Prior to my current career with Tyco Electronics, I completed my training at Vandenberg AFB in central California. My base station was FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I had about 45 days of leave saved when I left the Air Force, and I also had a commander that granted me additional leave for job/house hunting. After my transition, I settled in Los Angeles, California. I wanted a fresh start in a big city, and California seemed perfect. Also, my fiancé had the opportunity to complete her Masters at Cal State LA.
Transitioning out of the military can be a very stressful experience. With the economy in its current state, it’s hard to justify leaving the job security that the military provides. But keep in mind that civilian companies often offer the same type of benefits as the military and can be as flexible, as well.
My transition from the military was very stress-free. I credit that to the research I did before the transition. I believe that if you do your research early, there will be no surprises in your transition. I started doing research for my next career path about a year before my commitment to the Air Force was over. I did a lot of online research, including websites for transitioning military, companies of interest research, and online periodicals dedicated to companies who hire ex-military. I also read all of the recommended readings from Orion and utilized the base transition services. While I did utilize the transition program, I didn’t think they had much new information, as I had been doing my own research for so long.
I was excited to be able to pick what I wanted my career to be. In the military, the Air Force told me what my career was going to be for the next four years of my life. It was great to have a world of opportunities at my finger tips and have the luxury of being “choosy” when it came to picking a new career.
Orion International placed me into my job with Tyco Electronics in May 2007. I attended their hiring conference in San Diego, California, and I believe that I had a total of six interviews and four second and third interviews. I was able to narrow it down to two companies that really interested me, and I decided to take the job with Tyco. I am a Sales Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense business unit. My customer base consists of OEMs, Subcontractors, Distributors, etc., for the Aerospace industry.
I have found that one of the most useful military skills in the civilian workforce has been the ability to be social and a “people person.” Because of the structure of the military, you are almost forced to develop your social skills and learn to get along with a new group of people every couple of years. In sales, being able to be a social person is extremely important, and I credit my advanced social skills to the military. On the flip side, a military-ingrained habit that has been less than useful is my use of “ma’am and sir”. As silly as it seems, in the civilian world, these terms are not used, and some are even offended by it.
One thing I miss about my time in the Air Force is the camaraderie of the military. In the military, all of your co-workers are in the “same boat” as you are, so it is very easy to become close with them. I have found that the civilian world does not offer that type of situation. I do keep in touch with my military colleagues, though. I met some of my best friends in the military and always hope to keep in contact with them.
As for my civilian career, the current job that I have with Tyco is a job that most have to work toward within the company. I was fortunate to get the job based on my military experience and education. There are Sales Engineers that have been with the company for 30 years in this same position because of its benefits. Tyco is a 13.8 billion dollar company with facilities all over the world. And, if for some reason the Sales Engineer role did not work out, there would be plenty of opportunities for advancement elsewhere within the company.
One thing to keep in mind as you search for a new job is that you may have to take a pay cut. In the military, your pay is based on time. In the civilian world, most of the time, your pay is based on performance, and you can usually move up the ladder more quickly. That said, I was fortunate enough to not only not have to take a pay cut, but to double my salary from the Air Force.
When transitioning from the military, I would advise that there is nothing to be scared of. Your time in the military will benefit you more than you know. Do your research, and really explore the type of job you think you might be suited for. Then go for it! |
