Careers Continuing Education Winter 2015

Fall 2015

|

WHAT EVERY JOB SEEKER

UNDERSTANDING THE

SHOULD KNOW

POST 9/11 GI BILL

page 9

page 15

YOUR GUIDE To Employment Opportunities and Higher Education

2 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

FALL 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 3

LEAVING THE MILITARY – NOW WHAT? Are you currently considering the realities of where you’d like to live after the service? It is important to do so carefully and choose wisely.

For example, if you were a ship navigator during your military career, you could have a difficult time finding a similar job in the Southwest. On the other hand, if you were an Army nurse, you may find several excellent opportunities virtually anywhere.

Most career placement specialists recommend that job applicants choose the type of job they want first, then go where the jobs are. In making a decision to relocate, you might prioritize as follows: 1. Job potential: Which community is most likely to offer job opportunities that match your skills, experience and career goals?

2. Affordability: Consider the not so obvious expenses in addition to the cost of living. Compare local, state income, property and sales taxes. Does the state tax your military retirement pay? Does the location have income and career potential?

3. Community: Do you have family or friends there? Can you count on them to help make your transition easier? Do you need to be close to your aging parents for economic or medical reasons?

Are you seeking upward mobility with the potential to move, or are you looking for a community to settle for the long-term?

4. Environment: Would you be happiest living

in a city, the suburbs, a small town, or a rural area? Does the climate suit you?

MOVING OUT OF THE AREA Before moving, consult your nearest Fleet and Family Support Center, the best source of relocation information and planning assistance. Other useful resources include: local chambers of commerce, libraries, bookstores and the Internet. Use them to find out what you need in order to make informed moving decisions.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Many communities across America have chambers of commerce. Each chamber of commerce promotes its community and is a good source of in-

NEW, STREAMLINED ‘VETS. GOV’ COMING IN NOVEMBER The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to unveil a new Web portal that incorporates its more than 1,000 veteran-related websites, a VA official said Sept. 24.

The new hub, called “Vets.gov,” is scheduled to go live on Veterans Day -- Nov. 11 -- of this year, VA’s Chief Veterans Experience Officer Tom Allin told an audience in Washington.

On that day, Vets.gov will go live but will not be fully operational, Allin said. VA is still working on a single secure sign-on system that

Visit http://bit.ly/1Rg9ikQ to check out the latest homefront section featuring local relocation services!

could provide access to the more than 1,000 other sites, he explained.

“What we want is one portal, and we want the veteran to be able to go in, check on a claim, add a dependent, sign up for an education benefit, change their address and get that done online, at Vets.gov,” he said.

VA aims to have that capability by next year, he said.

VA Secretary Robert McDonald, who joined the department last summer in the wake of the scandal over

formation about the surrounding area: the local job market, housing costs, local realtors, cost of living, local taxes, climate, schools and availability of recreation or child care. Ask for the chamber’s booklet – much like the relocation packet you received about a new installation when you changed stations. You can find any chamber of commerce office in the nation at www.chamberofcommerce.com.

LIBRARIES AND BOOKSTORES Each of the Service Library Programs provides electronic content through their respective portals (www.nko.navy.mil; www.us.army.mil; www. my.af.mil). The electronic content provides information on relocating, career opportunities and educational opportunities.

VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY ROBERT MCDONALD delayed wait times for veterans seek health care, told an a Washington audience in September, VA needed to simplify its services for veterans.

“If I went to a veteran and said, ‘What’s Blue Button?’ they would have no idea,” McDonald said during a Politico event, referring to a system that lets patients download their own electronic medical records. Online veteran services have complicated names such as “MyHealtheVet,” he

added. “What’s wrong with ‘Veterans. gov,’ or ‘Vets.gov?’”

On Sept. 24, Allin said he was concerned VA didn’t have enough integrated data about the veterans who use its services.

At a national level, he said, “we have no idea right now who our customers are.” The VA health system has at least 225 databases that “don’t talk to each other. They have different data rules, and so we can’t tell you who is actually using VA today among our veterans.”

Allin said VA needs to improve its customer data collection efforts, including culling veterans’ contact information, their military records, demographics and how they have been using VA services.

4 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

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6 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

PROGRAM FOR VETS TO TEACH

VETERANS TO ENERGY CAREERS

Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs – Placing veterans in the nation’s classrooms to serve again is the goal for the Troops to Teachers program, officials said.

“We are here as a counseling and referral asset to help eligible veterans transition into second careers as teachers,” said Cliff Yager, director, Troops to Teachers for Tennessee and Northern Alabama, during a Transition Goals Plans Success (T-GPS) briefing at Naval Support Activity Mid-South.

The purpose of the Department of Defense program is to help eligible current and former military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

Veterans possess many of the qualities that make a good teacher; a sense of service, leadership, discipline, maturity and life experience, said Yager. He added that studies show that beginning teachers who are military veterans score much higher in peer assessments and assessments from principals and superintendents than their peers coming to the classroom straight from college. Service members can learn more about Troops to Teachers and locate a state representative at www.proudtoserveagain.com.

Troops to Energy Jobs is designed to help veterans make a successful transition to a rewarding career in the energy industry. This website will guide you step by step in transferring your military training to a new energy job, identifying any additional education and credentials you may need, and supporting you in your job search by utilizing an interactive Troops to Energy Jobs ROADMAP. Energy jobs offer promising opportunities, whether you are an experienced worker or just starting your career. These jobs are active, hands-on, rewarding, and available in every state, in an industry that is stable and growing. With many of the nation’s energy workforce either retiring or otherwise departing their jobs during the next five years, the energy industry is working now to develop programs to attract and train new workers for energy-related generation, transmission, and distribution careers.

In some cases, Troops to Energy Jobs will help you start working immediately in an energy industry-related job. Many companies hire professionals directly from the military for certain positions, which we call “Ready Now,” because these veterans only require company training as they transition to energy industry jobs. For others, some type of postsecondary education may be needed – in most cases, leading to a credential or degree.

Regardless of which group you belong, you will need to understand how well the energy job that you are interested in matches up with your knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through military training and experience. This will help you understand if you are a Ready Now candidate or need to pursue further education to gain credentials.

For more on this program, visit http://troopstoenergyjobs.com.

Veterans, active-duty military, military spouses, dependents

DEVELOP YOUR EDUCATION AND CAREER AT TCC WHY TCC? BECAUSE OUR MISSION IS SERVING YOU! The Center for Military and Veterans Education is a one-stop resource with a dedicated military advising and student support team TCC’s high-quality, flexible and affordable programs prepare you for jobs in high-demand fields TCC is wherever you are, with four convenient campuses, classes on military installations and online TCC is No. 3 in Military Times ranking of veteran-friendly two-year colleges Learn more.

Contact the Center for Military and Veterans Education at 757-822-7777 or military@tcc.edu.

FALL 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 7

BOOTS TO BUSINESS REBOOT The Small Business Administration (SBA) will host Boots to Business: Reboot, an entrepreneurship training course for veterans in 12 cities across the U.S. Each event, led by SBA Resource Partners and industry experts from Syracuse University’s Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF), will host up to 100 veterans for a two-day Introduction to Entrepreneurship class.

Boots to Business: Reboot, will introduce veterans to the fundamentals of business ownership, and lead participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. The program will also introduce participating veterans to a network of lifetime business support available locally across the U.S. by introducing them to SBA’s network of Veteran Business Outreach Centers, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and SCORE Counselors.

Boots to Business: Reboot will adapt the curriculum from the SBA-sponsored Boots to Business: From Service to Startup, a worldwide program offered as a component of the Department of De-

ONLINE Visit https:// www.cia.gov/ careers/militarytransition to learn more about how your military service can translate to a career in the CIA.

fense’s redesigned Transition Assistance Program (TAP) renamed Transition GPS. The curriculum, developed to introduce transitioning service members to business ownership and connecting them to resources in their local communities, will now be available to more than 22 million veterans who have already transitioned into civilian life.

Following the two-day training, participants will also be eligible to register for “Foundations of Entrepreneurship” an eight-week, online course led by instructors from IVMF that offers in-depth instruction on the elements of a business plan and techniques and tips for starting a business.

After completing Boots to Business: Reboot, participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, connect with local resources and launch their small businesses.

WORK FOR THE CIA Your prior military service could qualify you to continue to serve your nation at the CIA. Opportunities for qualified applicants are available in the U.S. and abroad. If you join the CIA, your military service could affect the benefits you earn as a federal employee. The following information offers a concise description of what to expect in terms of benefits when transitioning from the military to a career at CIA. The CIA is an independent U.S. Government agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior U.S. policymakers.

GO FROM SAILOR TO SOLDIER WITH OPERATION BLUE TO GREEN During this period of “right sizing” the Air Force and Navy, the Army recognizes the need for our armed forces to retain qualified men and women.

Operation Blue to Green will allow you to continue to serve your country, maintain the benefits of military service and expand your horizons by gaining new training in another military branch.

The program allows qualified Air Force and Navy personnel to transfer to active-duty service in the Army. Enrollment in the program depends on your current active service obligation, and your branch’s willingness to release you to the Army.

Selected members of the Marine Corps or Coast Guard, who are otherwise qualified, may be eligible for opportunities in the Army. However, Marines and Coast Guard members will be required to complete their current terms of active service.

For more, visit www.goarmy.com.

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Let us serve you.

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

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Defense

FALL 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 9

WHAT EVERY JOB SEEKER SHOULD KNOW ARAContent – With the economy strengthening, today’s job seekers have more of an opportunity to find a job than in years past. However, that hardly means that companies are taking the decision to hire lightly. With still unprecedented numbers of applicants vying for each open position, companies are putting a greater emphasis on choosing the best of the group, and they are armed with more weapons than ever to do just that.

A heightened quest for information on prospective employees, coupled with the increased ease to administer assessments, means that job seekers are more and more likely to face some form of a pre-hire evaluation as part of the hiring process.

“Pre-employment assessments have been one way to help companies make sense of who they have in the pipeline,” said Brian Penner, director of assessment and selection at Prudential Financial. “More and more companies have developed a strong appetite for measuring how people think and act – just think about Facebook to see the value in this. Pre-employment assessments provide information on difficult-to-measure human behaviors that give employers the ability to easily compare one candidate with another in an objective way.”

Penner notes that it is important for job seekers to remain confident if asked to take an assessment. “The good news is that assessments cost money, which should signal to you that the company thinks you’re important enough to invest in.”

Additionally, Penner shares his top seven tips for job seekers if they are asked to take an assessment as part of their application process: • Most assessments today are online and allow you to take the assessment wherever your computer has connectivity to the internet.

This means convenience, but it also means that it is critical that you plan ahead so you can work in a distraction-free area.

• Get sleep the night before. Being well-rested and alert are the building blocks for success.

• Be yourself. It is easier to be yourself than someone else. Don’t guess who they want you to be. Remember, you’ve been invited to take the assessment because of your skills and experiences. Those who try to be someone different during the assessment don’t fare as well and come across with contradictory results.

• Stay relaxed, and as contrary as it may seem, try to have fun with the assessment. There are usually a number of factors that go into the hiring decision and assessments are just one piece of the puzzle.

• Some tests are timed. In these cases, work quickly and accurately. Instructions will tell you if you’re penalized for a wrong answer.

If not, leave yourself time to guess the correct answer when time is running out.

• Research the employer. See if you can get information on the hiring process. Try to find practice tests.

• Lastly, almost all assessments measure more than one thing.

This means if you mess up one section, don’t give up. Keep trying. Your performance on the entire assessment is what counts and everybody already knows that you’re not perfect, so don’t get frustrated in the middle of the test if you feel you’ve done less well on one part.

TIPS FOR PREPARING AND PROOF-READING THE PERFECT RESUME ARAContent – In today’s competitive job market, employers can receive literally hundreds of responses to a posted job. A resume often creates the first impression a prospective employer will form about each candidate – and that first impression forms quickly. According to Business Insider, a career website, research shows “recruiters spend about six seconds before they make the initial ‘fit/no fit’ decision.”

“When it comes to mistakes on resumes, I’ve seen it all – grammatical errors, misspelled words, and even omitted credentials,” said Amanda Rajotte, director of Career Services at Brown Mackie College-Hopkinsville. Rajotte helps students and graduates prepare for professional job searches and conducts workshops on the fundamentals of writing resumes.

“I cannot stress enough that the resume is a gateway to an interview,” she said. “It’s worthwhile to put time and effort into creating it. If a resume contains mistakes, all the effort after that is wasted, no matter how many you send out.”

A resume is an important marketing tool that introduces you to a prospective employer in the professional world. Rajotte likens it to a 30-second commercial for yourself. It’s all about the proper sequencing of information relevant to the employer. “You want to highlight the good qualities and attributes that employers want to see; things that tie into the specific opportunity,” she said.

Think carefully about – and always double-check – spelling. “Incorrect spelling worries potential employers. Candidates should spell check and double check their work by proofreading,” Rajotte said. It can help to let someone else proofread the resume. An extra set of eyes often finds mistakes.

What do spelling errors tell an employer about you? Monster says it tells them, “This person obviously doesn’t care.”

Grammatical errors also throw up a red flag. “Bad sentence structure and incorrect word usage are common mistakes people make,” said Rajotte. “These decrease your level of competency in the employer’s mind, and they move on to the next resume. Other typical resume blunders include incorrect capitalization of words, and failure to spell out acronyms. Not everyone knows what acronyms mean.

Each one should be spelled out the first time it appears.”

The format of the resume is the next consideration. “The goal is to create a visually pleasing page,” Rajotte said. She recommends using a legible typeface and a readable point size. “This means scrap the script font, and stick to 10-point or 12-point type. Alignment is another big one. Always print a copy to see how it looks on paper. Don’t just look on screen.”

Once the resume is in top form, you have a better chance of landing an interview. After the interview, it is appropriate to send a thank you note. “Not everyone sends a thank you. It can set you apart from other applicants,” said Rajotte. Quintessential Careers found that just five percent of job applicants follow through with a thank you note.

“It’s a nice way to build a relationship,” she said. “You never know when you might run into that person again.”

10 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

VETERANS DAY: INITIATIVES HELPING VETERANS APPLY SKILLS, EXPERIENCE TO BUSINESS LEADERSHIP Statepoint â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Of the 24 million veterans in the U.S., nearly one in 10 is a small business owner and veterans as a whole are 45 percent more likely than those with no military experience to be self-employed, according to U.S. Census Bureau Data. Experts say that these ďŹ gures should come as no surprise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When veterans reenter civilian life, they carry with them the discipline, hard work and strategic thinking acquired and developed during military service. They take pride in these skills and strive to use them during their next phase of life,â&#x20AC;? says Tim Davis, a veteran and president of The UPS Store, which offers a number of initiatives designed to promote veteran entrepreneurship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veterans are extremely likely to be successful entrepreneurs. Sometimes the challenge is ďŹ nding that opportunity.â&#x20AC;?

Despite the bleak headlines regarding the variety of problems faced by returning veterans, The UPS Store is a good example of a business

taking steps to change the dialogue and offer these entrepreneurial opportunities. For example, their participation in the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran) is helping veterans

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obtain the resources they need to become their own boss, and the results have been notable. In fact, of the 4,400 UPS Stores, 250 are owned by veterans.

Other programs sponsored by various universities and the U.S. Small Business Administration are offering returning veterans training and mentoring, grants, and access to business development opportunities.

Davis, who believes military skills easily translate to the business world, encourages other corporations and organizations to begin similar measures in their operations.

This Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day, celebrated Nov. 11, is a good time to learn more. Visit www.theupsstorefranchise.com.

From strong leadership skills to focused work ethic to a comfort with procedures, the characteristics exhibited during oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service in the military can translate well to the world of business, say experts.

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FALL 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 11

12 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR IN THE 21ST CENTURY NURSE

4 TOP TECH DEGREES FOR TODAY’S CAREER SEEKERS Brandpoint – The career outlook for technology professionals remains highly promising. With so many emerging employment opportunities, the White House announced the TechHire initiative in March to encourage American cities to offer training to prepare the workforce for careers in growing tech fields.

The U.S. has about five million open jobs today, which is more than at any point since 2001. Over half a million of those job openings are in information technology fields like software development, network administration and cyber security, many of which did not exist just a decade ago.

As an added incentive for Americans to pursue tech careers, the average salary in a job that requires information technology (IT) skills – whether in manufacturing, advertising, retail or banking – is 50 percent higher than the average private-sector American job. Here are some of the most valuable tech specializations and degree programs available to career seekers today:

1. CYBER SECURITY Cyber security has been listed by the World Economic Forum as one of the top five global risks in terms of likelihood, and has been ranked as a top concern in federal chief information officer surveys. The White House even released an executive order aimed at improving critical infrastructure cyber security.

Demand for cyber security professionals continues to rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 37 percent increase in information security analyst jobs through 2022.

To meet this demand, colleges and universities are starting to offer degrees in cyber security. In May, DeVry University unveiled a new Cyber Security Programming specialization within its Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program, available on campus or online in select states. The program includes Systems Security Certified Practitioner preparation and exam facilitation, a key credential employers may require in hiring cyber security professionals that has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

2. HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS Another fast-growing tech specialization is in health information systems. The North American healthcare technology market is predicted to grow significantly to more than $31 billion by 2017, up from approximately $22 billion in 2012, according to Research and Markets' North American Healthcare IT Market Report.

Demand for health informatics specialists is partly driven by the growing complexity of healthcare operations, government initiatives to promote IT in hospitals and the shift toward paperless billing and payment environments.

Students who earn a bachelor's degree in computer information systems can pursue professional certification as a Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management (CAHIMS) to show employers their knowledge and skills.

3. SYSTEMS ANALYSIS/INTEGRATION Computer systems analysts play a vital role in researching, planning and recommending software and systems that best meet an organization's business requirements. These analysts combine their knowledge of information technology and business to manage the organization's overall computer system – from designing and developing new systems to helping networks run more efficiently and effectively.

According to a new market report, the global market for system integration is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 11 percent from 2014 to 2020. Following graduation, students who want to stand out from the competition can pursue a postbaccalaureate certificate in Information Systems and Management.

3. WEB DEVELOPMENT/ADMIN The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 20 percent employment growth for Web developers by 2022. During that period, about 28,500 new jobs will need to be filled in an industry that already has roughly 141,400 positions.

The expansion of e-commerce is expected to fuel this high job growth in the coming decade.

Companies need web developers who can design webpage layout and solve code problems, help expand their online retail presence and safeguard the site and end users' privacy.

Brandpoint – Over the last decade, a number of changes have transformed the healthcare industry. The Affordable Care Act has enabled more than 16.4 million Americans to receive healthcare coverage. Advancements in technology improve both diagnoses and treatment quality. Retail health offers a convenience used by more than 10 million patients at 1,800 retail health locations. Along with the current challenges facing the healthcare system, such as an aging population, increased patient volume and physician shortages, these changes prompt the expansion of the traditional role of a nurse.

Generally, Americans believe nurses’ roles are expanding as they share increased responsibilities to support the delivery of high quality healthcare, according to a poll commissioned by University of Phoenix College of Health Professions. The survey also found that adults in the U.S. view their experience with nurses as overwhelmingly positive.

In fact, 95 percent found nurses to be a valuable addition to the healthcare system as a whole, and 87 percent view nurses as trusted sources of health information.

“As nurses take on greater responsibility, and as the needs of healthcare organizations continue to grow more complex, the skills and training requirements of nurses must be prepared to match this growth,” says Betty Nelson, Ph.D., RN, and academic dean for Uni-

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

FALL 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 13

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE versity of Phoenix School of Nursing.

“This is especially important given that the U.S. is currently facing a shortage of as many as 90,000 physicians by 2025. Nurses with advanced education can help fill this shortage, particularly in areas where consumers do not have access to care.”

Because of this, employers are looking for nurses with a variety of skills and certifications including: • Additional degrees or seeking an advanced degree; • In-demand skills such as bilingualism, leadership and critical thinking; • Flexibility and professionalism; • The desire to grow into advanced practitioners such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants; • Specialized training for working with various populations; • An openness to diverse opportunities in a number of different facilities.

In order to keep up with the changes in the healthcare system, at least 80

percent of the nation’s nursing workforce will need a bachelor’s degree by 2020 and the number of nurses with doctoral degrees will need to be double, according to the Institute of Medicine. Nursing education institutions play a critical role in meeting the needs of today’s healthcare system.

Nurses need a place to obtain these degrees and further their skills within the healthcare industry. Institutions recognize the expanding role of the 21st century nurse and are offering a wide range of curriculum and degree programs that address recent changes in the delivery of primary care. Graduates need to be equipped with the skills they need to succeed in today’s health care market.

It’s now more important than ever that nurses have the training and skills to match the demands of the growing profession. Along with the nursing community, institutions that offer nursing degree programs must work together to enhance and better prepare the nursing workforce.

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14 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

IMPORTANT TRANSITION INFORMATION FOR SAILORS, COMMANDERS, AND MILITARY SPOUSES 21st Century Sailor Office – Navy’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) has been completely redesigned and will help Sailors who are retiring or separating, by giving them the skills, resources, and tools necessary to make a successful move to civilian life. This is not the old TAP class but rather a new comprehensive program that includes an updated curriculum, now known as Transition Goals Plans Success (T-GPS).

T-GPS is designed so that Sailors receive the training mandated by law, where the focus is on financial planning, understanding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and attending an employment workshop.

New DOD Career Readiness Standards (CRS) have been established, and while the classroom training will help Sailors understand the skills and resources needed for their next career, the redesigned program also ensures Sailors are meeting the requirements and connecting to the proper resources.

This is done as part of Capstone, a final check that commanders and TAP counselors undertake to make sure Sailors have meet career standards and all resources have been explained and provided to them.

To get started, contact your Command Career Counselor or your Command Transition Officer designated by your chain of command. Additional help can also be found at Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) and visit www.DoDTAP.mil and www.cnic.navy.mil/tgps4servicemembers.

For leaders, Sailors, and their spouses, here are the important things you should know.

SAILORS All active and reserve personnel, who served 180 days or more on Title 10 active duty, are required to receive pre-separation counseling, VA benefits briefing, and Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW) before separating or retiring, unless exempted.

The classroom portion of TAP was renamed T-GPS and provides a more robust curriculum for personal budget preparation, job finding and interviewing skills, military to civilian transition and VA benefits.

Sailors who are geographically isolated by 50 miles or more from a T-GPS delivery site, as well as short notice administrative separations, may satisfy attendance requirements through Joint

Courtesy of navy.mil

Knowledge Online (JKO) at https://jkodirect. jten.mil/. This exception must be approved by your commanding officer.

In addition to the T-GPS core curriculum, Sailors have the opportunity to participate in one or more two-day additional tracks to meet their personal and career goals: Accessing higher education, for those pursuing a college education; career technical training, for those seeking industry-recognized credentials in shorter-term training programs; or entrepreneurship, for those wanting to start their own business.

Prior to separating from active duty, you will participate in a Capstone event to verify you have a viable Individual Transition Plan (ITP) and meet CRS. If additional support is needed, you will be connected with the right agency partner and the resources and benefits needed to ensure a successful transition.

COMMANDERS TAP is commanders’ business; as a commander you are responsible for ensuring service members are provided the mandatory portions of the TAP, as required by law, and the additional tracks as needed to meet CRS. It is your responsibility to verify each service member meets CRS no later than 90 days prior to separation.

SPOUSES As a military spouse, you are encouraged to

attend TAP with your service member to take advantage of all the program has to offer. If you are unable to attend the week long course with your spouse you have access to the same T-GPS curriculum as service members, 24/7 through the eBenefits website, DOL Vets, or Military OneSource websites.

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership is part of the Department of Defense’s broader Spouse Education and Career Opportunities initiative, which seeks to strengthen the education and career opportunities of military spouses. It currently partners with more than 260 corporations, businesses and military serving organizations in an effort to connect companies who are interested in employing military spouses with potential employees. Website: https://msepjobs. militaryonesource.mil/.

The Veterans Employment Center (VEC) is an online tool that brings together public and private employers with real job opportunities, and provides transitioning service members, veterans, and their families with the tools to translate their military skills into plain language and build a profile that can be shared with employers who have made a public commitment to hire veterans. Connect here with the VEC at www.ebenefits.va.gov/jobs.

Get started today by contacting your Command Career Counselor or designated Command Transition Officer and your local Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). Visit www.DoDTAP.mil and www.cnic.navy. mil/tgps4servicemembers for more info.

FALL 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 15

UNDERSTANDING THE POST-9/11 GI BILL – Q&A AM I ELIGIBLE? You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty* after Sept. 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days following Sept. 10, 2001. *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.

WHAT WILL I RECEIVE?

PROVIDING EDUCATION, BENEFITS INFORMATION GI BILL COMPARISON TOOL Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – The GI Bill Comparison Tool is designed to make it easier for veterans, service members, and family members to estimate their GI Bill education benefits and learn more about the VA’s approved college, university, and other education and training programs across the country. It also provides key information about college affordability and value, so beneficiaries can choose the best education program to meet their needs.

The VA successfully trademarked GI Bill to prevent its fraudulent use for recruiting purposes and to protect this publicly-owned intellectual property.

“We are excited to see how veterans respond to the wealth of information now available on the updated GI Bill Comparison Tool,” said VA’s Undersecretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “We’re grateful for the chance to work with our partners at the departments of defense and education to ensure

beneficiaries are informed education consumers.”

The updated version of the GI Bill Comparison Tool has new functionality, including a more robust GI Bill benefits calculator and additional information pertinent to the veteran population (e.g., identifies schools with student veteran groups, VetSuccess on Campus program, and those that have agreed to the 8 Keys to Success).

The GI Bill calculator provides a personalized estimate of Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and fee, housing allowance, and book stipend benefits that would potentially be paid to the student.

The calculator prepopulates the tuition and fee estimates from the Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. The veteran indicator section now contains new information on schools’ student veterans groups, VetSuccess on Campus program and Yellow Ribbon agreement status.

You may receive a percentage of the following payments: • A tuition and fee payment that is paid to your school on your behalf; • A Monthly Housing Allowance (not payable to individuals on active duty or those enrolled at half-time or less) that is equal to: • Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents, for students pursuing resident training, payable for the zip code of your school; • One-half the BAH national average for students training solely by distance learning; • The national average BAH for students pursuing training at foreign schools; • A books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 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 benefits for 15 years from your last date of active duty, of at least 90 consecutive days.

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING CAN I TAKE? You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill at colleges, universities, trade schools, on-the-job training, apprenticeships and flight schools. To see what programs are currently approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for VA benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov. You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for tutorial assistance, licensing (attorney license, cosmetology license, etc.), and certification tests (SAT, LSAT, etc.).

Note: If the program you are interested in isn’t on the website, contact your State Approving Agency (list available on www.gibill.va.gov) to see if the program can be approved.

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

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 the VA and choose the amount of tuition and fees that will be contributed. The VA matches each dollar of the institution’s contribution and issues payments directly to the institution.

16 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

JOINING FORCES RESOURCES ONLINE Visit the Veterans Employment Center for Job Seekers to search job listings around the country: https://www. ebenefits.va.gov/ ebenefits/jobs

The Veterans Job Bank connects unemployed veterans to job openings with companies that want to hire them. It launched with more than 500,000 job listings, a number that will continue growing as more companies tag the job postings on their own websites and add them to the Veterans Job Bank.

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is a comprehensive web-enabled recruitment and career partnership solution connecting military spouses to employers seeking a 21st century workforce with the skills and attributes possessed by military spouses.

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FALL 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 17

The Veteran Gold Card provides Post-9/11 veterans with extra support as they transition out of the military. Once a veteran has downloaded the Veteran Gold Card, he or she can access six months of personalized case management, assessments and counseling at the roughly 3,000 OneStop Career Centers located across the country.

Veterans Recruiting Services (VRS) connects employers and veterans through virtual career fairs. VRS offers services to assist veterans and their spouses as they transition to the civilian workforce and helps employers find the right highly qualified, educated and well-trained veterans for their businesses.

My Next Move for veterans is an easy-to-use online tool created by the Department of Labor that allows veterans to enter information about their experience and skills in the field and match it with civilian careers that put that experience to use. The site also includes information about salaries, apprenticeships and other related education and training programs.

VetSuccess.gov provides comprehensive transition and employment resources for veterans, service members and their families. VetSuccess. gov serves as a virtual employment resource center where veterans can browse job listings, post resumes and apply for positions online.

VetSuccess.gov also provides links to more than eight million jobs on the VetCentral site.

Hero 2 Hired (H2H) is a comprehensive employment program provided by the Department of Defense that offers everything a reserve component job seeker needs to find their next opportunity, including job listings, career exploration tools, education and training resources, virtual career fairs, a mobile app for iOS, Android and Windows phones, an innovative Facebook application and a variety of networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is committed to Hiring Our Heroes and are sponsoring nearly 100 hiring fairs for veterans, and military spouses in local communities across the country between Oct. 2015 - Oct. 2016.

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18 CCE | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | FALL 2015

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. For those of you who may require some assistance, 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.

2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA.GOV) Probably the most popular veterans organization, the VA, provides services to men and women who have served in our armed forces. As the mission statement on their website states, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” which fulfills President Lincoln’s promise to serve and honor the men and women who are America’s veterans. The VA offers health care options for veterans and their families, as well as other benefits including retirement compensation, education and training, home loans, life insurance, burial benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.

The VA eBenefits website is an online portal that allows service members, veterans and their families research their benefits and have access to these benefit options 24/7.

3. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL.GOV/VETS) During their Transition Goals Plans Success (TGPS) 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. Posttransition, 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-up services they need to succeed in their job search. Certain grants and other resources are also available through the DOL.

4. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS (DAV.ORG) The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization is dedicated to “Empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.” Many transitioning service members feel the physical pain associated 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. The DAV has over 60 offices throughout the U.S., which enables service members to obtain assistance from virtually anywhere in the country.

5. FFSC (CNIC.NAVY.MIL/NAVYLIFEMA ) Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) provide service members, veterans, and their families with numerous programs, including relocation assistance, new parent support, deployment services, clinical counseling services, financial management, family employment services, family advocacy, and transition assistance programs. Transitioning service members are encouraged to stop by one of the FFSC offices and request information on upcoming events and workshops relating to their transition.

6. JOB FAIRS (VEC.VIRGINIA.GOV) One of the major hurdles for a transitioning service member to overcome is obtaining a civilian job that will cater to their needs. Networking has a major influence on landing that dream job, and one way to successfully network with employers is through job fairs. State websites frequently post job fairs, as do various military installations. Being able to write one’s skills on a resume is one thing, but connecting with employers face-to-face has proven to be extremely effective.

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 (LINKEDIN.COM, ETC.) 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 2015 | CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION | CCE 19

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