What's the best way to translate military skills into project management skills for a transitioning military member?
Mark BilyeuProject manager | Edward J. Rice Co.Mo, United States
I am retiring from the US Army soon with a goal of becoming a project manager. I know that much of what I have done in the military is very similar to the skills used by project managers. My difficulty is taking those military skills and translating them from army jargon to civilian terms that are understood by potential employers. Any suggestions? Thanks. Saving Changes...
Anything can be used for PM experience, but your situation is two-fold. 1) First, you need to translate your military experience into civilian terms in the field you are seeking employment. 2) Use PMBOK terms to explain what you did (Planning, Initiating, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing) as they relate to the projects you worked on. Ensure you outline quantitative outcomes (% reduction, $ saved, etc)....just like bullets on your NCOERs. Saving Changes...
I am not associated with them, but have come to know them through my local PMI chapter Saving Changes...
Jay HicksAuthor, Consultant and Transitions Specialist| Gr8Transitions4UTampa, Fl, United States
Top, Check out the new book, The Transitioning Military Project Manager. This book has translators, a lexicon, a Rosetta Stone, assessments, and lots of success stories of military personnel that have gone before you and are now project managers! I hope this helps.
You can learn more about the book at Gr8Transitions4U.com
I will be a transitioning AF member in the future, and I highly recommend the book above by Jay Hicks. It discusses and outlines questions you have, and those you didn't know you need to know. Good luck with your transition.
