What’s Next: The Gifts of People and Time

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Embrace the Gifts of People and Time

Nicole Anderson is a Navy Master Chief with extensive military HR experience. She started planning her transition 18 months ago, yet is currently still in the throes of transition as you read this article.

Yes, currently still in the throes. (See? You’re not alone!)

It seemed simple! She’s experienced in HR and loves it, so it seemed a natural progression to continue in that field.

To aid in her decision, Nicole was fortunate that her command allowed her the opportunity to attend a SkillBridge program. She was afforded tools and networking opportunities that have been invaluable to aid in a decision as her retirement approaches.

Nicole loves solving problems, helping people and doing data analysis. In her military role, she’s done everything from helping people get hired and retire. Throughout SkillBridge, she’s learned there are even more complexities of HR in the civilian world. “The choices are overwhelming. I want to be in HR, but do I want to be tied to labor laws?” Here it is - fresh from current real-life experience!

Connecting seems invasive and awkward - but it isn’t.

Nicole was advised to connect with people on LinkedIn, but reaching out can make you feel like an awkward stalker. Just do it - you’ll be surprised (not in an awkwardstalker way!)

Here’s how it goes: one connection leads to another connection, which leads to many others. Surprisingly, people are more than willing to help. Foster the relationships first. Asking for help comes after.

She ended up connecting with Phil Dana, an HR expert and a previous featured guest in this column. This led to a 45 minute in-depth discussion that proved more valuable than all of the TAP classes Nicole took.

Your network is your net worth.

Sorry there’s no new magic pill here, but networking is the key to your success. Find someone who’s had experience and is successful in the area(s) that interest you and express your interest and appreciation of learning more about their experience. You’ll learn more firsthand than any independent research.

Be vulnerable and intentional with your networking conversations.

Take time and really think about what you are going to talk about with your connections. Be open with your worries and concerns and ask honest questions that get you the answers you need. You don’t know what you don’t know, so don’t be afraid to ask. Your vulnerability is key to understanding what you really want to do with your next chapter of life.

Take time to truly think about what you want to do.

Is there a name for it? Or a description? Narrow it down. Without a specific focus, it becomes overwhelming. You may have multiple areas of interest - just speak to experts in each area to learn, and then narrow down to one or two.

Nicole knows that after doing a thousand things in the military, it’s hard to narrow down exactly what she wants. She stresses the importance of taking advantage of the many resources you’re afforded but may not use.

Start building your resume now.

Look at it as a recap of your military evaluations. You have a minimal amount of lines to explain what you did last year to impact advancement selection boards. Your resume is similar. You have one page to get someone’s attention. Make it impactful, start early, refine it and perfect it - and adjust it as you go if needed.

Get a mentor on the outside.

Spoiler alert: there’s no one perfect resume. Give it to three people, and you’ll probably get three widely different opinions. It’s like evals. So, connect with someone outside of the military to review your resume who will be open and frank. Finesse it until it conveys what you need it to convey.

Take care of your health and benefits sooner than later.

If you’re running in circles to finish VA, medical and benefits appointments WHILE interviewing for jobs, you will struggle. Take the time to get this stuff right and do it early. Otherwise, it will all compound. You’ll find that your health appointments are only at one set time, and they can be lengthy. It’s natural to put work ahead of these appointments, but put your health first. Until you’re in this position, you won’t realize the magnitude and importance of doing so.

Give yourself enough uninterrupted time to plan.

With 14-18 months to start the process, Nicole thought she was giving herself enough time. But with a full-time job, she can’t solely focus on her transition.

Jim Gruny “You are scrambling and those who have not yet retired don’t understand what you are doing on the other side. You feel guilty about trying to both work your current job and look for another one.”

Know your military family WILL support you.

Nicole has an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the people and organizations that support veterans. She’s thankful, grateful, and reassured knowing she has a solid and supportive military network as well as outside connections who are always willing to help. This gives hope, and she intends to keep paying it forward.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-l-anderson23/

www.bandsofhands.com

Need help with your transition? Have questions? Link up with Eve on Linked In today.

www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert eve@bandofhands.com

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