assessment of your interests and aptitudes, give recommendations about which careers you may enjoy, and help you decide which courses or training programs you should focus on to pursue those careers.

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) career search tool My Next Move for Vets is the nation’s primary source of occupational information. You can review information about careers for hundreds of standardized and industry-specific descriptors; Retail,” “Government,” Health and Counseling,” “Manufacturing,” and “Self-Employed” are a few examples. DOL updates the tool by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. There is also a search engine to find careers similar to your military job and it has assessment instruments for workers and students who want to find or change careers.

You might also want to research the projected demand for career fields. TheBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook provides information on the expected job prospects for different types of jobs, the education needed, earnings, what workers do on the job and working conditions.

USING YOUR GI BILL

TYPES OF DEGREES? There are different types of post-secondary degrees you can obtain when you choose to pursue higher education. These include Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

An Associate’s degree program is typically two years, and is usually completed at a community college; some four year universities also offer Associate’s degree programs. Traditional degrees offered are Associate’s of Arts (A.A.) or Associate’s of Science (A.S.). If a student is enrolled in an Associate’s program in fine arts, he or she will earn an Associate’s of Fine Arts degree after completing the program. An Associate’s degree generally requires 60 credit hours of training and takes two years of full-time attendance to earn. A student with an Associate’s can seek employment after or can transfer into a four year program at a college or university and work towards earning a Bachelor’s degree.

A Bachelor’s degree program is obtained at a college or university, with degree programs that usually last four years; the two primary degrees are Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.). A Bachelor’s degree is a required academic credential you will need if you plan to earn a graduate or professional degree. If a student declares a major in environmental science, he or she will earn a B.S. in Environmental Science. A Bachelor’s degree generally requires 120 credit hours of training and takes four years of full-time attendance to earn. After receiving this degree, a student can seek employment or increase their knowledge and skills by enrolling in a graduate program.

Universities offer intensive two-year graduate programs for students seeking their Master’s degrees. Graduate school course study is fast-paced and demanding. The programs are designed to provide a more in-depth and analytical approach

to your desired discipline. Keep in mind most programs will have full-and part-time options available.

A Doctoral degree is the highest academic degree in a field of study. Though not required, many choose to earn these degrees to further their knowledge in their discipline or to increase their earnings. Doctoral programs are strategic and require a student’s full attention; completing these programs can take three to six years. Typically, a student must already have received his or her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before obtaining a Doctoral degree. Types of Doctoral degrees include: Ph.D., law degrees (J.D), and medical degrees (M.D.).

Whether you want to earn a Bachelors in English or a Ph.D. in Higher Education, the GI Bill will help you reach your goals.

FEEDER SCHOOLS Some students will complete undergraduate studies by attending a community college then transferring to a local public university. We call this the “feeder school trend.”

Instead of completing all four years of undergraduate study at a university or college, a student will spend his or her first two years at a community college, then transfer to a college or university to complete the final two years.

Community colleges and state universities have developed “articulation agreements,” agreements between community colleges and four-year colleges and universities that recognize the credits earned toward degree programs at a four-year institution. The Associate’s degree you earn will essentially cover your freshman and sophomore credits. Institutions in 28 states including Maryland, California, and Arizona have adopted these academic policies. Take a look at the College Partnerships and Articulation Agreement chart to see if

FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 15

schools in your state have these beneficial agreements.

Many students are choosing this route because they can earn credits at a significantly lower cost while preparing academically to attend a four-year program. Increasing percentages of transfer students are students from community colleges. We encourage you to explore this option.

MORE THAN A DEGREE: BENEFITS OF HAVING A COLLEGE EDUCATION Earning a degree yields many beneficial opportunities; not only does it make you more competitive in the work force, it also leads to higher salaries, job stability and satisfaction, and greater employer-provided benefits. With your degree, you are more valuable to your employer; you are also less likely to be terminated during an economic downturn.

YOU’VE CONSIDERED A CAREER AND MAJOR, NOW WHICH SCHOOL IS BEST FOR YOU? Choosing the right school involves more than just completing the school’s application process. Attend an Open House or take a school tour. Envision yourself being a part of the school community. Can you see yourself there for the next several years? Make sure the school you attend meets your standards and expectations. In the military you demonstrated the commitment, discipline, and desire to succeed.

These qualities are highly sought after by colleges and universities. Leverage those qualities and attend the school that best provides what you need and maximizes your investment.

Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions you will make.

For more information on what your GI Bill benefits will cover, visit our GI Bill Comparison Tool to start researching schools. The GI Bill Comparison Tool shows key measures of affordability and value for each school including graduation rates, median borrowing amounts, and student loan default rates. You should carefully consider potential pitfalls of attending a school with a low graduation rate or high median borrowing amount. And remember, schools that are not listed in the Comparison Tool are not approved for GI Bill benefits and cannot be paid unless a school obtains approval.

The Federal Trade Commission also has some helpful information to help you decide. Their “Choosing a College” guide has eight questions to ask yourself and your potential school before making any decisions.

WOULD MY INTENDED PROFESSIONAL FIELD RESPECT A DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE I’M CONSIDERING? What’s the point of a degree if it doesn’t lead to employment? Employers have a good idea about which colleges and universities have good standing in their professional field and which don’t. Choosing the right school for your particular discipline is crucial. Accreditation matters if you plan to start school at one institution and transfer to another to complete your degree. Be sure to ask any potential school about their credit transfer policy.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) maintains a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs.

Accreditation is a recognized credential for schools and some programs. If a college or university is not accredited, your degree may be of low quality. As stated by ED, the goal of ac-

creditation is to ensure the education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.

Be mindful of accredited schools that offer non-accredited programs and degrees as well. There are three types of accreditation that every student should be familiar with: regional, national, and programmatic.

Regional is the most common accreditation. It requires schools to be reviewed by agencies in the school’s home state.

According to ED more than 85% of all colleges in the US are regionally accredited. Research universities, community colleges, liberal arts institutions, and public universities are the types of schools that are regionally accredited. Credits from one regionally accredited institution will usually transfer to other regionally accredited institutions provided the courses fit into your program.

Unlike regional, national accreditation is not limited to one geographic area. It reviews career, vocational, and trade schools all across the US and online. Nationally accredited schools offer credits that regional accredited schools do not, therefore making their credits difficult to transfer. While ED does not say whether regional or national accreditation is better, a recent ED study revealed that, “Nearly 90 percent of all student credit transfer opportunities occurred between institutions that were regionally, rather than nationally, accredited.”

Professional associations also have separate accrediting bodies for programs of education at schools. It’s even possible for an accredited school to offer a non-accredited degree so pay careful attention to whether or not your degree program is accredited.

To learn if a degree program is accredited, search for a school in the GI Bill Comparison Tool and click on “See Accreditors” under the “School Summary” box. This link will take you to ED’s College Navigator where you can see all the professional accrediting bodies that have approved programs of education at the school.

This is important because it can impact your future employment opportunities. To use an example, the Veterans Health Administration can only hire those who complete a nursing degree accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

HOW WELL DOES THE SCHOOL SUPPORT VETERANS? DOES IT HAVE A DEDICATED PROGRAM? Be careful about schools that claim to be “Military/Veteran Friendly.” Make sure your prospective school is friendly to your needs. There are objective sources to help you determine those needs.

The American Council on Education (ACE) has developed a toolkit for how schools can create or enhance policies and programs to better serve Veterans. It has examples of many successful programs that are available to you.

Other things to check for: • Transfer of credits from other schools or for military training - Your school should recognize your past coursework/ training and accept your transferred credit. Be vigilant in understanding whether your coursework will transfer to a new school. Not all credit will be accepted, but finding an institution where this credit is best utilized towards degree requirements will help you make the most of your benefits. Check out the ACE Military Guide to find out what kind of credit you may receive for your military experience.

• Campus and community support - Look for access to mental health and medical support, disability services, academic accommodations, and available career services.

• A strong Veteran voice - Find an administration that listens to and involves Veterans in Veteran programs such as a school with a Student Veterans of America organization. We want you to be a face, not just a number at your institution.

• Central point of contact - Hands-on, in-person assistance with navigating the educational process makes the academic journey much more manageable. Schools that agree to the President’s Principles of Excellence are obligated to have such a person for Veterans.

• Veteran specific space - A designated location for student Veterans offers a dependable and supportive environment where trust, support, and camaraderie can be found and fostered in an academic environment.

• Principles of Excellence participant – Be sure to review VA’s list of schools that agree to participate in the President’s Principles of Excellence Program by searching for schools using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

• Expanded housing options - Student Veterans sometimes have unique housing preferences and needs; options differ by institution.

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION Given your GI Bill education benefit level and choice of school, you may not need student loans. Depending upon your time in service, your tuition and fees charges could be completely or mostly covered. This also depends upon your choice of a school or program. It is essential to research other options such as grants before considering taking out a loan. If you do take out loans, make sure you understand capitalized interest and the repayment terms or you may become heavily indebted.

Other questions to ask yourself: • What is a reasonable amount to pay for my degree?

• What is my interest rate and when do I have to start paying the loan back?

• Will I make enough money to repay my student loan debt?

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and ED, there are currently more than 40 million student loan borrowers with over $1.1 trillion in outstanding debt, surpassing credit card debt. If you assume a large amount of student loan debt you may not qualify for home or auto loans and may have to delay saving for retirement, starting a family, or starting a business. The authoritative tool to help you determine how much tuition and fees your benefits will cover and how much you will need to pay is VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool.

If you must take out loans to help pay for school, consider a Federal Direct Loan from ED as repayment terms are generally more flexible and there are greater consumer protections. Check the online tools available through ED atstudentaid.ed.gov and the Department of Education’s Financial Aid Shopping Sheet.

MAKE IT COUNT AND GOOD LUCK! Choosing the right school is the first step in not only readjusting to civilian life, but most importantly succeeding in civilian life. The GI Bill is a great program and you’ve already earned it. Use your benefits wisely, finish school, and become the leader in the civilian world you have already demonstrated you can be in the military.

16 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

FIND A JOB

LAND A CIVILIAN JOB AFTER MILITARY SERVICE Military OneSource You may be in Kansas, but talk of resumes and businesscasual dress means probably means you’re not in the military any more. Often times, when service members retire from the military, searching for a civilian job is a new experience.

With a little guidance and the right strategies, your job search can be smooth and successful. Is it intimidating? It could be, but you’re going to be ready. You’re going to be organized.

You’re going to take it a step and a time, and you’re going to land a job.

GETTING READY To sell the best version of yourself to an employer, you have to prepare. Organize your job search so you can find the right match for your needs and skills.

• Clarify your skills and strengths. First, get a copy of your Verification of Military Experience and Training through the Department of Defense at the Transition GPS website. Then, think about how your strengths and your skills could be applied in a work setting. If you’re drawing a blank, a career assessment could point you to career fields

that are a good match. Your installation’s transition office can set you up with a test at no cost.

• Check your qualifications and licenses. Your military licenses or certifications might not translate to a civilian equivalent. Check out the Army’s Credentialing Opportunities Online website to learn how to market your military license to a civilian employer.

• Do your homework. After you narrow your search to a few career fields, research salary information and common skill requirements.

• Set the bar, but not too high. Before you start applying for jobs, decide on the type of job, pay range and location you’re willing to accept. If you’re not making any headway with what you want, you may need to adjust your expectations or search in another area.

• Job search like it’s your job. That job isn’t going to land itself. Set aside time each day for your search. During that time, send out resumes, complete applications, make follow-up calls, prep for interviews, network and look for new openings.

Your resume is rock solid, and you’ve done your research.

Now it’s time to find a job. You’re used receiving military orders, but now it’s up to you to get out there and find a civilian job. Take advantage of all your job search resources, such as recruiters, job fairs, and military transition offices.

• Your installation’s Transition Assistance Program.

Here you can take an employment workshop; and get referrals for employment agencies and recruiters, job leads, career counseling and computer access for online job searches.

• Your nearest employment office. Visit the Department of Labor website to find the office closest to you. There you’ll find an up-to-date list of local job openings.

• Private employment agencies. Companies hire private agencies to track down job candidates that meet their qualifications. Use your installation’s transition office to connect with employment agencies in search of military members. Some employment agencies charge for services, so make sure you know who is paying.

• Help wanted ads. Old school? Maybe, but job listings in local newspapers and trade journals are still reliable places to find job openings.

• Job fairs. Meet potential employers, pass out your resume and even interview on the spot all in one place. Dress like you’re going to a job interview, and make plenty of copies of your resume. Get the inside scoop on upcoming job interviews near you from your transition office, Chamber of Commerce or see listings for job fairs on and off military installations through the Army Career and Alumni Program

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and the Marine Corps Transition Readiness Program.

• Federal jobs online. Separating from the military doesn’t have to mean separating from government employment.

Find civilian jobs with the federal government through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. You can also create an account and build your resume at USAJOBS. Remember to brush up on the website’s process before submitting your resume.

• Civilian jobs in the military. Find jobs online through the Air Force Civilian Service, Navy Civilian Human Resources or Civilian Personnel Online for the Army.

• Other job search websites. The Internet is full of job postings. Even a general search for “job openings” could return results. Use caution when registering with some job search sites. Look for site recommendations, and network with other searchers, and employers, to connect with trustworthy sites.

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WHO YOU KNOW Networking is one of the most effective of all job search tools. Having a referral can give you a leg up over other applicants. Make connections and reach out to anyone you know. It takes minimal effort, but it can produce major possibilities: • Make networking cards. It’s half business card, half resume. Your networking card should be small with your contact information on one side and a brief summary of your skills on the other. Keep several on hand at all times.

• Brainstorm a list of friends, colleagues or acquaintances that might have a connection or job lead.

• Put feelers out with trade organizations or unions.

• Contact military organizations. Your military experience is valuable to many employers. Connect

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18 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

WRITING A CIVILIAN RESUME Military OneSource So you are separating from the military, and about to embark on the next chapter of your career journey, which means it’s time to get your resume in tip top shape. Your resume is your opportunity to put your best foot forward and sell yourself to future employers.

As a service member, you already have the skills that will impress many hiring managers. These tips will help put them down on your resume in a way that will stand out.

Military members offer skills that are impressive to many corporate recruiters and companies. But service members often don’t know how to sell them to potential employers.

Before you begin to work on your resume, use these tips to transfer your military skills into civilian terms: • Get a copy of your Verification of Military Experience and Training through the Department of Defense. Your VMET will give you an overview of the skills you’ve gained while in the military.

• Make a list of your technical skills. Some military jobs are a fast track to a career in the civilian world. Computer technicians, mechanics, and engineers, for example, have skills that can be easily converted to civilian jobs. Even if you’re in a different field, much of your job training can be converted into civilian terms. Budgeting, for example, is a critical skill for managers in most civilian companies.

• Make a list of your intangible skills. Recruiters often site intangible skills, such as leadership, discipline and a strong work ethic, as important. You can showcase these skills by incorporating each into you resume.

SELECT A RESUME STYLE When it comes to a well-written resume, it is not only important to target the information you want to include, but also to pick a resume style that best highlights your strengths. After assessing your skills, you probably have a good idea of the type of position you’ll be pursuing with your civilian resume. Now it’s time to write it. There are three basic types of resumes: • Chronological resumes list your employment history in chronological format, starting with your most recent work experience. This is often a good format for job seekers who have been in one job for a long time.

• Functional resumes highlight skills and de-emphasize work history and gaps in employment. The main body includes skills and accomplishments, which may be divided into specific areas of expertise.

• Combination resumes emphasize skills earned in a variety of jobs, while maintaining a job history format.

These resumes highlight specific skills in the main body of the resume, while including a concise employment history below.

OUTLINE YOUR RESUME Although there are several types of resumes, they all

contain the same basic elements. Because your skills and experience are different from those of any other job seeker, you resume will be unique. You can modify or eliminate these sections depending on how relevant they are to your skill set: • Contact information, in the form of a heading, includes your name, address, phone number and email address.

• Objective or job target identifies what kind of job you’re looking for and what makes you uniquely qualified for the job. The description should be no longer than one or two lines. For example, “A position as Director of Operations for AAA Corporation in which ten years military logistics experience will be an asset.”

• Summary of qualifications is a bulleted section just below the objective in the visual center of the resume.

It includes five or six lines highlighting the skills that make you uniquely qualified for this job. You could title this section “Highlights of Qualifications,” “Summary of Skills,” or “Summary of Experience.”

• Employment history varies depending on the type of resume you choose. You may list your employment history chronologically, including your responsibilities and accomplishments under each separate job.

• Education and training lists colleges, schools or military training schools you attended. List the name of the school and the location, but not necessarily the dates.

• Special skills should include things like foreign languages, computer skills or any other relevant skills that will set you apart from other applicants. This section is useful if you have several skills that don’t fit easily into other areas.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME Once you have created a basic format, it’s time to showcase your abilities and accomplishments in a way that is concise and easy for the reader to understand.

• Target your resume. Ideally, you should tailor each resume to the job you are targeting. Creating a resume worksheet, with all your employment, skills, accomplishments, volunteer work, and training, will give you something to draw from.

• Translate your resume into civilian terms. “Managed” makes more sense than “officer in charge of” to most civilian recruiters. Take out the acronyms and insert terms they can recognize. For example, most civilians won’t understand “SNOIC for 2d MarDiv G-3, planning and executing all logistics for operations conducted in our AOR.” But they will understand, “Supervised staff of 15 people. Planned and coordinated operations conducted by various subordinate units within our division.”

• Include your accomplishments. Instead of simply listing job duties, take a look at your accomplishments.

Use numbers to legitimize them, if possible. For example, “Managed budget of $100K” or “Reduced training time from 26 weeks to 24 weeks.”

• Make your resume concise. Try to limit your resume to one or two pages. Your resume is a marketing tool that you use to create interest in your abilities – you can talk more about your experience in the interview.

• Include volunteer experience if it’s relevant to the job you’re seeking. Volunteer experience is legitimate work experience and may add credibility.

• Leave off details not relevant to the job. Don’t include marital status, height and weight or religious affiliation, unless these details are appropriate for the job. Leave off salary information unless you were specifically asked to include it.

• Check for spelling errors. After you proofread your resume, ask a friend or family member to read it. Reading your resume backwards may help you catch spelling or typographical errors.

In many cases, you’ll send your resume electronically.

Be sure it’s in a format that’s easy to read on a screen.

If you’re pursuing federal employment, upload your resume to the federal resume-building websites. Visit the federal government’s USAJOBS site or your installation Transition Assistance Program for more information.

WRITE A COVER LETTER Once you have put together a winning resume, there’s one more thing you will want to do - write a cover letter. A cover letter is an opportunity to explain to employers why you are interested in the position and how your skills make you the best choice for the job.

• Learn the name of the person in charge of hiring and send your email or cover letter to him or her. Sometimes this isn’t possible - with a blind ad, for example. In many cases, you can simply call the company and ask.

• Focus your cover letter. Mention the job that you’re applying for in the first paragraph. Without repeating your resume, focus on describing how your skills and abilities are suited to the company’s needs. Keep it at one page and in a business-letter format.

• Follow up. Mention that you will call to follow up on your resume - and don’t forget to do it.

Make the most of your military to civilian transition by preparing for the job search early. The Transition Assistance Program office on your installation can help you get started.

FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 19

INTERVIEWING FOR A CIVILIAN JOB

Preparing for the interview This is your chance to show the employer how your abilities and work ethic are a good match for the company. Go to the interview feeling calm and confident after preparing in these ways: • Research the company. Find out about the company’s history, corporate culture, sales trends and management style to help you develop solid, intelligent questions to ask.

• Review your resume. Be prepared to talk about your accomplishments. Think back on your previous positions and successes.

• Get your references together. In case the interviewer asks for them, list names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of professional and personal references. If you have letters of reference, bring them with you.

• Prepare your portfolio or work samples. Be ready to discuss your work. Make copies of samples or items that might be relevant to the position to share when appropriate.

• Plan what to wear. You’ll want to make a good first impression. Dress conservatively and appropriately for the type of organization. You may need to invest in some new clothes. Makeup and jewelry should be simple, and make sure your hair and nails are well groomed. Avoid wearing perfume or cologne.

Understanding the different types of interviews Job interviews generally fall into one of these four categories: • One-on-one interview — Conducted in a conversational style, the interviewer gets to know you, and you get to know the company and the job.

• Panel interview — These are common for government jobs and can be more structured and challenging than a one-on-one interview. The panel,

usually three or more interviewers, uses a standard set of questions for each applicant.

• Telephone interview — This is sometimes used to screen applicants. You should use a landline phone, if possible, to avoid dropped calls or cell phone reception problems. Make sure you have a quiet place to talk without interruptions.

• Stress interview — Often used by law enforcement agencies, this interview intends to find out how an applicant reacts in stressful situations. If you’re faced with a stress interview, staying calm, cool and confident is the key.

Interview strategies Getting the job offer can largely depend on how you conduct yourself in the interview. Here are some strategies to help you make a great impression and ace the interview: • Arriving — Get there early and be polite to everyone you meet. Shake hands with confidence and smile. Make sure your cell phone is turned off.

• Responding to questions — Listen carefully to questions and be sure you understand them. If you don’t understand, ask for clarification. Be positive about your past job experiences, former supervisors and co-workers. Take time to gather your thoughts before you answer a question, and resist the urge to fill times of silence with irrelevant information.

• Ending the interview — Thank the interviewer, restate your interest in the job, and ask when you can follow up.

Interview questions Prepare for the types of questions you’ll most likely be asked. Be sure your answers are realistic and not too prepared or canned. Common questions may include: • Why did you leave the military?

• What do you like about your current position?

• What do you dislike about your current position?

• What professional mistakes have you made?

• What are your strengths (or weaknesses)?

• How do you handle deadlines and job stress?

• What is your greatest accomplishment (or failure)?

• Where do you see yourself in ___ years?

• Why should I hire you?

Other question types may include: • Tell me about yourself — These questions are your chance to sell yourself. Focus on your professional accomplishments, and draw from your research on the company to discuss how your skills and character make you a good fit for the company.

• Situational — The questions draw from your experiences and may begin with “Tell me about,”

“Describe a time when,” or “What would you do if.”

Your answers help the interviewer evaluate how you handle yourself in the workplace.

• How to answer — These questions help the interviewer find the candidate who best fits the job in both technical ability and professional character.

Use examples from your experiences, extra-mile accomplishments or teamwork successes to show that you’re the best fit.

You should ask questions during an interview, too, so you can make sure the company is a good fit for you. Your research on the company can help you develop questions about the corporate culture and job responsibilities. Your questions can also show the interviewer that you did your homework.

Questions about salary may have been answered in your research about similar jobs in the area. Try to avoid asking salary questions unless the interviewer brings it up or you get the job offer. Know all the details about the job before you commit to a salary. Remember, other benefits — like tuition reimbursement — may affect your decision to accept the position.

After the interview The after-interview follow-up is another important step in the interview process. Even if you don’t get the job, the interview experience can be valuable as you continue your job search. Here’s what to do after the job interview: • Write a thank-you note. Many applicants overlook this important part of the interview process. It may be a typed business letter, a simple handwritten note or an email. Restate your interest in the position, thank the interviewer for his or her time and include any relevant information you may have forgotten to mention.

• Follow up. After the interview, ask when a decision will be made and if you may call him or her to follow up. Make your follow-up call on or after the day the interviewer suggests.

• Consider all aspects of the job. If you get a job offer, consider the work environment, location, growth potential, job security, salary and benefits before you accept or decline. Be sure to include your family in the decision process.

• Don’t be discouraged. Keep your chin up if you don’t get the offer. There could be any number of reasons you didn’t get it, including some not related to your interview performance. See it as a learning experience — analyze what you did right and what you could have done better as you prepare for your next interview.

Visit Military OneSource for more information about your military to civilian transition and finding a new career in the civilian world.

strategy

Military OneSource Going on a job interview can be intimidating for anyone, but even more so if it’s your first one. For many transitioning military members about to enter the civilian workforce, it can be a new and especially challenging experience. Your interview should go smoothly if you follow these tips: • Prepare for the interview.

• Understand the different types of interviews.

• Develop interview strategies and questions.

• Prepare for the after-interview follow-up.

Preparation is the key to a successful interview. If you know what to expect, how to answer interview questions and how to follow up afterward, you can feel more confident as you work on landing the civilian position that’s perfect for you.

Arriving — Get there early and be polite to everyone you meet. Shake hands with confidence and smile. Make sure your cell phone is turned off.

20 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

NAVY VETERAN NAMED 2016 THOMAS MOSS SCHOLAR

Ivan Lopez walks around TCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Norfolk Campus with a purposeful step.

A recent graduate with an Associate of Science in Science and a 4.0 GPA, Lopez used to question whether he could be successful in the classroom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My biggest obstacle to starting college was fear of failure. Now I know differently,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Lopez is now pursuing a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in marine biology from Old Dominion University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I can do it, anyone can do it. You just have to try and if you fail, you pick yourself up and try again. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what coming to TCC has taught me,â&#x20AC;? Lopez said.

Lopez is the 2016 Thomas Moss Scholar. He will receive a $1,000 scholarship to apply to his studies at ODU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ivan was a leader in the classroom right from the start.

He strived for excellence on every assignment and shared his knowledge with his fellow students generously. He even formed study groups, increasing class participation,â&#x20AC;? said Cameron Russell, biology professor at the Norfolk Campus.

The Thomas Moss scholarship honors the namesake of the Norfolk Campus, which is known formally as the Thomas W. Moss Jr. Campus. Moss was speaker of the House of Delegates in the mid-1990s, when TCC received start-up funds from the General Assembly to put its Norfolk Campus downtown. He served for many years as Norfolk city treasurer.

The Thomas Moss Scholars Fund was established in 2000 by the Norfolk Faculty Senate to recognize a full-

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time student whose academic achievements and leadership have reached the highest levels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an honor to even be considered for this award. Thomas Moss loved his city and wanted to make it better. Everyone should emulate his actions,â&#x20AC;? Lopez said.

A 20-year Navy veteran, Lopez said he has not experienced this level of satisfaction since his time on active duty. A Master at Arms, Lopez was given the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his last deployment to Baghdad. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt fulďŹ lled in the service of my country and I experienced similar feelings of accomplishment when I started succeeding at TCC,â&#x20AC;? he said.

After retiring from the service, Lopez worked as a federal police ofďŹ cer at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt like I was settling in that job. I decided to retrain and ďŹ nally prepare for my dream job, even at my age,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Lopez plans a career teaching marine biology or working in industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Navy taught me to apply myself.

TCC gave me the opportunity to shine,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Lopez is the proud father of two sons; Gabriel, a 2015 graduate of ODU and Michael, a rising junior at the College of William and Mary. He is married to Vimarie and the couple resides in Chesapeake.

While at TCC, Lopez also learned to play the violin.

His ďŹ rst recital was in May. Š 2016 Tidewater Community College.

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FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 21

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22 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

5 REASONS TO MAKE A CAREER IN FITNESS Brandpoint Imagine waking up early on a Monday morning with a smile on your face. You’re excited to get the week started because you love what you do. Or how about taking a Tuesday afternoon all to yourself, without having to ask permission and use your precious vacation time? It might sound like a dream, but with a career in fitness, it could be your reality.

A career in fitness is not only flexible, but financially rewarding, and caters to a variety of personalities. The fitness industry is booming, so there’s plenty of opportunities to grow and be successful with your very own business. If you’ve been on the fence about a career in the fitness industry, here are some reasons that might convince you to finally make the switch.

MAKE A LIVING BY HELPING OTHERS. “I love nothing more than using the research based, sci-

entifically proven approach I have learned through my education to help others accomplish their goals,” says Heather Esterline, a graduate of Life Time Academy, a professional fitness trainer program that lets you step into the industry and build upon your career goals. Working in the fitness industry is highly rewarding as you help people improve their health. You have the opportunity to be an important mentor and trusted friend in every client’s life.

an externship consisting of 120 hours, altogether equaling 260 contact hours.

If learning the foundations of personal training and corrective exercise is more of your interest, the Premier Professional Fitness Trainer Course may be better for you, lasting 16 weeks and 120 contact hours.

WORK WITH A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IN MANY PLACES.

As you work with clients and watch them reach their goals, you can see the results of your knowledge and expertise.

Whether you’re helping someone lose weight, gain muscle or simply learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be rewarded as each client continues to make progress.

When you have a career in fitness, you’re not sitting in an office, having meetings with the same coworkers every day. From personal trainer to health club owner, there are so many opportunities for working in this field. You can be selfemployed, work with a team or even establish your own business and employ a staff. Whether you want to work indoors or out, choose your environment, your schedule and enjoy a healthy work/life balance.

CHOOSE YOUR SPECIALTY.

IT’S ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING CAREERS.

Whether you want to be a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, yoga teacher or even a health club owner, you have the chance to choose your focus. No matter how you want to enter the fitness industry, there’s a class or program to pave your path. Life Time Fitness’ personal training certification program offers several different courses and passes to help you earn the credentials you need to get your career off the ground.

The Life Time Academy has two different certification courses that start on October 17 - the Premier and Elite Certification courses. During the Elite Professional Fitness Trainer Courses, participants not only become certified throughout the 24-week course, but also get hands on experience during

Positive vibes and low stress make personal training one of the top rated professions by CNN Money Magazine. And it doesn’t take long for your personal training career to skyrocket. For example, Jason Sweetnam, personal trainer and team weight loss instructor for Life Time Fitness, was 250 pounds and living an unhealthy lifestyle when he decided to begin his fitness journey. He decided to improve his health and is now a working full-time helping others get their fitness and nutrition on track.

SEE TANGIBLE RESULTS WHEN WORKING WITH CLIENTS.

Are you looking for a career change that allows you to be passionate about your work? If any of these reasons speak to you, then it might be time to break into the fitness industry.

FALL 2016 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 23

24 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2016

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