jonathan walker ⋅ Tacoma , WA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 6 years served

Marnie Commins thanks for the helpful advice, I'll be sure to check out the link above. Advisor+
sound's very awesome, for the information I am seeking. Tom Cal, thanks for the acknowledgement, I appreciate it. I am considering attending school while serving active duty here state. For now I'm researching and weighing my opposition. Jimmy Phillips I never thought of telecommunications. I don't know much about telecommunication, meaning the job duties. I'm going to check out telecommunication, including IP based training. It sounds very interesting, IP training the is of course. The tips are helpful as well, for I haven't work in the civilian world so long. Guys are giving me confident, so I think you all for the advice.

Jimmy Phillips ⋅ Brandon , MS AT&T ⋅ 17 years experience

Jonathan,
Thank you for your service.

I agree with Tom, very wise of you to be planning and taking action in advance of your service end date. Looking at your profile and the job description you provided of your MOS, have you considered the telecom industry? Your current skills and experience would align. I would suggest going to the web sites for the companies you might consider and reviewing the types of job postings each have right now as an indication of what will likely be available when you are ready to apply.

I also agree with others, that you should consider furthering your education right now, building yourself a more attractive resume, showing a degree or one in progress. Either certainly helps. Should you decide to continue in a field that is somewhat related to what you are doing now, I would recommend you look into IP based training and education. The globe is very quickly transitioning to that. By the time you get ready to apply, should you go that route, most voice communication will be over IP based networks, as data is today.

I know you said you were interested in changing your career path, just think you might consider how far you have come already on the path of communications/technology industry.

You should pursue what interests you above all! That said, start thinking in terms of what interests you and how far apart you may be in convincing a proposed employer how well you can deliver on what they are looking for.

Some really good tips I have heard recently, "Don't allow your resume to read like a history of you." Employers want to know if you can do what they need from you now, so research what you want to do and make your resume reflect how your ability aligns with what they are looking for. They key is in the job posting itself.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Jonathan,
Again, I want to emphasize how helpful it is that you are planning your career transition almost 2 years in advance of your separation or retirement from the military. You have taken productive first steps in "setting yourself up for success".

I also want to emphasize that you are doing a great job "taking ownership" of you career transition, and you need to also take ownership of your career-development, and in crafting a personal, typed and ongoing "career development plan" (more on a career development plan later).

What do you think about using the GI Bill to attend college full-time and on-campus?

It might be possible to develop a plan where you complete several preliminary classes while still serving in the military, and where you gain as much college credit as possible for your military training and experience. Then, after you exit the military, you utilize the GI Bill to attend college full time and on-campus, and you successfully earn an undergraduate degree and perhaps begin work and earn a Masters degree.

Any thoughts? What might you like to study?

-Tom

jonathan walker ⋅ Tacoma , WA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 6 years served

I enjoy completing the job that is assigned to me and having a feeling of accomplishment. My experience speaks for itself. I'm familiar with many areas, but not a true master (that's a 25 Uniform in a nut shell). The west coast is my current location so I'm considering staying here. Computers in particular I'm interested in, any thing to do with the world of tomorrow's technology. I don't have a degree at this very moment, so college of some sort that I can use my prior experience is the main goal. I'll receive all of my benefits for my service. I have a profile here on. Sir, there are many job description of 25 Uniform, I'll give one that currently fits my description.

Signal Support Systems Specialist

Plans, supervises, and integrates the installation, operation, and maintenance of Combat Net Radio (CNR), to include radio, wire and battlefield automated systems and Blue Force Trackers (BFT). Plans and provide unit level training for automation and communications systems and Signal support equipment. Assist in staff supervision of information services. Plans, supervises and executes unit level maintenance programs for user owned and operated signal equipment. Prepares maintenance and supply requests for unit level signal support. Responsible for the health and wealthfare, mentorship and training of two Soldiers.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Jonathan,
Thanks for your service, and congratulations on planning for your transition so far in advance. You have plenty of time to develop and begin to implement a personal "career-development plan".

I have a bunch of questions. Answer as you can, and when you can. A good first step is to begin to think about your career and life-goals. You have plenty of time to explore a variety of options.

What do you enjoy and what are your interests?
What are some of your skills?
What have you enjoyed most about your time serving in the Army?
Do you have any particular geographic areas you prefer?

Do you have any ideas about your career goals and interests?

Do you have a degree? Are you eligible for the GI Bill?

Please explain to us what it means to be a Sergeant, and what a "25 Uniform" is or does, as best you can, in plan civilian English.

Do you have profile on LinkedIn? (Even a basic profile with just you r name is a good start.)