James Watson ⋅ San Diego , CA General Atomics ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi richard-

I am retired after a 40 year career in industry where I hired over 100 people. Now I am helping veterans like yourself by helping with their resumes. If you would e-mail me your resume (drjamesfwatson@gmail.com) I would be happy to comment on it. I also recommend the book "Tired of Eating Peanut and Butter Sandwiches? - Tips to Get a Job Fast" available on Amazon. It contains practical advice. Good luck in your search!!

Jim Watson

David Eastman ⋅ Gresham , OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Hey, Richard

You are getting a degree in the same focus area as my son. As I told him, and he graduates in the Spring, I think this area is going to explode since were adding tens of millions of new patients to the healthcare system--almost 9 million last year!

There are a lot of health management companies starting up, and especially those in the hot areas of Medical IT and patient management software.

I think what any experienced military person brings to the table, and I am former Navy, is an ability to lead people, manage teams, overcome obstacles, meet timelines and milestones and manage complex projects. You are learning all those skillsets.

By the way, even though you are getting an MBA, I would also look into getting a Project Management Certification and learn all the latest software. You actually can go to a community college for this.

As for Phoenix, AZ, go talk to Pat Pianalto, former Army Captain, at the Phoenix VA. He is ahead of the VA Logistics Department and probably can open some doors for you.

Good luck and much success in your profession.

David
Former, US Navy Avionics

JOHN CHERVENAK ⋅ Berkeley Heights , NJ AIG ⋅ 25 years experience

Getting involved with PMI is a good suggestion and they now have in various regional chapters a Health Care Industry SIG. The PMs and BAs will provide a good network to break into a local company and further your PM certification and perhaps you can get involved in volunteer activities to expand your connections. Recruiters are a viable option but posting directly to healthcare company websites can secure some of those starting positions leading up to PM/PMO opportunities.

Joe Paschall ⋅ Madison , AL nLogic, LLC ⋅ 26 years experience

Project Management opportunities are in high demand and competition for them is fierce. Every Transitioning Service Member from Sgt to SgtMaj and Capt to COL is looking at those opportunities and the Chief Warrant Officers are particularly well-qualified. The path for all remains difficult but navigable if you put the time and effort in. On the initial transition, barring a close friend or family connection who can get you placed, you will probably need to start on a project team (Project Analyst, etc), pursue the PMP, and then move up to PM as opportunity presents itself. PM opportunities are in such demand that networking becomes a critical aspect, so until you have been in an area for a few years, it will be hard to compete against those who have already been there and established their professional reputations locally. I would advise looking for project analyst positions in Phoenix and then joining the local PMI Chapter to start your network. The local PMI Chapters are where most of the PM aspirants make themselves known and available. You can get what you want, but not likely on the first step.