Common Mistakes Veterans Make Seeking First PM Job

Jay Hicks is an author, instructor and consultant with over 30 years of business and government planning and leadership. He advises commercial and federal organizations on the planning, development and leadership of project management organizations, delivering viability and value. With a special kinship for military personnel, Jay provides guidance on successful civilian career transition. He is the co-founder of Gr8Transtions4U.com, where advocating the value of hiring military personnel is the key focus.

  Career Development   New Practitioners  

Do you think you are ready for your first commercial project management job? It seems the more years we serve in the military, the harder it is to transition from the service. Who says an old dog can’t learn a new trick? Remember to persevere and push through “the suck.” Here are a few tips if you are in the midst of transitioning…

1. Do you think your first commercial project management job is in the bag?

Challenge: Your military comrades have been telling you for many years about all the great jobs and the big money available when you get out of the service. However, there are often challenges finding the first transitional job. One of the greatest concerns is procrastination, which takes many forms. Due to perceived responsibilities and lack of understanding the challenges, transitioning military will often work until the last day and not initiate a job hunt until a month or so out. Further, military veterans often put off getting the Certified Associate in Project Management® (CAPM) or Project Management Professional® (PMP) certification until it is too late.

Solution: Start early, long before your last day in the service. Get your certification before you get out. If you are already out, get started now. Once you are out, stay busy. Companies are looking for self-starters. Remain active by volunteering, consulting or blogging in …

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