Careers & Continuing Education | Summer 2013

2 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2013

You receive it on Graduation Day. But it’s never handed to you.

Because when it’s a degree from Columbia College, it’s a degree that demands effort and rewards hard work. That’s a notion our students at 18 campuses on military bases truly understand.

Go For Greater® Offering Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.

Contact Columbia College’s local representative Jim Schermerhorn today at Virginia@ccis.edu or call (757) 918-1900. GoForGreater.org

SUMMER 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 3 MNV PUBLISHER Laura Baxter

WHAT’S INSIDE

FLAGSHIP EDITOR David Todd CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tricia Lieurance MNV EDITOR/DESIGNER Rebecca Soorani Hastings rebecca.hastings@flagshipnews.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Allyson Garner | Kyle Raymer Ross Froehlich | Susan Cofer ADVERTISING INFORMATION (757) 222-3990 | sales@militarynews.com CLASSIFIEDS (757) 222-3974

Published by Military Newspapers of Virginia 150 W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: (757) 222-3990 | Fax: (757) 853-1634 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®.

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4 Veterans

are growing as entrepreneurs

offered Financial Incentives

6 Get user

14 Online

savvy on your Montgomery, Post9/11 G.I. Bill

Resources for veterans, compiled

by Joining Forces

7 Tips for

16 The career

preparing and proof-reading the perfect resume

8 Reinvent

yourself! How to start your own (creative) business

NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA

paths that lead to everyday acts of heroism

17

Nurses lead revolution toward improved health care delivery

9 Making a career 18 How to ace move? Consider the insurance field

10

Six ways to use social media in your job search

12 States step

MILITARY

13 Veterans

your job interview

19 Blue-to-

Green gives service members opportunity to continue in Armed Forces

up to help veterans and spouses get back to work

CAREERS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2013 EDITION

Out of the military.

Now what?

Are you currently considering the reality of where you would 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 Chamber 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 a Chamber of Commerce.

Each Chamber of Commerce promotes its community and is a good source of information 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.

4 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2013

Veterans are growing as entrepreneurs them, their car and their budget. His shop was named one of the Top-5 finalists in the national “Hiring Our Heroes� Award for Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The award cited Perez for addressing the challenges faced by veterans in finding employment and transitioning from military to civilian life.

Brandpoint – Veterans returning home face many challenges that weren’t present when they were serving in the Armed Forces. Between adapting to civilian life, reacquainting with family and friends, and finding employment, the adjustment can be a difficult process.

Unemployment numbers for veterans are dropping, but returning service members often struggle to compete for jobs due to lack of education, lack of experience, or in some cases, the stigma of returning from overseas with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This is why programs like Sprigster’s Boost a Hero crowdfunding for military veterans and spouses are developed to help alleviate some of these career obstacles, like raising funds for entrepreneurial dreams. Crowdfunding provides an opportunity where friends, family and strangers can donate funds to support a cause online. The need is great. Nearly one in 10 small businesses are veteran-owned, the U.S. Small Business Administration reports.

Tom Perez used Boost a Hero to raise money to open a Meineke Car Care Center in Pensacola, Fla. He is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served as a police officer and also earned a business degree. He currently employs four veterans in his shop and will be looking to hire more as his business grows.

Perez decided to pursue owning his own business after he had applied and been rejected for 100 jobs – even with his 10 years of experience in the Navy. Then, he

approached Meineke Car Care Centers.

Meineke’s Franchise Development team worked closely with him to get his business established. Between a discounted franchise fee and a low interest rate loan, Perez was close to having the money needed to start his business. Boost a Hero helped him raise the additional $10,000 he needed and his shop opened in May. Now, Perez works closely with his customers and employees in finding the right service for

“Veterans like Tom have served our country – giving so much of themselves in the process,� said John Vitagliano, vice president of marketing for Meineke Car Care Centers. “Offering career opportunities to veterans interested in entrepreneurship is a way of giving back – and crowdfunding opportunities like Boost a Hero provide veterans with the financial means to help make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.�

For more information on Sprigster’s Boost a Hero program, visit their website at www. sprigster.com.

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Get user savvy on your Montgomery, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill 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?

You may receive a percentage of the following payments (see chart).

A tuition and fee payment that is paid to your school on your behalf A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) (not payable to individuals on active duty or those enrolled at half-time or less) that is equal to: 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.

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?

[The G.I. Bill] produced hundreds of thousands of scientists and engineers, doctors and nurses, the backbone of the largest middle class in history.”

- President Obama

Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

What kind of training can i take?

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of: At least 36 months At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability At least 30 months < 36 months At least 24 months < 30 months At least 18 months < 24 months At least 12 months < 18 months At least 6 months < 12 months At least 90 days < 6 months

Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable 100% 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40%

You can use the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill at colleges, universities, trade schools and for on-the-job training, apprenticeships and flight schools. To see what programs are currently approved for VA benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov. You can use the Post-9/11 G.I. 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 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 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 G.I. 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 not satisfied charges the institution agrees to contribute, up to the total cost of the tuition and fees.

SUMMER 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 7

Tips for preparing and proofreading the perfect resume

30%

Brandpoint – 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,” said Rajotte. 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,” said Rajotte. 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 5 percent of job applicants follow through with a thank you note. “It’s a nice way to build a relationship,” she said.

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8 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2013

Reinvent yourself!

How to start your own (creative) business Brandpoint â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Many graduates in creative fields like graphic design, interior design or Web design are opting to start their own businesses. This is because recent figures show only a slight reduction in the unemployment rate, and job growth is at its lowest in six months. So, how can you make your business a success? Bruce McCain, director of career services for The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, and Kathleen Holland, director of career services for The Art Institute of Charleston, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, share five essentials they identified as success factors in starting a business.

1. Self-assess and research. It is imperative that you are honest with yourself and truly understand what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Doing a SWOT analysis (a way to analyze Strengths, Weaknesses,

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Opportunities and Threats) is a great way of assessing that.

2. Know your niche. A business plan is highly recommended to help identify both those industries with a need for your services and your competition. This exercise will also help identify whether there might be a smaller and important niche market where your business can focus and be profitable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a graphic designer, will you be a generalist, offering services to all types of industries, or do you have specialized experience handling retailers that you can build on?â&#x20AC;? asked McCain.

3. To incorporate or not to incorporate.

Many students in creative fields are familiar with taking on freelance work while still in school. But after graduation, it is important to formalize the business. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to invest in some legal and accounting advice

to help you make the best decision about incorporation. There are significant advantages and disadvantages to each type of business structure.

4. Develop a stream of business. New business owners often envision being successful within a short period of time. Developing and building a business from the ground up takes time, energy and hard work, but it can be very rewarding. The industry research you did for your business plan will come in handy in determining what a realistic rate of growth means for your industry and area.

5. Network, network, network. Networking may be your only means of marketing for

quite some time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is important to get in front of as many people as possible and give them your â&#x20AC;&#x153;elevator pitchâ&#x20AC;? (a quick story about your business that you can say in 90 seconds or less). When meeting each person, make sure you take his or her business card; this comes in handy when writing a â&#x20AC;&#x153;nice to meet youâ&#x20AC;? note the next day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this note, you should mention where you met them, refer to your conversation, and remind them what your business does and how it can be helpful to them,â&#x20AC;? said Holland.

It takes a lot of hard work to be a creative business owner and there are no shortcuts to success. So put in the time to reap the rewards.

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SUMMER 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 9

Making a career move?

Consider the insurance field Brandpoint – Looking to start a new career? As you contemplate your next career move, there’s one industry that might not be on your radar: insurance.

“The insurance industry usually isn’t what people think of when they’re planning their careers or considering totally different jobs,” said Charles Valinotti, Head of Underwriting & Product with insurer QBE. “In fact, most people who work in the insurance field will tell you they fell into it by accident.”

Falling into an insurance career can be a good thing, according to CareerCast’s 2013 Jobs Rated Report. Of 200 jobs, actuary ranked No. 1 as the best job of the year. An actuary works for insurance companies and other businesses

that manage financial risk. Actuaries use statistics and study uncertain future events – such as accidents and property loss from natural disasters – to set insurance premiums and reserves for paying claims. Two other insurance jobs ranked among the Top-100. Underwriter landed in the 74th position, and insurance agent 78th.

CareerCast’s job ratings are based on factors including income and income growth potential, hiring outlook and physical demands. Actuaries, underwriters and agents aren’t the only insurance industry jobs available to those exploring employment opportunities. “We take great people and give them great careers,” said Valinotti. “In addition to providing training and professional development, we help open doors and challenge people. No other industry does it as well.”

Insurance companies see the possibilities in all job candidates, he said, regardless of their education level, college major or experience. “We look for smart people who show they can learn,” said Valinotti. “Those who are articulate, adaptable and good communicators would fit well in the insurance field.”

Insurance has long battled the perception that its jobs are boring or focused solely on sales and claims. Not so, said Valinotti. For example: Jobs from A to Z – Many college degrees and skills lend

themselves well to an insurance career. Your degree in finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, law, IT – even forestry – can land you a rewarding position in the insurance field. In addition, job experience and special skills – such as chef, pilot and animal lover – can go a long way in supporting insurance customers’ businesses that include restaurants, airports and pet stores.

A plethora of career paths – Once people have insurance experience under their belts, the sky’s the limit for jumping into other careers the industry has to offer. According to Valinotti, many insurance employees get their feet wet, then move into other positions to become adjusters, field investigators, product marketers, project managers and loss control consultants. “There are hundreds of different job titles and responsibilities in insurance,” he said. “Most people have no idea what’s available.”

Internships – Even if you don’t see yourself in an insurance career, an insurance-related internship is a great way to try out the industry, use your skills and gain exposure to different business experiences. The knowledge you gain might land you in a career you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.

And, along with its wide array of career possibilities, the insurance industry provides something many others do not – stability. “The need for insurance is not going away,” said Valinotti.

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Six ways to use social media in your job search Brandpoint – Resume? Check. Cover letter? Check. Now you’re ready to begin that job search, right? Wrong. There may be some very important things you’re forgetting about that could dramatically enhance your job search.

Nowadays, job searches involve much more than simply submitting hundreds of resumes and cover letters. “Today’s job search requires a strategy that uses social media as well as traditional vehicles,” said

Wendy Wagner, career services director for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

According to a 2012 Jobvite survey, 92 percent of U.S. companies use social networks to find talent, with LinkedIn the most popular. “Make sure you have a social media strategy to augment traditional methods, such as face-to-face networking and informational interviews,” said Lyndsay Cooper, career services director for The Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville, a

Finding a career in the digital age

branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

Wagner and Cooper offer the following tips to give yourself an edge in your job search.

Brand consistency. Make sure your profile is professional and reflects the job you’re looking for across all social media platforms. Ensure your privacy settings are secure (especially on Facebook). On LinkedIn, make sure your profile is complete including skills and recommendations. On

Twitter, link to your website, blog or online resume. And don’t forget Pinterest, YouTube, Google+ and Foursquare.

Know your audience. Your audience in Facebook is different from your audience in Twitter or LinkedIn. Make sure your updates reflect that. On LinkedIn, share articles and blogs on industry-related topics. On Facebook, post more personal (but not too detailed) updates to remind your friends that you’re in the job market.

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Be proactive. Use social media to connect with recruiters, employers and employees of companies you’d like to work for. Join – and participate in – organizations, groups and blogs in your industry or alumni groups. Become an industry expert or thought leader.

Research. Use social media to create your target list of companies, then research those companies and their employees. Use hashtags on Twitter to find jobs. For example, if you are interested in fashion, search #fashionjobs. Sites like Technorati or Twellow let you search people’s bios and the URL’s in their bios – you can easily find, follow and engage key employees of those companies so they get to know you before you approach them for a job. Prepare for a job interview by using social media to research the interviewer and find common topics to break the ice.

Make sure it’s complete with your skills and recommendations!

Network online. Expand your network and engage others with similar interests by posting, sharing/forwarding, tweeting and retweeting relevant articles and blogs. This raises your online profile and encourages others to do the same for you. Twitter works well for this.

Know your online profile. Google yourself and make sure what you see is what you want it to be. Go to Klout.com so you can see your “klout” score, which reports how influential and engaged you are across platforms. Another great site is wefollow.com, a Twitter directory organized by shared interests or categories. Users can add themselves to the categories that best fit their interests.

Today, employers use LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other social media to identify, recruit and check out new employees. The Internet has helped level the job search playing field by offering access to resources that enable you to identify and prepare for career opportunities. But it’s also offered employers access to more talented job candidates. A smart social media strategy can help you stand out and land the job you seek.

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States step up to help veterans and spouses get back to work Posted by Gene Sperling | Joining Forces Blog – Over the last year and a half, President Obama has overseen the first re-design of the military’s transition assistance program in twenty years; created new tax credits to spur veteran hiring; expanded re-employment services, including the Veterans Job Bank and the Veterans Gold Card; and launched a series of initiatives to expand the number of veterans that get jobs in health care and first responder fields. Additionally, under the great leadership of Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, Joining Forces has expanded hiring and training partnerships with the private sector in an effort to help our veterans and their spouses get back to work.

Yet, our veterans still face major hurdles as they transition out of the military and into the civilian workforce. According to a 2012 survey by Prudential and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, 60 percent of survey respondents said they had trouble translating their military skills into civilian job experience, creating a significant barrier to employment. Many high-demand, good-paying jobs like paramedics, truck drivers, nurses, and welders, require either a national certification or state occupational license to be hired, and currently our national and state systems make it very difficult for service members and veterans to obtain these civilian certifications and licenses that directly translate to their military training.

Often times service members and veterans are required to repeat education or training in order to receive these occupational credentials, even though much, and in some cases, all, of their military training and experience overlaps with credential training requirements. And employers, many with significant needs for skilled workers, are left waiting for these military members to complete these, oftentimes lengthy, credentialing training programs – programs that many veterans could have taught themselves.

It makes no sense that our veterans should face barriers to obtaining credentials that would fast track their way into a good job. Especially when, as of March 2013, roughly 783,000 veterans were unemployed and looking for work, including

ONLINE Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. For more information, visit www.joiningforces.gov.

207,000 post-9/11 veterans, and, as we drawdown from the war in Afghanistan, one million service members are expected to leave the Armed Forces over the next several years.

Making it easier for service members, veterans, and their spouses to obtain civilian certification and licensure is a triple win. It’s a win for our veterans. It’s a win for our employers. And it’s a win for our economy. That’s why the Department of Defense established the Military Credentialing and Licensing Task Force last June, tasked with identifying and creating opportunities for service members to earn civilian occupational credentials and licenses through partnerships with national certifying bodies. And that’s why, in February, the Obama administration launched the next phase of its military credentialing and licensing efforts, partnering with the states to streamline state occupational licensing for veterans.

In remarks to the National Governor’s Association, the First Lady issued a call to action to our Nation’s governors for all 50 states to take executive or legislative action to streamline state licensing for service members, veterans, and their spouses by the end of 2015. Recently, Maryland joined 12 states that have answered the First Lady’s call by passing legislation that streamlines the ability for service members and veterans to obtain civilian certification and licensure, and also joined seven states that, since February, have passed legislation that expedites professional licenses or certifications for military spouses when they move to a new state.

As of April 2013

As of April 2013

SUMMER 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 13

Veterans offered Financial Incentives V

etFran strategic initiative contains nearly 500 International Franchise Association (IFA) franchisor member companies offering financial incentives, training and mentoring to veterans interested in small business ownership and/or a career path in franchising.

“With the help of VetFran, veterans have opened businesses as diverse as Abrakadoodle Art Education, Dunkin’ Donuts, RadioShack, Liberty Tax Service, The UPS Store and TeamLogicIT,” said Mary Kennedy Thompson, chairwoman of the VetFran initiative.

Starting out in 1991, VetFran was founded by the IFA in an effort to support veterans returning from the Gulf War transition to the civilian economy. “VetFran works to raise awareness through the media, events, webinars and online tools and solutions

ONLINE Visit www. vetfran.com for more information.

to educate veterans about opportunities in franchising,” said Thompson.

Many of the companies that comprise the VetFran initiative waive their franchise fees entirely for veterans. Others offer initiatives like helping with financing, discounted royalties and credits on purchases. One out of every seven franchise businesses are owned and operated by veterans of the U.S. military, according to a recent study.

“More than 66,000 veteran-owned franchise businesses in the U.S. provide jobs directly for 815,000 Americans and generate more than $41 billion in GDP [gross domestic product],” said Thompson. “VetFran’s more than 500 members stretch from AAMCO to Zoomin Groomin.”

With hundreds of thousands of service members returning from Iraq and Afghani-

stan, the IFA and franchised businesses have launched Operation Enduring Opportunity, a campaign to hire and recruit as franchise restaurant owners, 75,000 veterans and their spouses, and 5,000 Wounded Warriors by 2014.

VetFran’s website describes why veterans are successful at franchising: “Veterans come back with strong leadership skills and a

thorough understanding of teams. Military experience includes leading people, improving processes and accomplishing the mission. Just like in the military, in franchising, the mission is accomplished by the team.”

The initiative also has a Wounded Warrior component which focuses on industries that may be particularly suited to disabled veterans, such as franchises in information technology and tax preparation.

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Online resources for veterans, compiled

by Joining Forces White House created resources, partnered with Chamber of Commerce, private sector

P

resident Obama believes that no veteran should have to fight for a job at home after they fight for our nation overseas. The president signed “The Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011,” a law that combines provisions of the veterans’ tax credits from the President’s American Jobs Act, Chairman Patty Murray’s Hiring Heroes Act and Chairman Jeff Miller’s Veterans’ Opportunity to Work Act into a comprehensive package that will aggressively attack the unacceptably high rate of veteran’s unemployment. The Obama Administration has also created resources to help veterans translate their military skills for the civilian workforce, built new online tools to aid their search for jobs and partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and the private sector to make it easier to connect our veterans with companies that want to hire them:

ONLINE Visit www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/resources to learn more about these programs and to check out the Veterans Job Bank widget (pictured left).

The Veterans Job Bank connects unemployed veterans to job openings with companies that want to hire them. The Obama Administration partnered with leading job search companies to create a new, easy to use online service that enables employers to “tag” job postings for veterans. 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.

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.

H2H also provides vast recruiting opportunities for military-friendly employers.

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 One-Stop Career Centers located across the country.

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.

SUMMER 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 15

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is committed to Hiring Our Heroes and are sponsoring 100 hiring fairs for veterans, and military spouses in local communities across the country between March 2011 - March 2012. They have also created strategic partnerships to deal with specific populations of veterans and their unique challenges in three other areas to include: a Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Program, a Post-9/11 Student Veteran Internship and Employment Program, and a Women Veterans and Military Spouses Employment Program.

Veterans Recruiting Services 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.

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. MSEP provides a digital recruiting platform for vetted Fortune 500 Plus employers who have committed to identifying and promoting career employment opportunities for military spouses, posting job openings on the MSEP web portal and to offering transferable, portable careers to relocating military spouse employees.

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.

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Brandpoint – The average person does not think about heroism until he or she sees it in action – when disaster strikes and ordinary people exhibit extraordinary courage and compassion to help victims in their time of need. The truth is, however, that the best of human nature is on display every day in the lives of millions of Americans who work in public service jobs across the country. Sometimes all it takes to tap that inner hero is an opportunity – and the education – to serve others.

Numerous studies on job satisfaction show that workers in a broad range of fields say job satisfaction is important to them. Public service jobs such as firefighting, teaching and therapy consistently rank among the top most-satisfying careers in the General Social Survey conducted by the National Organization for Research.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking for a direction in higher education or an established professional looking for a meaningful career change, public service holds many opportunities. As with any career, it’s important to receive the right training, education and degree to ensure professional success. Here are some degree paths that can lead to public service careers: Human services – A bachelor of science in human services can prepare you to work in a variety of fields, including mental health, social services, education,

rehabilitation and even the courts. If you already have an associate or bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for an accelerated degree path.

Education – Graduate programs are designed to serve educators and instructors at every level, from colleges and universities to K-12 environments. There is also a bachelor in early childhood development that encompasses caring for the educational needs of young children and can extend far beyond the elementary school classroom. This degree can open doors to careers in childcare centers, Head Start programs and other before and afterschool care settings.

Public administration – Strong leaders are vital to the success of any organization, whether public or private. A master’s in public administration can help you qualify to serve in leadership roles in local, state or federal government agencies, a variety of organizations and non-profits.

Homeland security – With natural disasters and terrorist threats making daily headlines, the federal government says demand for professionals qualified to work in homeland security and emergency response roles will increase. A master’s degree in homeland security and emergency management can help you find a career in emergency preparedness and response, border and transportation security, information analysis, homeland defense and more.

SUMMER 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 17

Nurses lead revolution toward improved health care delivery Brandpoint – The health care industry has evolved since a series of sweeping legislative reforms began to take effect in 2010. New policies and regulations, millions of new patients and the introduction of advanced technology have added pressure to an already complex system. As this transformation continues, health care leaders are keeping an eye on how the system is functioning to ensure these changes fuel improved health care delivery.

The health care system is comprised of teams working with and among each other within the same “universe.” The core of the health care universe is the patient, and the group of people working directly with the patient to provide care – from friends and family to nurses and physicians – is called the microsystem. In recent years, this microsystem has become the focus of much research and discussion, as its successful function directly impacts the delivery of care. A new revolution toward these improvements is being led by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with doctor of

nursing practice (DNP) degrees. Nurses with this advanced level of education have the knowledge to understand and apply research in the clinical setting to provide greater patient safety and continuous quality improvement.

“Doctorally prepared nurses are at the core of a revolution in health care,” said Dr. Carole Eldridge, director of graduate programs for Chamberlain College of Nursing. “By applying research to solve problems, these nurses are reducing costs and increasing health care quality, which in turn improves patient outcomes and transforms health care delivery.”

APRNs with DNP degrees are becoming increasingly valuable to employers, and the degrees are bringing these nurses rewarding career options and, in some cases, higher salaries. In fact, nurse practitioners with DNP degrees earn on average $7,316 more annually than those with master of science in nursing degrees. This trend illustrates

the expanding role nurses play within the health care system. As the largest segment of the nation’s health care workforce, nurses are uniquely positioned to drive the quality improvements necessary for its successful transformation.

Where an associate degree in nursing was once the standard for registered nurses, a bachelor of science in nursing degree is quickly becoming preferred, if not required, by employers. Similarly, as the health care universe grows and becomes more modernized, industry leaders will look to APRNs with DNP degrees to increase efficiencies and lower costs within the microsystem.

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Volunteer Opportunities in the following areas: • Emergency Medical Technical Basic to Paramedic. • Heavy Squad Truck • Marine Rescue Team • Search and Rescue Team • In Virginia Beach EMT training at all levels is FREE • There is no residency requirement for membership or training benefits. • If you already meet Virginia EMT certification standards, you can be fast tracked to volunteering • FREE continuous training to the paramedic level • Many benefits for volunteers Military Corpsmen can challenge the VA EMT-BLS Course and with permission of the VA Office OF EMS, take the written test.

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Bryant & Stratton College Personal Education. Lifetime Success.® Since 1854 For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. *Available at select campuses.

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18 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2013

How to ace your job interview Brandpoint – Making it to the job interview stage means your skill set and resume have caught the interest of a potential employer, who now wants to determine if you’ll be a good fit as an employee of a company. Acing the interview is essential if you want to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job. “Employers are open to bringing in several candidates for job interviews, and this is the time for both the employer and the candidate to determine if they will be a good fit for each other,” said Joe Seitz, director of career services at Everest Institute-Grand Rapids.

Seitz and Everest Institute offer these tips to ensure that you walk away from your job

quality?” could be turned into an opportunity to show your future employer you identify your faults, but are able to recognize opportunities to improve, with examples of how you’ve already taken steps in this direction. Employers ask these kinds of questions in many different ways, so prepare your answers beforehand.

interview and receive either a call back for a second interview or a job offer: Practice makes perfect Hundreds of websites provide traditional job interview questions, so think about what kind of answers you’d give for these questions. For example, “What is your worst

Be yourself Although the interview is a great time to sell yourself to a potential employer, be careful not to go overboard. Embellishment may be tempting, particularly for young graduates, but employers want to know what you’ve really done. Communicate any career training you have and how it relates to the position.

“New graduates have a lot going for them, even if they don’t have a lot of experience,” said Seitz. “They can bring fresh ideas to the company and are trainable to perfectly match what the company needs.” In cases where you lack experience, display a willingness and desire to learn the necessary skills.

Every interaction counts Anyone you encounter within proximity to the interview setting can have a direct influ-

ence on its outcome. Having a positive and respectful attitude creates a more welcoming environment all around you and sets you up for success during the interview. “Smile, be polite and greet every person you meet, from the moment you get into your car to drive to the interview to the time you arrive home,” said Seitz. “You never know when the person standing in line in front of you at the coffee shop prior to your interview could very well be the person you interview with later in the afternoon.”

Follow-up Good follow-through is important and shows a potential employer that a candidate cares about the opportunity. Be sure to send a note to everyone who interviewed you thanking them for their time and consideration.

Enhance your skills Schools like Everest Institute cater to the demands of non-traditional students by offering fast-track programs, flexible classes and online education programs in popular fields, such as health care and accounting, allowing students to work or interview for jobs while enhancing their skills in the meantime.

SUMMER 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 19

Blue-to-Green gives service members opportunity to continue in Armed Forces With recent downsizing in the Navy and Air Force, many service members are being faced with the reality of leaving the Armed Forces. In an effort to combat this, the Army is helping service members continue to serve their countries without a break in service time. According to the GoArmy website (www.goarmy.com), the Blue-to-Green Program was established to help good Sailors and Airmen to continue serving their country after being told they don’t “make the cut.” “During this period of ‘right sizing’ the Air Force and Navy, the Army recognized the need for our Armed Forces to retain highly qualified men and women in our ranks. Operation Blue-toGreen will allow you to continue to serve your country, to maintain the benefits the military service and to expand your horizons by gaining new training and try new things.”

The program was established in 2004 after an announcement from the Air Force and Navy that stated a plan to cut troops by nearly 24,000 members between the two services. When the program began, the Army was working to formulate a four-week course for service members who were utilizing the Blue-to-Green Program, although with the numbers of transfers dropping from 186 Sailors in 2006 to just 43 Sailors in 2010, the Army has removed the training, stating it is no longer feasible to offer the shorter course.

Service members, other than Marines, will now be required to complete the full 10-week Basic Combat Training (BCT), which consists of three phases. The first phase of the training is the Red Phase, “the Army makes sure every recruit is physically and mentally prepared to start basic training. Upon determining this, recruits are given a haircut, issued Army uniforms and are ready to start training,” said Sergeant Star, the Army’s automated help system for the Blue-to-Green Program. The second phase is the White Phase, “recruits go through marksmanship and combat training to learn to rappel at the Warrior Tower. This training teaches vital Soldier skills and instills them with more confidence,” said Star. The third phase is the Blue Phase, “after becoming familiar with the use of automatic weapons and hand grenades in U.S. Weapons training, recruits put their training to the test as they negotiate the night infiltration course,” said Star.

After passing all three phases and all challenges, the recruits are gathered for the Rites of Passage, also known as graduation.

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Benefits ENLISTED E1 through E5 will retain their grade and same date of rank.

All E5’s and above will have grade and Military Occupational Specialty determined by EIS IAW with para 5 above (E5s will retain current rank, unless, current MOS is over strength and they refuse to retrain in an MOS that allows E5 entry level training).

Training – AFSCs or Rates that convert to Army MOS will attend Basic Combat Training.

Retraining an into other Army MOS may be possible based on individual’s qualifications and training vacancies.

Bonuses may be available for selected Military Occupational Specialties that convert from an AFSC or Rate.

Requirements Must be physically fit Must meet Army height and weight standards Minimum term of service is three years Must have approved DD Form 368 Learn more at www.goarmy.com/benefits/additional-incentives/blue-to-green.html.

Your prior military service could qualify you to continue to serve your nation at the Central Intelligence Agency (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.

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