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Winter 2015

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RESOLVE TO MAKE A BETTER IMPRESSION IN 2015

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JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO ANSWER

2 CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION – WINTER 2015

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Jobs report suggests more positive employment environment for veterans

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BATTLEFIELD TO BOARDROOM Brandpoint Employment opportunities seem to be on the upswing for military veterans, which is encouraging for the hundreds of thousands of service members returning from duty and veterans who are looking for new civilian career opportunities.

The unemployment rate for veterans decreased in 2013. While the news is positive, a 2013 University of Phoenix survey conducted

by Harris Poll, revealed only onethird (33 percent) of active duty service members reported having made a transition plan for returning to civilian life after separation from the military.

“Service members acquire skills during their military careers that bring value and diverse experience to civilian workplaces,” said University of Phoenix Military Relations vice president, retired Army Col. Garland Williams. “But some men and women leaving the service may not know how to market their skills as they transition to civilian jobs, and may therefore take jobs that do not leverage their experience. As thousands of men and women return from Iraq and Afghanistan to a highly competitive job market, it is imperative that they have a plan to translate their skills into fulfilling and enriching jobs.”

If service members don’t know where to start, there are resources

such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) to help veterans translate their skills and find quality jobs.

Service members who have recently returned home might be interested in pursuing careers at firms recognized for hiring veterans.

The military has a Best Veteran Employers list as well as current job postings for those companies.

This list is updated frequently, so job seekers should check it often.

In additional to applying for current positions, service members may consider requesting informational interviews in advance of their job searches to make sure they have the necessary training to be considered for the roles.

Some universities also offer resources for members of the military community who want to understand the available career options, making it easier to get started or continue a career path.

Programs take a service member’s military occupational specialty code and provide a list of civilian occupations that correlate to the job skills the service member used and refined while in the military.

Each military job is linked directly to labor market data to provide background on jobs and the education required to enter a specific field. Service members can also earn college credit toward their degree programs based on their military experience.

Here are some additional tips offered by Williams to help active duty service members and veterans prepare for a civilian job search: fSTART EARLY. Begin the transition process from military to civilian life as early as two years before being discharged. fSPEAK THE

LANGUAGE. Communicate military experience and training with words, not acronyms, which may not translate on a resume. Promote universal skills such as leadership, management, cooperation, teamwork and strategic thinking. fDON’T BE AFRAID TO

PROMOTE YOURSELF. As every proud service member knows, there is a “we” vs. “me” mentality in the military. The ability to work in a team is important to communicate, but you also have to be willing to discuss your own contributions and results. fCONSIDER FLEXIBLE

EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS. Education can help you address knowledge gaps and better understand and prepare for future careers.

4 CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION – WINTER 2015

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDES COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR JOB-HUNTERS Brandpoint More Americans than ever are going back to school, continuing their education to add skills and credentials to their work portfolio. For many, keeping their expertise current with continuing education gives them the edge in a competitive job market.

Continuing education is not the same as going back to school to complete an unfinished degree, notes Dr. Marianne Greenfield, program chair at Argosy University, Atlanta.

“Continuing education generally refers to any type of post-secondary education for the purpose of keeping current with changes in a particular field of study or for preparation to obtain a certification,” she says. “Some professions require that you earn continuing-education credits in order to maintain a license. The goal of continuing education is to offer adults who already possess a college or univer-

sity degree further opportunity for learning without having to enroll in a degree program.”

“Now more than ever, it’s important for employees and professionals to keep up with all the latest skills and relevant knowledge necessary to compete in today’s workforce,” says Dr. George Spagnola, chair of the College of Education at Argosy University, Sarasota. “While a traditional education is necessary in today’s workforce, it is also a cornerstone upon which one can build a better future through continuing education.” rapid advances occur, leading to constantly evolving practices.”

Greenfield agrees.

“As more people obtain academic degrees, candidates whose skills and knowledge are current and relevant in the workplace will have the greater advantage,” she says. “Continuing education is especially important in areas such as human resources, engineering, technology, finance and health care, where

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Many professions require candidates to have certifications and licenses to qualify for employment opportunities, so continuing education is important for jobseekers and professionals in those fields.

“Advances in technology have made continuing education more accessible,” says Spagnola. “You can pursue continuing education online, at a physical location or in a combination of both. Technology can help you continue your education and advance your professional knowledge while working and raising a family.”

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to continue your education.

— see next page

WINTER 2015 – CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION 5

Continued from previous page Given the number of people raising families and working, that flexibility of education can be key to achieving success. Look for an institution or provider that can meet your educational needs while still allowing you to meet your personal and professional obligations.

“Seek out a student-centered institution that meets your needs both academically and non-academically,” says Spagnola.

“Although many course providers cater to those seeking continuing education, it is important to find an accredited institution to ensure your efforts yield results,” says Greenfield. “Look for programs that offer you access to and learning from quality instructors with real-life experience in the specific field of study. Make sure that the program you are considering is compatible with any requirements you will face for licensure.”

And while educational costs are

always a concern, many people can find financial assistance in the form of tuition-assistance programs offered through their employers.

“Tuition-assistance programs are of huge benefit to employees and the company,” says Spagnola. “As an employee, you receive financial assistance for your education.

Your employer, in turn, gets an employee who is advancing their knowledge and skills and applying them to the organization.”

“The benefits far outweigh the expense and many private sector employers will pay for or reimburse the expense if a compelling case is made for the added competitive advantage for the organization,” agrees Greenfield. “And if your employer isn’t able to assist you with the costs, the Internal Revenue Service allows you to deduct a portion of qualifying continuing-education expenses on your federal tax return. If you pay the expense on behalf of a spouse or a dependent child, you can also claim the deduction.”

Expand and enhance your job search with social media Brandpoint If social media isn’t at the top of your list when starting your job-searching endeavors, you might find the process slow and tedious.

That’s because social networks are the way nearly all U.S. companies are finding new employees, according to Jobvite.

As you finalize your resume and create drafts for cover letters, be sure to plan your social media strategy as well.

“Make sure you have a social media strategy to augment traditional methods such as faceto-face networking and informational interviews,” says Lyndsay Cooper, career services director for The Art Institute of TennesseeNashville, which is a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

Check out the following tips to give yourself an edge in your job search.

• BRAND CONSISTENCY. Make sure your

profile is professional and reflects the job you’re looking for across all social media platforms. Ensure your privacy settings are secure (especially on Facebook). On LinkedIn, make sure your profile is complete with skills and recommendations. On Twitter, link to your website, blog or online resume. And don’t forget Pinterest, YouTube, Google+ and Foursquare.

— see page 7

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How To

DRESS FOR SUCCESS IN THE NEW YEAR

StatePoint When it comes to professional success, the way you present yourself in the workplace should complement the quality of your work. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or simply make a great impression, a useful New Year’s resolution is to refine your office look and style – take everything into account, your wardrobe, your accessories and your workspace.

WARDROBE You may not have the top job yet, but the adage holds true – dress for the job you want, not the one you have. If budget is an issue, don’t sweat it.

Online coupons can help you score great deals at mass market retailers. Additionally, discount department stores often sell designer labels at a fraction of the cost.

Be sure to press your clothes even if your office is business casual. Invest in an iron and give your-

self a few extra minutes in the morning to ensure clothes are wrinkle-free.

Every season, go through your closet and set aside clothes that no longer fit, are worn out, faded or out of style. Donate these clothes and make room for new ones.

ACCESSORIES Rocking the basics can make a great impression at meetings, conventions and other professional events. Show employers, colleagues and clients organization is important to you by carrying a planner and business notebook.

Look for a sleek design that not only keep you organized and track your story, but can act as a highly useful accessory to your professional style.

Whether you’re looking to stay organized by the day, week or month, a planner won’t just help to improve your image; it can also help remind you of upcoming deadlines so you stay organized.

WORKSPACE Take ownership of your workspace. Your desk, cubicle or office is visible round-the-clock, even when you are off-the-clock, so make sure it makes a great impression.

A few personal items are welcome in most workplaces. Just be sure any personal photos of friends and family that you display are tasteful and appropriate.

Lastly, display a stylish wall calendar on your cubicle or office wall to keep important dates in view. Or if you prefer, a desk pad calendar gives you the same view of your busy month ahead. You want colleagues to know that not only do you have a full plate, you know what’s on it.

By fine-tuning your look, you can help make 2015 the year you reach your professional goals and look great doing it.

WINTER 2015 – CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION 7

Continued from page 5 • KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. Your audience on Facebook is different from your audience on Twitter or LinkedIn, so make sure your updates reflect that. On LinkedIn, share articles and blogs on industryrelated topics. On Facebook, post more personal (but not too detailed) updates to remind your friends that you’re in the job market.

• BE PROACTIVE. Use social media to connect with recruiters, employers and employees of companies you’d like to work for. Join - and participate in - organizations, groups and blogs in your industry or alumni groups. Become an industry expert or thought leader.

• RESEARCH. Use social media to create your target list of companies, then research those companies and their employees. Use hashtags on Twitter to find jobs. For example, if you are interested in fashion, search #fashionjobs. Sites like Twellow let you search people’s bios and the URLs in their bios; you can easily find, follow and engage key employees of those companies so they get to know you before you approach them for a job. Prepare for a job interview by using social media to research the inter-

viewer and find common topics to break the ice.

• NETWORK ONLINE. Expand your network and engage others with similar interests by posting, sharing/forwarding, tweeting and retweeting relevant articles and blogs. This raises your online profile, and encourages others to do the same for you. Twitter works well for this.

• KNOW YOUR ONLINE PROFILE. Google yourself and make sure what you see is what you want it to be. Go to Klout. com so you can see your “klout” score, which reports how influential and engaged you are across platforms. Another great site is wefollow.com, a Twitter directory organized by shared interests or categories. Users can add themselves to the categories that best fit their interests.

Today, employers use LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other social media to identify, recruit and check out new employees. The Internet has helped level the job search playing field by offering access to resources that enable you to identify and prepare for career opportunities. But it’s also offered employers access to more talented job candidates. A smart social media strategy can help you stand out and land the job you seek

5 JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO ANSWER Brandpoint It’s a competitive market for all types of jobs, from entry level on up. If you have an interview scheduled, make certain you’re prepared for the questions you’ll be asked.

The first step is to do your homework, which includes researching the company, the industry and the job position you’re applying for, says Jodi Berkshire, assistant director of Career Services at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. No one can be prepared for every question an employer might ask, but you should be prepared with ways to gracefully answer categories of questions. Here are Berkshire’s top five job interview questions to anticipate: 1. “TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.” Don’t mistake this one for an easy question. If you don’t carefully pre-

pare your answer prior to the interview, it will show. Craft a short response that gives a thumbnail sketch of you professionally. This is a great place to insert some of your sterling qualities and accomplishments, and you should make sure that they dovetail with the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing. Be positive and enthusiastic, and whatever you do, don’t ramble.

2. “WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?” “Why should we hire you?” Here’s a simple way to prepare. Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half vertically. On one side list all the specific technical qualities that you possess. Look at the job description and consider each skill that is mentioned. For example, if the job description mentions software skills that are required and you have — see next page

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8 CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION – WINTER 2015

Continued from previous page those skills, go ahead and list them. In the other column, list the personal qualities that you bring to the job. These could be things like punctuality, reliability, enthusiasm, work ethic, professionalism, etc. Again, take another look at the job description and anticipate what qualities that hiring manager would be looking for. Here is your chance to sell yourself. Don’t be afraid to let them know what a great addition you’ll be to their company.

3. “WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?” “How have you overcome it?” You have two good choices here. You can either choose a weakness that is really a strength to an employer (you become so engrossed in your work that you find it hard to take a break until the project is completed), or choose something that you had to master at the beginning of your career that would be an expected learning curve for any entry-level recent college grad (you didn’t really grasp project management in your first job and you had to make a deliberate effort to learn about time lines and time management). If you choose the second example, make sure that you stress how your performance increased once you mastered the missing skill.

4. “WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR COMPANY?”

“How did you hear about us?” Or, “Why do you want to work for us?” These are all variations on the same theme. The real question is: Did you do your homework? Any interviewer will expect that you have researched the company. That means that you should know their website inside and out. Have you Googled the company? Have you read any recent articles about them? If the only information you have to offer is what any person off the street who isn’t applying for the position knows, it shows that you don’t care enough and you’re not very thorough.

5. “WHAT WOULD YOUR PAST EMPLOYER TELL ME ABOUT YOU?” Again, tread carefully. Do not under any circumstances say anything negative about any past employer. Settle on a few of your strongest qualities and concentrate on those that reflect your strong work ethic and professionalism. Here is another perfect opportunity to sell yourself, but once again, be careful not to ramble.

Once you’ve done your research, practiced answers to commonly asked questions and become comfortable with the idea of selling yourself, remember to smile. In most interview situations, the candidate who appears to be relaxed, confident (not arrogant) and enthusiastic usually has the best chance of being hired.

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WINTER 2015 – CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION 9

Job Seekers:

RESOLVE TO MAKE A BETTER IMPRESSION IN 2015 StatePoint

thinking more clearly as well.

First impressions matter, particularly when you’re in the market for a new job. While a top notch resume and cover letter can help get your foot in the door, only you can seal the deal.

• Know how to explain any gaps in your resume. If you have taken time off from your field to pursue a passion for travel, be ready to discuss this time off and explain how it has helped you professionally.

The New Year is the perfect time to revamp your look for a smooth job search. Make a strong first impression at your next interview or networking event with these easy tips: • Be a good listener. What you say is just as important as being engaged when others are talking. Make good eye contact and ask questions to show you are interested in what is being said.

• Prepare your 30-second elevator pitch to communicate your strengths and goals. You never know where a conversation with a hiring manager may lead, so be sure to tailor it to each person you speak with so it does not sound overrehearsed or unnatural.

• Anticipate the questions you will be asked so you are prepared with intelligent, confident and articulate responses. Define your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time to answer every hard question with ease.

• The maxim often holds true that, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Be sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date, showcasing all of your recent work. Connect with headhunters, friends, family, or even old classmates and coworkers to learn about opportunities you may not have heard about otherwise.

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before an important interview or convention. Not only will you look fresher and more alert in the morning, you’ll be

• Dress to impress to be taken seriously.

Denis Daly Wood, founder of Dalys1895. com, a century-old men’s luxury designer and online retailer, recommends standing

out with a unique accessory for your suit, such as a stylish tie clip, tie, pocket square, or pair of cufflinks that can break the ice and start a conversation.

“A unique pocket square can finish off the look of a suit or blazer, while also helping convey that you are stylish and put together. What you wear communicates a lot about your personality and who you are,” says Wood.

Seek quality accessories. Wood also re-

minds job seekers that outerwear and a bag may often make or break the first impression. A sophisticated briefcase, coat and winter scarf, such as the exclusive Caravaggio wool and silk men’s scarf, can give you a polished look when you’re making your entrance.

In the professional realm, presentation matters from your social media profile to your suit and tie. For a successful job search, resolve to showcase the best version of you in the New Year.

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Placing veterans in the nation’s classrooms to serve again is the goal for the Troops to Teachers program, officials said April 12.

“We are here as a counseling and referral asset to help eligible veterans transition into second careers as teachers,” said Cliff Yager, director, Troops to Teachers for Tennessee and Northern Alabama, during a Transition GPS briefing at Naval Support Activity Mid-South.

The purpose of the Department of Defense program is to help eligible current and former military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

Veterans possess many of the qualities that make a good teacher; a

sense of service, leadership, discipline, maturity and life experience, said Yager. He added that studies show that beginning teachers who are military veterans score much higher in peer assessments and assessments from principals and superintendents than their peers coming to the classroom straight from college.

“It is partly understandable because you are not only talking about an older more mature group of individuals, but people who have also had other life experiences,” said Yager.

— see page 17

Connecting vets to energy careers Troops to Energy Jobs is designed to help veterans make a successful transition to a rewarding career in the energy industry. This website will guide you step by step in transferring your military training to a new energy job, identifying any additional education and credentials you may need, and supporting you in your job search by utilizing an interactive Troops to Energy Jobs ROADMAP. Energy jobs offer promising opportunities, whether you are an experienced worker or just starting your career.

These jobs are active, hands-on, rewarding, and available in every state, in an industry that is stable and growing. With many of the nation’s energy workforce either retiring or otherwise departing their jobs during the next five years, the energy industry is working now to develop programs to attract and train new workers for energy-related generation, transmission, and distribution careers.

In some cases, Troops to Energy Jobs will help you start working immediately in an energy industry-related job.

Many companies hire professionals directly from the military for certain positions, which we call “Ready Now,” because these veterans only require company training as they transition to energy industry jobs. For others, some type of postsecondary education may be needed – in most cases, leading to a credential or degree.

Regardless of which group you belong, you will need to understand how well the energy job that you are interested in matches up with your knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through military training and experience. This will help you understand if you are a Ready Now candidate or need to pursue further education to gain credentials.

For more on this program, visit http://troopstoenergyjobs.com.

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The Small Business Administration (SBA) will host Boots to Business: Reboot, an entrepreneurship training course for veterans in 12 cities across the U.S. Each event, led by SBA Resource Partners and industry experts from Syracuse University’s Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF), will host up to 100 veterans for a two-day Introduction to Entrepreneurship class.

Boots to Business: Reboot, will introduce veterans to the fundamentals of business ownership, and lead participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. The program will also introduce participating Veterans to a network of lifetime business support available locally across the U.S. by introducing them to SBA’s network of Veteran Business Outreach Centers, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and SCORE Counselors.

Boots to Business: Reboot will adapt the curriculum from the SBA-sponsored Boots to Business: From Service to Startup, a worldwide program offered as a component of the Department of Defense’s redesigned Transition Assistance Program (TAP) renamed Transition GPS. The curriculum, developed to introduce transitioning service members to business ownership and connecting them to resources in their local communities, will now be available to more than 22

During this period of “right sizing” the Air Force and Navy, the Army recognizes the need for our armed forces to retain qualified men and women. million veterans who have already transitioned into civilian life.

Following the two-day training, participants will also be eligible to register for “Foundations of Entrepreneurship” an eight-week, online course led by instructors from IVMF that offers in-depth instruction on the elements of a business plan and techniques and tips for starting a business. After completing Boots to Business: Reboot, participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, connect with local resources and launch their small businesses.

Boots to Business: Reboot events will kick-off at the WhiteHouse,July11-12,andculminateonAug.25-26, at the American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more on this program, visit http://boots2business.org/.

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Fighting post-military unemployment on the home front Brandpoint

after military service is complete.”

As the Department of Defense continues its drawdown of American military personnel after decades of major troop deployment, tens of thousands of American troops are preparing to transition out of the military and back into civilian life.

The transition will be easier for some than others; but with a solid plan and access to helpful resources, returning heroes can find success and satisfaction in a postmilitary career.

Despite mastering in-demand skills, hurdles often remain. According to a University of Phoenix survey, when past service members were asked about their first civilian job after separation from the military, less than one-third (29 percent) say that they used their military skills to that extent in the civilian workplace. This suggests that while the veteran unemployment rate continues to decline, many veterans may actually be underemployed.

“Military service members learn important on-the-job skills that make them valuable civilian employees,” says University of Phoenix Military Relations Vice President, retired Army Col. Garland Williams. “Knowing how to market those skills correctly helps ensure a smooth transition into a rewarding job

the transition process as early as possible.

Talk to peers who made transitions and network with as many people as possible to learn about employers who are hiring and who could benefit from your skills.

Create a profile on professional networking sites to keep in touch with professional contacts and learn about possible career opportunities. Conduct informational interviews with veterans who are working To help transitioning service members with companies that appeal to you. maximize the career resources available to not just get a job, but start a viable 2. Research your education and career post-military career, Col. Williams recom- options. Use free online tools to investimends tips to help service members get gate degree programs and possible career started: paths. The Phoenix Career Guidance System can help you research a degree pro1. Start early and get connected. Begin gram based on your interests, skills and

experience, and provides insight on local job market trends and industry demands.

Also, the Military Skills Translator Tool takes your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code and suggests a list of related civilian occupations.

3. Brush up on your job-searching skills. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Transitional Assistance Program (TAP), which provides soon-to-be discharged or retired service members helpful information and workshops on job searching, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing techniques and career decision-making. Look for veteran hiring fairs and local hiring events that are taking place across the country.

Each year, there are hundreds of Hiring Our Heroes veteran events that help transitioning service members, veterans and their families find viable career options.

4. Speak the language. Communicate military experience and training to hiring employers with words, not acronyms, which may not translate on a resume.

— see next page

WINTER 2015 – CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION 13

Continued from previous page Promote skills such as leadership, management, cooperation, teamwork and strategic thinking. Mention these attributes in the cover letter and resume alongside all technical skills. Give your prospective employer specific examples of how you utilized these skills in your various assignments during your military tenure and how they will translate to the job for which you’re being interviewed.

5. Don’t sell yourself short. While job searching, remember the valuable skills you learned in the military can make a real difference for employers. Identify a mentor – preferably someone with a military background who has transitioned successfully and can help guide the job search process and remind you of your strengths and transferable skills.

“Service members have a wealth of resources available to them, but knowing where and how to start the transitioning process can be overwhelming,” says Col. Williams. “However, it’s similar to being in the military - developing a plan of attack can set these jobseekers on a path to future career success.”

Don’t Wing It:

TIPS TO HELP PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW Brandpoint So you put together a stellar resume, wrote a winning cover letter and landed an interview for your dream job. The hard work’s done, right? Wrong. Don’t think you can just rely on your dazzling personality to win over your interviewer.

There’s no substitute for being prepared, and with some expert tips, you’ll ace the interview and be one step closer to a job offer.

“Research, research and research. The more you research the more prepared you are,” says Ricardo Estevez, career services director at The Art Institute of Washington, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta. Having a firm understanding of the job description and job duties allows you to practice answers associating job duties with positions you’ve had in the past.

“This helps make sure your answers are succinct and helps connects the dots for the employer,” says Kristin Frank, career services director at The Art Institute of Phoenix.

Estevez adds that research can help you take charge of an unstructured interview and bring it back to home state. It also enables you to have questions to ask at the end of the interview. He says: “Without research, it’s hard to realign the interview and get out of uncomfortable spots.”

Along with getting a better understanding of the job, your preparation should also include getting a better grasp on your own skill set. “Be confident with your accomplishments, and be prepared to share them with multiple people who could be interviewing you,” says Frank.

“I always say practice with your best friend. They are your biggest cheerleader. They will help you come up with some of your big statements about what you did.” Also having an outline of key points and clean, concise messages is going to benefit the entire process.

“Tell me a little about yourself” is usually the first point of discussion in an interview and is often one that can easily trip up the interviewee. “Usually, at the beginning of an interview, you really should keep it about the job, about your past experiences in relation to the job you’re applying for,” says Estevez.

“Keep it hyper-focused on the position you’re interviewing for.” He adds to listen to how the question is asked. If the interviewer says “tell me more about you,” he or she usually wants to know more about you personally. People shouldn’t shy away from this but also not get too personal.

Another question that can be tricky to navigate is why you are leaving your current position. Both Estevez and Frank agree that the key here is keeping it 100 percent positive. For most people, — see page 18

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OBAMA: INVESTMENT IN VETERANS PRODUCES TOMORROW’S LEADERS 2014 marked 70th anniversary of GI Bill American Forces Press Service The promise of a better tomorrow made to U.S. military veterans of World War II seven decades ago with the signing of the original GI Bill is the same promise the nation is keeping with its newest veterans and their families through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, President Barack Obama said in an opinion piece published today on the website of the Military Times.

And, such investment in today’s military veterans will produce the leaders America needs tomorrow, the president observed in his op-ed: “You pick the school, and we’ll help pick up the bill.

“That’s the basic promise America made to our veterans of World War II seventy years ago with the signing of the original GI Bill. It’s the same promise we’re keeping with our newest veterans and their families through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Now as then, investing in the education and skills of our veterans is one of the smartest investments we can make in America.

“For some eight million World War II veterans, the original GI Bill meant the chance to realize a college education, get on-thejob training or buy their first home. They became teachers and small business owners, doctors and nurses, engineers and scientists. One of them was my grandfather.

A Soldier in Patton’s Army, he came home, went to college on the GI Bill and raised his family. In his later years he helped raise me, too.

“The GI Bill also transformed America.

With the careers it sparked, the homes it helped our veterans buy, and the prosperity it generated, it paid for itself several times over and helped lay the foundation for the largest middle class in history.

“Like generations before them, our men and women in uniform today deserve the chance to live the American Dream they helped to defend. That’s why, under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, we’ve already helped

For some eight million World War II veterans, the original GI Bill meant the chance to realize a college education, get on-the-job training or buy their first home.”

Keys to Success” we unveiled last year, there are specific steps colleges and universities can take to truly welcome and encourage veterans on campus. For example, is there a culture of inclusiveness that invests in veterans’ academic success?

Is there a centralized place on campus that coordinates services for veterans? Are faculty and staff trained to understand the unique needs of veterans and how to best serve them? So far nearly 400 colleges and universities have joined this effort to help our veterans complete their education and get their degree.

“Even with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, will you still need student loans? The high cost of college is leaving too many students, including veterans, in debt. That’s why, even as we work to make college more affordable, we’re doing more to protect students from crushing debt. We’re making it easier to automatically reduce the interest rates our ser-President Barack Obama vice members and veterans pay on their student loans. Congress can also do its part by passing legislation that would allow veteran more than one million veterans and family attending a state college or university to pay members pursue their education. in-state tuition, regardless of their residency.

“Now, with our troops coming home from Afghanistan and a new generation of veterans returning to civilian life, even more will be eligible for this opportunity in the years to come. As commander in chief, I want everyone who is eligible to know what the Post-9/11 GI Bill can do for them.

A good place to start is benefits.va.gov/gibill/, which has important information on the benefits available, including assistance to help pay for tuition, housing and books, and how to transfer benefits to a family member.

“As veterans and their families think about which school is right for them, it’s worth considering several factors.

“Does the school adhere to our Principles of Excellence? We created these standards to protect our veterans from dishonest recruiting and predatory practices. For example, does the school provide students with a clear statement of all costs? Does it provide students with a point of contact for financial advice? Does it provide a clear educational plan, so you get what you pay for? So far about 6,000 colleges and universities have signed on to our principles and pledged to do right by our veterans and their families.

“Does the school foster an environment that supports veterans? Under the “8

“Finally, when you go looking for that civilian job, are you taking advantage of the latest resources? Our improved transition assistance program helps our newest veterans and their spouses plan their new careers. We’re making it easier for veterans to transfer their military training to the licenses and credentials needed for civilian jobs. We’re matching veterans looking for jobs with companies looking to hire veterans and military spouses through our Veterans Employment Center, online at ebenefits.va.gov. Every company in America needs to know – if you want someone who will get the job done, hire a veteran.

“The original GI Bill helped produce a generation of leaders, including three presidents, three Supreme Court Justices, more than a dozen Nobel laureates, and two dozen Pulitzer Prize winners. Once again, the investments we make in our newest veterans today will produce the leaders America needs tomorrow. On this 70th anniversary, we pledge to uphold that promise once more and keep our veterans and our country strong for decades to come.”

VA Website Tool Provides Education, Benefits Info Department of Veterans Affairs The GI Bill Comparison Tool is designed to make it easier for veterans, service members, and family members to estimate their GI Bill education benefits and learn more about VA’s approved college, university, and other education and training programs across the country. It also provides key information about college affordability and value so beneficiaries can choose the best education program to meet their needs.

VA successfully trademarked GI Bill to prevent its fraudulent use for recruiting purposes and to protect this publiclyowned intellectual property.

“We are excited to see how veterans respond to the wealth of information now available on the updated GI Bill Comparison Tool” said VA’s Undersecretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “We’re grateful for the chance to work with our partners at the departments of Defense and Education to ensure beneficiaries are informed education consumers.”

The updated version of the GI Bill Comparison Tool has new functionality, including a more robust GI Bill benefits calculator and additional information pertinent to the Veteran population (e.g., identifies schools with student veteran groups, VetSuccess on Campus program, and those that have agreed to the 8 Keys to Success).

The GI Bill calculator provides a personalized estimate of Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and fee, housing allowance, and book stipend benefits that would potentially be paid to the student.

The calculator prepopulates the tuition and fee estimates from the ED’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. The veteran indicator section now contains new information on schools’ student veterans groups, VetSuccess on Campus program and Yellow Ribbon agreement status.

— see next page

Continued from previous page The GI Bill Comparison Tool is one item in a series of resources VA has launched in response to the President’s Executive Order 13607, signed April 27, 2012, which directs agencies to implement and promote “Principles of Excellence” for educational institutions that interact with veterans, service members and their families, and to ensure beneficiaries have the information they need to make informed choices about VA education benefits and approved programs. As students return to school this fall, VA is committed to providing the support and information they need to succeed.

Since April 2012, VA has deployed the GI Bill Comparison Tool, the GI Bill Feedback System, and offered a free academic-readiness tool online. In addition, VA, the Department of Education and Department of Defense have agreed to new Veteran-specific outcome measures and signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange information, which will ensure greater compliance from schools receiving military and Federal education benefits.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a comprehensive education benefit created by Congress in 2008. Veterans and service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001, are eligible for the benefit. The Veterans Benefits Administration, which administers the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, has distributed more than $43 billion in the form of tuition and other education-related payments to more than one million veterans, service members, and their families, and to the universities, colleges, and trade schools they attend.

GI BILL Q&A AM I ELIGIBLE? You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty* after Sept. 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days following Sept. 10, 2001. *Includes active service as a National Guard member under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training and active service under section 502(f) of title 32 for the purpose of responding to a national emergency.

WHAT WILL I RECEIVE? You may receive a percentage of the following payments: - A tuition and fee payment that is paid to your school on your behalf - A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) (not payable to individuals on active duty or those enrolled at half-time or less) that is equal to: - Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payable for the zip code of your school to a military E-5 with

WINTER 2015 – CCE – CAREERS + CONTINUING EDUCATION 15 dependents for students pursuing tests (SAT, LSAT, etc.). Note: If the resident training. program you are interested in isn’t - One-half the BAH national average on the website, contact your State for students training solely by dis- Approving Agency (list available on tance learning. www.gibill.va.gov) to see if it can be - The national average BAH for stu- approved. dents pursuing training at foreign schools.

CAN I TRANSFER MY - A books and supplies stipend of up ENTITLEMENT TO MY to $1,000 per year.

DEPENDENTS? You must be a member of the uniHOW MANY MONTHS OF formed services to transfer your ASSISTANCE CAN I RECEIVE unused benefits to your spouse or AND HOW LONG AM I ELIGIBLE? dependent(s). Generally, you must Generally, you may receive up to agree to serve four more years when 36 months of entitlement under the transferring benefits.

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from WHAT IS THE YELLOW your last period of active duty of at RIBBON PROGRAM? least 90 consecutive days.

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill can cover all in-state tuition and fees at pubWHAT KIND OF TRAINING lic degree granting schools, but may CAN I TAKE? You can use the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill at not cover all private degree granting colleges, universities, trade schools schools and out-of-state tuition. The and for on-the-job training, appren- Yellow Ribbon Program provides adticeships and flight schools. To see ditional support in those situations. what programs are currently ap- Institutions voluntarily enter into an proved for VA benefits, visit www. agreement with VA to fund uncovgibill.va.gov. You can use the Post- ered charges. VA matches each dollar 9/11 G.I. Bill for tutorial assistance, of not satisfied charges the institulicensing (attorney license, cosme- tion agrees to contribute, up to the tology license, etc.) and certification total cost of the tuition and fees.

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Continued from page 10 Yager and other Troops to Teachers representatives from across the nation recently met to discuss their role in assisting service members and veterans. In addition to counseling and referral, state Troops to Teachers representatives help applicants identify teacher certification requirements for the state they wish to teach, programs leading to certification and employment opportunities in their state.

Additionally Yager and other state representatives will reach out to service members earlier while they are still on active-duty and identify education requirements so that interested service members may begin working toward their teaching certifications before leaving the service, enabling a smoother transition into teaching.

If a service member thinks that they might want to be a teacher, they should contact Troops to Teachers and register for the program” -Cliff Yager, director, Troops to Teachers

“If a service member thinks that they might want to be a teacher, they should contact Troops to Teachers and register for the program,” said Yager. “We can help them with that decision process, investigate whether teaching is right for them and we can help them walk through the process.”

Service members can learn more about Troops to Teachers and locate a state representative at www.proudtoserveagain.com.

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Continued from page 13 the answer should be about opportunity, challenge and growth. “Having this answer planned out ahead of time is really going to be key,” says Frank.

Many employers Google people before they come in for an interview or research them before they even become a candidate.”

If you are changing careers, Estevez recommends talking about how you are passionate about the new field you are entering. He also cautions about mentioning how a current employer doesn’t offer a flexible schedule. Make sure to keep things positive and career or passion focused.

-Kristin Frank, career services director, The Art Institute of Phoenix

If there is a gap in your resume, it will most certainly come up during the interview, and the HR representative or recruiter will always be a bit sensitive to this. “Be genuine,” says Frank. “It is up to the candidate to articulate in a way that’s genuine and not implying that something negative happened. Be really positive and be sure you are focusing on what you can bring to the table.” The same goes for any unfinished education.

even become a candidate,” says Frank.

She stresses you need to protect your image on social media and be aware of what is on the internet and ensure the information reflects your goals and experience.

“If salary comes up and they really want an answer and really want to know your number, everyone should know what their bottom-line number is. Add a bit more and negotiate down,” says Estevez.

Once this question is asked, it is OK to then ask what the budget is for that position. If there is a big disparity, ask if there

While you are doing your research on the company, your interviewer is also doing research on you. “Many employers Google people before they come in for an interview or research them before they

is an opportunity for a higher salary later.

Depending on the job your are interviewing for, demonstrations of your skills or job shadowing could be required. Skype interviews are also becoming more common, says Frank. These help interviews see how well a candidate can work with technology.

The biggest mistakes that Estevez sees is not being in the interview mindset as soon as you leave the house. Each person you see from the receptionist to the people you pass in the lobby or elevator, could potentially be part of your interview panel. View and treat them all as such.

MILITARY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW SERVICE MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS ENTERTAINMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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DEDICATED TO SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE. DOG-GONE GOOD COMREL FOR IKE PAGE 3 VOLUME 52 NO. 30

INSIDEJET

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DAM NECK ANNEX

•

PAGE 8

TEEN BOWLING LOCK IN Photo courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Billy Ho

William D. Sessoms, Jr., mayor of Virginia Beach, delivers remarks during a Virginia Beach Armed Forces awards luncheon. Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosts the event annually to honor outstanding Sailors, Soldier, Marines stationed at NAS Oceana, Dam Neck Annex and Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story.

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Hampton Road Chamber of Commerce hosted the 19th annual Armed Forces Awards Luncheon to honor more than 100 outstanding Sailors, Marines and Soldiers stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Dam Neck Annex and Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story.

During the ceremony, 160 service members were honored and recognized by the chamber of commerce for their outstanding performances.

“This is a traditional and long-standing opportunity for the business community through the Chamber of Commerce to honor and recognize the men and women in uniform who have made significant contribution to their career,” said Jack Hornbeck, president and CEO, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.“This is a way for us to thank them for their jobs well-done and their service.”

Capt. Robert Geis, commanding officer, NAS Oceana, kicked off the event by ex— See Chamber, Page 10

Truman Earns Flight Deck Certification

BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SEAMAN TAYLOR DIMARTINO USS Harry S.Truman Public Affairs USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Harry S.Truman (CVN 75) completd fli h d k ifi i J l 19

(DPIA) ended.

Eight squadrons assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 embarked Truman to complete aircraft launches and recoveries during Truman’s flight deck certification and will continue flight operations during i lifi i

all the Sailors and Marines underway with Truman, said Lt. James Sandifer, carrier air traffic control center (CATCC) watch officer.

Flight deck certification included qualifying CVW-3’s air crew and getting Truman’s flight deck personnel b k i h i f i

August 9, 2012

Fort Lee Employee Joins British Legion Rider Journey

BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS (SW) BILLY HO Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

PAGE 9

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www.militarynews.com

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49th Group Soldiers Shine at Final Formation Page 5

partment.

To become flight deck certified, Truman required 120 launches and recoveries during the day and 40 during the night across the span of three days.

“Completing flight deck certification was a team effort between Truman’s crew and the air wing,” said Walston. “The drills were acli h d b bl

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