How did you choose a college program? How did you choose which major to declare? What were the major forces driving your decision?

While I definitely liked the idea of some potential career paths, they certainly were not foremost in my mind when I chose my major course of study. Attending a school at which one was required to declare a major at the beginning of freshman year, I chose without a clear vision of my future employment. My decision was based upon my interests and the strengths (those few) from my high school performance.

Some others might have demonstrated the foresight to choose a major which they believed would make them more attractive to future employers or better prepared for some rigorous career field. Still, some others may have selected a course of study believing that they would please someone else – a parent, a significant other, or another important figure – with the choice. But who looked at only a handful of options and told themselves, “Well, it’s one of these handful or nothing?”

Probably very few people. We want to make the right choice and even if we cannot afford to be choosy with which school accepts us, we want to make at least some choice, which makes us happy, if we are able to do so.

Why then today are so many of the growing number of veterans departing active service choosing their next job from among only the most immediate and available options? Why do they so often feel as if they must pick the least attractive of a prescribed lot of jobs. Why do they feel driven to use a method they would not have imagined to use for their higher education decision?

The military has programs to prepare veterans for transition. The growing number of separating veterans has garnered attention in the media and it has also caught the attention of the business world. Many companies are now reaching out to help (or compete for the veterans' talents) with targeted programs. Likewise, veterans themselves – so used to succeeding as a part of a team – have developed strong networks of support for one another. Veterans have tremendous, even unparalleled options and access to the business world today, and there is no reason for us to limit ourselves to the most immediate choices available.

Full disclosure, I am still deciding for myself about a new job after my separation from active duty, but I would like to showcase some of the tools, which have led me out of that field of scarce options and to a better understanding of where I want to land.

Mentorship Programs – there are many programs designed to help veterans refine their interests and translate their experiences. These provide forums for discussion, mentor/protégé relationships, and safe routes to explore fields or companies of interest. My best example is American Corporate Partners, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans succeed in business.

Talent Companies – these companies come in different flavors of commitment, but generally match veterans with companies looking for accomplished talent. They do a lot of the leg work for the veteran and, more importantly, have years of experience making the case for veterans’ capabilities. I am not going to champion any one in particular, but I encourage every veteran to scrutinize and decide which one (if any) suits his or her needs.

Corporate Outreach – corporate America has come to realize the value of veteran contributions and often seeks veterans directly through military talent companies or independently through internal programs. I cannot write enough good about programs like Deloitte’s CORE Leadership Program. The CORE Leadership Program teaches honest self-assessments and combines them with terrific practical application of soft skills like interviewing, networking, and defining one’s own brand.

Self-improvement Books – the same books which have improved aspiring and accomplished leaders in business alike are available to veterans. Veterans often have enviable experience in leadership and management, but these books help to shape that experience to fit the context of the new environment. They demonstrate the perspectives of business and help to hone the advantage conferred by veterans’ experiences. The old classic How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie has stood the test of time, but there are myriad others to suit every interest and pursuit and tons of places across the internet with recommendations.

Social Networking – there are many social networks such as this one which provide access to business professionals often only too willing to describe their job and answer questions. If there is a company in which you are interested then feel free to reach out to others. Being succinct, specific, and polite. Many of them, especially those who are veterans themselves, are quick to reply and provide information to fuel decisions.

n.b. I want to be clear that there is no connection greater than positive experiences between me and any entity I've cited here. My only interest is to pass on tools that have been genuinely useful to others in the same position.

Originally posted as above on LinkedIn 7.5.2015. I am now happily employed for a great employer and I can attest to the value of these tools; I used them and achieved a smooth, successful transition.