I am a Retired Navy Chief who had an awesome, successful career as a Cryptologic Technician, project manager, network security instructor, and mentor. I am seeking position as Computer & Information Systems Manager, Project Manager, Security Manager, or a Management/Mentoring career. I am offering a B.S. in Applied Computing from Tulane University, successful 23-year Information Technology/Network Security career, Retired Navy Chief, and Secret clearance until December 2016 (TS/SCI expired). After retirement, I had started a Life Coaching business to bring Navy mentoring to the civilian community. That was interrupted with a catastrophic blood disorder 2 years after retirement. I was turned down for disability the week before a stem cell transplant. As I spent my whole adulthood in the Navy, it was suspected that I was radiated at some point as I've been on 20 different ships and have worked with transmitters and antennaes. Since then, I hired a personal strength trainer and started going to school to bring my body and mind back from radiation and chemo. I have persevered and returned to 100% after having a 40% chance of living. This May 2014, I graduated from Tulane University with a BS in Applied Computer Science and have been searching for a new career. My information is in linkdin. I am active in the community and have hobbies of Entrepreneur Technology Venture Mentorship, Advocacy, Event Coordinator, Travel, Tabling, Swimming, Reading, Music, Art. With the skillset, I should be helping you with this program instead of needing it, but I certainly need a new career asap. I thank you for this initiative and whatever assistance this program can provide.
Answers
Jennifer,
Thank you for your dedicated service to our military and country. Jacobs is definitely very interested in what your background brings to the commercial sector. Beyond the Joint Strike Fighter opportunities you wrote back to me about (https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/1490/jobs-supporting-joint-strike-fighter-available-jacobs-inform), Jacobs also has a very large information technology presence in our Federal Network Systems (FNS). Jobs are available at https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/1468/job-openings-jacobs-federal-network-systems-multiple-it-prof)
Beyond the standard application process, send me a copy of your resume. I can review it for you, provide some feedback, and forward to the hiring managers/authorities for any positions you may be interested in.
Cheers,
Phil Hicks
Jennifer,
Thank you for your service! As a retired Navy MCPO, I am committed to assisting my fellow Chief Petty Officers. In the Navy, I worked with many CT's and have the greatest respect for their professionalism and commitment to getting the job done.
I retired about 25 years ago and went through a long progression of many careers until I found work that met all my needs. I tried communications consulting, employment counseling, welfare-to-work assistance, and more until I found an opportunity in health insurance that allowed me to lead, manage, research, train, work with big data sets, use my technical and financial skills, and work from home. My first civilian job was directly related to my Navy career, but with each change I refined my needs and moved toward my passions. I believe to be happy with work, you need to be of service and to be really passionate about what you choose to do. Just like being a Chief Petty Officer!
Let's begin at the beginning with some specific steps to get your next job.
You have plenty of work experience so you have a good idea how you like to work. Write down the top 10 skills you would want to use every week. Your list will be unique to you but will help narrow down all the opportunities that await you. Next, describe the work environment that works best for you and a description of the people you would like to work with.
Look at the work you most enjoyed and combine several jobs into a new title. For instance, would you like to be a "Project Manager at a Network Security Consulting Company"? The more specific and targeted you are, the easier it will be to narrow down your search.
Use Google to research this job title to see if you have the right education and skills for this line of work and that the listed jobs meet your salary needs. Keep refining your research until you can clearly state exactly what you are looking for.
Next, organize a resume for your target job. Leave off all the personal health info and focus on your relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and education for your target job.
Next, use Google for a professional association that "Project Managers" in Network Security are likely to join. This is your target audience for networking just like you used the Chief's Mess for networking. Many good jobs are not listed to the public so you will need to network with professionals in your line of work to find the best places for you. Some professional associations also offer job leads, training, certification and more.
Also, start narrowing down where you want to live that will meet your top needs.
If you need more skills or education, now or in the future, Google "Free Online College Classes".
Getting your first job is challenging but targeting exactly what you want is important.
Good Luck,
Walt
Jennifer, I also work at IBM and in security, please take a look at the security roles we have posted in services, and I will be happy to talk further.
Hi Jennifer,
I would be happy to refer you to any position of your interest at IBM. If you go to the site below and find anything you are interested in, please send me a note with the job # and a copy of your CV and I will take care of the rest to get your resume submitted. While my role is in Marketing, referrals go a long way in this company, and given your background, I think you might find a number of positions that relate to your experience and strengths. Thank you so much for your service. Please let me know if there's any other career advice you might need. Best
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