Careers & Continuing Education Spring 2013

CAREERS &

WWW.MILITARYNEWS.COM | WWW.FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | SPRING 2013

CONTINUING EDUCATION YO U R G U I D E T O E M P L O Y M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S A N D H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

2 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

You receive it on Graduation Day. But it’s never handed to you.

Because when it’s a degree from Columbia College, it’s a degree that demands effort and rewards hard work. That’s a notion our students at 18 campuses on military bases truly understand.

Go For Greater® Offering Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.

Contact Columbia College’s local representative Jim Schermerhorn today at Virginia@ccis.edu or call (757) 918-1900. GoForGreater.org

SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 3

From Former Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta:

Careers and

This country owes a profound debt to all veterans and military families. In these tough economic times, we’re especially cognizant of our service members transitioning to civilian life, as well as our military spouses. And we must give them the best possible tools to succeed in professional pursuits.

Continuing Education YOUR GUIDE TO EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION

MNV PUBLISHER | Laura Baxter FLAGSHIP EDITOR | David Todd CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Tricia Lieurance MNV EDITOR/DESIGNER Rebecca Soorani Hastings rebecca.hastings@flagshipnews.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Allyson Garner | Kyle Raymer Ross Froehlich | Susan Cofer ADVERTISING INFORMATION (757) 222-3990 | sales@militarynews.com CLASSIFIEDS | (757) 222-3974

What’s inside: 04 — What’s next 06 — G.I. Bill benefits 07 — Job interview tips 08 — In the news 10 — Vet-friendly communities 14 — Resources for veterans

PUBLISHED BY Military Newspapers of Virginia 150 W. Brambleton Ave. | Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: (757) 222-3990 | Fax: (757) 853-1634 The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®. The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the federal government, the DoD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised. Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm in no way connected to the Department of Defense or United States Coast Guard.

16 — Blue-to-Green program 18 — Get Inspired/Career Options 20 — Using social media in job search 22 — VetFran helps veterans franchise

4 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

Excel

OUT OF THE

in your career with help from CMU!

Central Michigan University’s Global Campus at Fort Lee delivers the Master of Science in Administration degree with various concentrations to fit your career goals.

Master of Science in Administration degree (Offered face-to-face and online) Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively in various military, corporate, business, and agency settings.

Choose from 8 concentrations: • General Administration • Health Services Administration (face-to-face only) • Human Resources Administration • Information Resource Management • International Administration • Leadership • Public Administration (face-to-face only) • Research Administration (online only)

Graduates of our MSA degree have found success in such careers as: • Military general • Corporate financial officer • Information systems manager

• City manager • Health services director • Personnel analyst

Convenience and Quality • No entrance exams required • Weekend classes • Open to military and civilians • Direct delivery of library materials Military-Friendly University Central Michigan University has been repeatedly designated a military-friendly university by both GI Jobs and Military Advanced Education magazine.

Visit cmich.edu/military for details on CMU’s military tuition discounted rate.

Get it all at CMU at Fort Lee and Online.

Call 804-732-6082 or toll-free 877-268-4636 today! cmich.edu/FortLee • FortLee@cmich.edu Central Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Central Michigan University is certified to operate in Virginia by SCHEV 101 North 14 Street, Richmond, VA 23219. CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity within its community (see cmich.edu/aaeo). cmich.edu/globalcampus 36129 3/13

Military ...NOW WHAT?

Are you currently considering the reality of where you would like to live after the service? It is important to do so carefully and choose wisely. For example, if you were a ship navigator during your military career, you could have a difficult time finding a similar job in the Southwest. On the other hand, if you were an Army nurse, you may find several excellent opportunities virtually anywhere.

Most career placement specialists recommend that job applicants choose the type of job they want first, then go where the jobs are. In making a decision to relocate, you might prioritize as follows: 1. Job potential: Which community is most likely to offer job opportunities that match your skills, experience and career goals?

2. Affordability: Consider the not so obvious expenses in addition to the cost of living. Compare local, state income, property and sales taxes. Does the state tax your military retirement pay? Does the location have income and career potential?

3. Community: Do you have family or friends there? Can you count on them to help make your transition easier? Do you need to be close to your aging parents for economic or medical reasons? Are you seeking upward mobility with the potential to move, or are you looking for a community to settle for the long-term?

4. Environment: Would you be happiest living in a city, the suburbs, a small town, or a rural area? Does the climate suit you?

Moving out of the area Before moving, consult your nearest

Check out the Welcome Aboard special section for more information about relocation services available! http://bit.ly/MND5xJ Fleet and Family Support Center, the best source of relocation information and planning assistance. Other useful resources include: local Chamber of Commerce, libraries, bookstores and the Internet. Use them to find out what you need in order to make informed moving decisions.

Chambers of Commerce Many communities across America have a Chamber of Commerce. Each Chamber of Commerce promotes its community and is a good source of information about the surrounding area: the local job market, housing costs, local realtors, cost of living, local taxes, climate, schools and availability of recreation or child care. Ask for the Chamber’s booklet – much like the relocation packet you received about a new installation when you changed stations. You can find any chamber of commerce office in the nation at www. chamberofcommerce.com.

Libraries and bookstores Each of the Service Library Programs provides electronic content through their respective portals (www.nko.navy. mil; www.us.army.mil; www.my.af.mil).

The electronic content provides information on relocating, career opportunities and educational opportunities.

SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 5

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FAA Part 141 • Accelerated Training Included Veteran Approved (use your montgomery GI Bill & Post 9/11) Large New Training Aircraft Fleet • New Diamond Twinstar DA-42

6 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

UNDERSTANDING YOUR POST-9/11 G.I. BILL

Benefits

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after Sept.

10, 2001.

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 serviceconnected 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 (see chart below).

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 dependents for students pursuing resident training.

One-half the BAH national average for students training solely by distance learning.

The national average BAH for students pursuing training at foreign schools.

A books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

How Many Months Of Assistance Can I Receive And How Long Am I Eligible?

Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post9/11 G.I. Bill. You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

[The G.I. Bill] produced hundreds of thousands of scientists and engineers, doctors and nurses, the backbone of the largest middle class in history.”

-President Obama

What Kind Of Training Can I Take?

You can use the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill at colleges, universities, trade schools and for on-the-job training, apprenticeships and flight schools. To see what programs are currently approved for VA benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov. You can use the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill for tutorial assistance, licensing (attorney license, cosmetology license, etc.) and certification tests (SAT, LSAT, etc.). Note: If the program you are interested in isn’t on the website, contact your State Approving Agency (list available on www.gibill.va.gov) to see if it can be approved.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of:

Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable

At least 36 months

100%

At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability

100%

At least 30 months < 36 months

90%

What Is The Yellow Ribbon Program?

At least 24 months < 30 months

80%

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill can cover all in-state tuition and fees at public degree granting schools, but may not cover all private degree granting schools and out-of-state tuition. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional support in those situations. Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund uncovered charges. VA matches each dollar of not satisfied charges the institution agrees to contribute, up to the total cost of the tuition and fees.

At least 18 months < 24 months

70%

At least 12 months < 18 months

60%

At least 6 months < 12 months

50%

At least 90 days < 6 months

40%

Can I Transfer My Entitlement To My Dependents?

You must be a member of the uniformed services to transfer your unused benefits to your spouse or dependent(s). Generally, you must agree to serve four more years when transferring benefits.

SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 7

Job ACE YOUR

INTERVIEW

BRANDPOINT — Making it to the job interview stage means your skill set and resume have caught the interest of a potential employer, who now wants to determine if you’ll be a good fit as an employee of a company. Acing the interview is essential if you want to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

“Employers are open to bringing in several candidates for job interviews, and this is the time for both the employer and the candidate to determine if they will be a good fit for each other,” said Joe Seitz, director of career services at Everest Institute-Grand Rapids.

Seitz and Everest Institute offer these tips to ensure that you walk away from your job interview and receive either a call back for a second interview or a job offer:

particularly for young graduates, but employers want to know what you’ve really done. Communicate any career training you have and how it relates to the position.

Practice makes perfect Hundreds of websites provide traditional job interview questions, so think about what kind of answers you’d give for these questions. For example, “What is your worst quality?” could be turned into an opportunity to show your future employer you identify your faults, but are able to recognize opportunities to improve, with examples of how you’ve already taken steps in this direction. Employers ask these kinds of questions in many different ways, so think of actual examples and prepare mini-sound bites to describe your skills.

“New graduates have a lot going for them, even if they don’t have a lot of experience,” said Seitz. “They can bring fresh ideas to the company and are trainable to perfectly match what the company needs.”

Be yourself Although the interview is a great time to sell yourself to a potential employer, be careful not to go overboard.

Embellishment may be tempting,

Be yourself, and in cases where you lack experience, display a willingness and desire to learn the necessary skills.

Every interaction counts Anyone you encounter within proximity to the interview setting can have a direct influence on its outcome. Having a positive and respectful attitude creates a more welcoming environment all around you and sets you up for success during the interview.

“Smile, be polite and greet every person you meet, from the moment you get into your car to drive to the in-

terview to the time you arrive home,” said Seitz. “You never know when the person standing in line in front of you at the coffee shop prior to your interview could very well be the person you interview with later in the afternoon.”

Follow-up Good follow-through is important and shows a potential employer that a candidate cares about the opportunity. Be sure to send a note to everyone who interviewed you thanking them for their time and consideration. Remember the interview is a formal process, so hand-write a thank-you note and send it through the mail.

Enhance your skills Schools like Everest Institute cater to the demands of non-traditional students by offering fast-track programs, flexible classes and online education programs in popular fields, such as health care and accounting, allowing students to work or interview for jobs while enhancing their skills in the meantime.

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8 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

In the news FROM JOINING FORCES

The changing face of veteran reintegration

By Jake Wood and William McNulty Joiningforces.gov Post-World War II military veterans returned home to a community of veterans and a grateful nation that had shared in the sacrifice of war. These veterans used the brick and mortar posts of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to maintain that esprit de corps. They mentored youth, advocated on veterans issues, shared war stories and confided in each other over beers. For generations, when veterans

took off their uniform, their desire to serve did not end. That’s just as true today. Some very creative Post-9/ ll veterans’ charities have adapted to this desire and have created models for continued service and engagement. The

HELPFUL LINKS www.missioncontinues.org www.ride2recovery.com www.teamrwb.org www.teamrubiconusa.org

MORE NEWS Turn to page 12 to learn about The Posse Foundation and how it helps vets continue their education.

Mission Continues provides fellowships for returning veterans to continue their service in the public sector. Ride 2 Recovery and Team RWB use the therapeutic effect of physical training to repair the physical and mental wounds of war. Our organization, Team Rubicon, uses continued service through disaster response as a means to maintain purpose, community and a sense of self.

Our work is inspired by our late friend Clay Hunt, who took his own life after leaving the service.

It’s a national emergency that everyday 22 military veterans commit suicide.

Also concerning is the increasing magnitude and frequency of natural disasters. Over the last five years, there have been 350 federally declared disasters in the United States. A Civic Enterprises

report found that 92 percent of veterans want to continue their service when they return home. The Top-2 responses were helping their fellow veterans and disaster response. Team Rubicon provided that opportunity to over 350 veterans during our response to Hurricane Sandy.

On Feb. 8, we had the honor and privilege to meet President Obama and some of his advisors in the Oval Office.

We discussed our response to Hurricane Sandy, our model of continued service and how we think we can stem the tide of veteran suicide.

During the conversation, Obama said he didn’t just want to just talk – he wanted to support Team Rubicon. He wanted to find ways to work together to enhance coordination following natural disasters.

We thank the president for validating our approach to veteran reintegration and disaster response. We look forward to working together to improve these two critical issues.

Jake Wood & William McNulty are the Cofounders of Team Rubicon.

INSURING THOSE WHO SERVE Covering you when and where you need it most.

Get the coverage you deserve.

Call 800-628-6011, or visit www.navymutual.org.

Nonprofit, Member-Owned, Veteran Service Organization.

Photo courtesy of Department of Defense

SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 9

Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degree Programs

Chesapeake (757) 382-7599

Fort Lee (804) 861-9634

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Fort Eustis (757) 887-1166

Langley (757) 766-1812

South Hampton Roads (757) 464-6449

virginia@saintleo.edu

www.saintleo.edu Certified by SCHEV Saint Leo University admits students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin. Regionally accredited, private, non-profit university

10 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

Top Ten

Communities PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR RETURNING VETERANS

1. Pittsburgh, Pa.

6. Warren, Mich.

Pittsburgh earned the top spot in this year’s ranking by being an affordable metropolitan area with solid job prospects for former military members. The metro area recorded some of the highest scores for government-related employment and job opportunities that align with military skill sets. Recent job growth was 2.1 percent in the last year and the unemployment rate is well below the national average. Pittsburgh has the infrastructure of a mature city with excellent health facilities, diverse neighborhoods and abundant recreational amenities. Unlike many parts of the country, Pittsburgh has weathered the economic downturn relatively well and is well positioned for future growth.

The Warren metro area earns the No. 6 ranking with a strong manufacturing economy rich in managerial and supervisory jobs, defense sector opportunities and other employment positions seeking military skills. The Warren area’s unemployment rate is the highest among our Top-10 places, but recent job growth over the last year points to an improving local economy at 2.1 percent, which mirrors the recovering auto industry in the area. Cost of living in the Warren area is higher than other metro areas on the list with median homes at $213,000.

2. Phoenix, Ariz.

7. Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Phoenix metro area is recovering from the recent housing downturn, though an upside to the recent housing reset is that there are still home-buying bargains to be found. Most appealing for the recently separated veterans are the job opportunities. With an unemployment rate well below the national average, Phoenix scores very high in all of the study’s job categories – government, defense contractors, managerial and other occupations related to military skill sets. As one of the largest metro areas in the country, Phoenix has an abundance of resources for its residents, including professional sports, mass transit and a major airport.

The Ann Arbor metro area is near the University of Michigan, one of the largest universities in the United States. This college town offers a wealth of amenities despite a smaller population, and the college provides a stable economic platform for the area. Ann Arbor also has a high concentration of government jobs, though it offers fewer jobs in the defense industry and managerial positions. This metro area boasts the lowest unemployment rate among our Top-10, and the highest employment growth over the last year at 3.0 percent. These factors contribute to a strong housing market, with the median home price at $155,000.

3. Dallas, Texas

8. Cincinnati, Ohio

The Dallas metro area earns its No. 3 position with high marks in job opportunities that use military skill sets. In addition, Dallas area housing prices have remained stable throughout the recent housing downturn and are still affordable at a $130,000 median cost. As the seventh-largest metro area in the U.S., the “Big D” has plenty of resources for its residents including major health care facilities, an airport hub, plus recreational amenities. The Dallas economy is healthy, with a low unemployment rate and job growth of 2.2 percent over the last year.

The Cincinnati area is another metro area with top scores for all of job categories, including government, defense contracting and other military skill occupations. With an unemployment rate below national average and employment growth of 1.8 percent, the metro area currently has solid employment prospects to offer former military. In addition, veterans and their families will benefit from a cost of living well below national average and a median home price of $130,000. Cincinnati residents also can enjoy a range of professional sports teams and other recreational amenities.

4. Cleveland, Ohio

9. Columbus, Ohio

The Cleveland metro area made a strong showing for managerial and supervisory jobs, government-related jobs and those occupations that make particular use of skills acquired in the military. Defense contracting, however, is not quite as prevalent as in some of our other Top-10 metros. The area’s median home price is only $109,800, contributing to a cost of living well below the national average. The unemployment rate is well below the national average and jobs have increased 1.6 percent over the last year. Though not one of the larger metros, the Cleveland area features strong recreational assets and excellent health resources for a city of its size.

Columbus is home to Ohio State University, but the Columbus metro area is larger than a typical college town. The area scored well in defense contracting and government jobs, as well as occupations that make use of skills honed during military service, such as medical services, logistics and protective services. However, the area has less of a manufacturing presence than other Ohio metros in our Top10. Still, the unemployment rate is low and the area is seeing some job growth at 1.4 percent over the last year. Former military members and their families will find an affordable cost of living in the area, with a median home price of $124,000.

5. Atlanta, Ga.

10. St. Louis, Mo.

Atlanta makes a strong showing on the list with the highest combined score among our Top-10 places for jobs related to military skill sets. As the fifth-largest metro area in the United States, Atlanta has a diversity of resources and amenities with a median home price of $109,700, making it an affordable option for former military members and their families. While the unemployment rate is higher than in other areas on our list, job growth over the last year is strong at 2.3 percent.

Atlanta also provides a strong mass transit system and a major air hub.

St. Louis is another one of our Top-10 metros which received top marks for job opportunities that align with military skill sets. However, the metro area has the highest unemployment rate among the Top-10 and job growth for the last year was flat at 0.1 percent. But veterans will find that St. Louis’ cost of living is well below the national average and the median home price of $121,500. And, as the 15th largest metro in the U.S., the metro area has a bounty of recreational assets to support a high quality of life.

SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 11

Employment opportunities and sectors that align with military skills sets, such as defense, engineering, medical services and aviation, as well as the overall jobs climate based on unemployment rate and recent job growth.

Presence of colleges/universities, as well as quality of local primary schools.

General quality of life and pocketbook issues, such as affordability, crime rate, taxes and recreation opportunities.

BRANDPOINT — When veterans return home from serving overseas, the support found in family, friends and the community can make a huge difference for a smooth transition.

Pittsburgh ranks as the top place in the nation for veterans to transition from combat boots to civilian shoes, according to a study commissioned by USAA and Military.com.

The “Best Places for Veterans” list (left) identifies U.S. metro areas that offer America’s most recent veterans more opportunities to find a job or go to college while providing a higher quality of life in an affordable location.

“Today’s veterans are battling a highly competitive job market and need to proactively plan for life after the military,” said Scott Halliwell, certified financial planner at USAA. “This study allows us to help recent and soon-to-be veterans identify preferred locations throughout the U.S. where they can launch a civilian career and use the G.I. Bill to further their education.”

“The millions of young veterans who have already entered the workforce and the many more who will join them in the coming years have the opportunity to use the discipline and determination they’ve acquired

St. Louis, Missouri

in the Armed Forces to make a significant impact in their workplaces and communities,” said Ward Carroll, editor of Military.com. “Best Places for Veterans was commissioned to help equip this remarkable group with tools for a successful transition.”

USAA, a leading financial services provider focused on serving the military and their families, and Military.com, the largest military and veteran membership organization, commissioned Sperling’s BestPlaces to develop the list. Researchers reviewed variables for 379 major U.S. metropolitan areas, including:

Each of the variables was weighted based on what recent and soon-to-be veterans said was important to them and each metro area was then ranked based on its total points for all variables. Metro areas with the following attributes were excluded from the list: unemployment rate more than one percent above the national average, median cost of living greater than the national average and total crime rate more than 25 percent above the national average.

USAA and Military.com also commissioned a list of the top metro areas in each state to provide service members with more choices. Veterans and soon-to-be veterans also have the opportunity to create a personalized list with the new “Best Places for Veterans” calculator by identifying which criteria is most important in their military-to-civilian transition.

12 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

IN THE NEWS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

The Posse Foundation selects first cohort of veterans for college success program

By Rosye Cloud Joiningforces.gov Battle buddies aren’t just for the Army.

For the past quarter century, The Posse Foundation has been identifying talented students from large urban public school systems and sending them in teams (posse’s) to some of the top colleges and universities in the nation.

Since 1989, close to 5,000 students have received $500 billion in scholarships from Posse’s 44 partner colleges and universities. These young people are graduating at a rate of 90 percent.

In an effort to increase the college attendance and graduation rates of veterans at highly selective colleges and universities across the country,

The Posse Foundation in partnership with Vassar College, joined forces to announce its Veterans Posse Program, a new college success initiative. Posse plans to expand this initiative to other colleges and other cities over the next several years.

By adapting the Posse model to serve U.S. veterans, Posse believes that it can exponentially increase the college-going rates and success of veterans on elite college campuses. Vassar College has committed to adopting the program on its campus and will supplement G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon funding to guarantee full tuition for each admitted veteran. Posse, using its unique recruitment method, will each year identify, recruit and train the veterans. The Veterans

Posse will attend college together and receive support from both Posse and Vassar through to graduation.

This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership and remind us of the immense value that veterans can bring to selective institutions of higher education and to the workforce.

The members of this first class of veterans hail from all across the country, from communities big and small – from New York City to Copperas Cove, Texas. They have served in Afghanistan and Iraq as specialists in the Army, machine gunners in the Marine Corp and engine mechanics in the Air Force, to name a few. Among them are:

A recipient of the Purple Heart whose heroism in combat was matched by the tenacity he displayed while recovering from severe head injuries sustained in battle.

A decorated veteran who led over 150 missions as one of the youngest tank commanders in his division and who, through community outreach and relationship building with residents in major opposition strongholds, facilitated successful elections in Baghdad in 2005.

A medic who risked his life saving a fellow Soldier wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Iraq and went on to become a researcher at the Institute for Surgical Research, exploring ways to improve battlefield treatments.

These are just a few of the many stories of leadership that characterize this distinguished group of men and women.

(Cont. on next page)

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SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 13

From President Obama: One of this year’s MacArthur awardees – the ‘genius’ awards – is an innovator named Deborah Bial.

She proposed a model to identify promising students from disadvantaged urban backgrounds using an alternative set of qualities as predictors of success in college. …The students that are selected form a ‘Posse’ and are provided with extra supports, and end up graduating from selective colleges with a very high success rate.

It is Posse’s ultimate goal to develop a new kind of national leadership network – one that is truly diverse and better able to reflect the voices of all Americans. Posse recognizes the important role that veterans will play in establishing this diverse network of leaders.

The Posse Foundation is one example of the many organizations around the nation working to improve veteran success on campus. Educational success continues to be a key element of ensuring our veterans continue to reach their true potential when they return home. For more information on The Posse Foundation, visit www.possefoundation.org. To learn more about what you can do to help veterans and military families, visit joiningforces.gov.

YOU SERVED PROUDLY.

NOW WE WOULD BE PROUD TO SERVE YOU.

As our thanks to you for your service, Bryant & Stratton College offers you and your family a personal, career-focused education.

• Approved for Veteran’s Training. • Convenient day, evening, weekend and online classes.

• “Salute To Spouses”Scholarships available.

• Career advisement can help you find a position when you graduate.

• Servicemember Opportunity Consortium (SOC) College. • Onsite childcare available.

30% of our students are connected to the military.

TCC IS BEHIND THEM 100%.

Whether studying on campus, on base, or online, Tidewater Community College military-related students enjoy customized education and career planning services.

Trust the TCC Center for Military and Veterans Education to help you take command of your education and go from here ... to anywhere.

• College Entry Services • Financial Aid Assistance • Military Transcript Reviews • Degree Planning • Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Student Agreements • Certification and Certificate Program Planning • Continuing Education Programs • Programs for Student Success • Employment Resources • Community Support Services • Military-Related Student Clubs Learn more today at tcc.edu/military.

Virginia Beach/Hampton

1.866.558.2581 To learn more, visit us at: http://www.bryantstratton.edu/admissions/military.aspx or connect with us on Facebook at: facebook.com/BSCVirginiaBeach facebook.com/BSCHampton

Yellow Ribbon Program Participant

Certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia.

Veteran Helpful

Bryant & Stratton College Personal Education. Lifetime Success.® Since 1854 For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.

1700 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA 23453 757-822-7777 email: CMVESupport@tcc.edu Serving Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Coast Guard, veterans, and their families.

14 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

FOR VETERANS, COMPILED

BY JOINING FORCES

Resources White House created resources, partnered with Chamber of Commerce, private sector

P

resident Obama believes that no veteran should have to fight for a job at home after they fight for our nation overseas. The president signed “The Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011,” a law that combines provisions of the veterans’ tax credits from the President’s American Jobs Act, Chairman Patty Murray’s Hiring Heroes Act and Chairman Jeff Miller’s Veterans’ Opportunity to Work Act into a comprehensive package that will aggressively attack the unacceptably high rate of veteran’s unemployment. The Obama Administration has also created resources to help veterans translate their military skills for the civilian workforce, built new online tools to aid their search for jobs and partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and the private sector to make it easier to connect our veterans with companies that want to hire them:

ONLINE Visit www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/resources to learn more about these programs and to check out the Veterans Job Bank widget (pictured left).

The Veterans Job Bank connects unemployed veterans to job openings with companies that want to hire them. The Obama Administration partnered with leading job search companies to create a new, easy to use online service that enables employers to “tag” job postings for veterans. It launched with more than 500,000 job listings, a number that will continue growing as more companies tag the job postings on their own websites and add them to the Veterans Job Bank.

Hero 2 Hired (H2H) is a comprehensive employment program provided by the Department of Defense that offers everything a Reserve Component job seeker needs to find their next opportunity, including job listings, career exploration tools, education and training resources, virtual career fairs, a mobile app for iOS, Android and Windows phones, an innovative Facebook application and a variety of networking opportunities. H2H also provides vast recruiting opportunities for military-friendly employers.

The Veteran Gold Card provides Post-9/11 veterans with extra support as they transition out of the military. Once a veteran has downloaded the Veteran Gold Card, he or she can access six months of personalized case management, assessments and counseling at the roughly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers located across the country.

My Next Move for Veterans is an easy-to-use online tool created by the Department of Labor that allows veterans to enter information about their experience and skills in the field and match it with civilian careers that put that experience to use. The site also includes information about salaries, apprenticeships and other related education and training programs.

SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 15

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is committed to Hiring Our Heroes and are sponsoring 100 hiring fairs for veterans, and military spouses in local communities across the country between March 2011 - March 2012. They have also created strategic partnerships to deal with specific populations of veterans and their unique challenges in three other areas to include: a Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Program, a Post-9/11 Student Veteran Internship and Employment Program, and a Women Veterans and Military Spouses Employment Program.

Veterans Recruiting Services connects employers and veterans through virtual career fairs. VRS offers services to assist veterans and their spouses as they transition to the civilian workforce and helps employers find the right highly qualified, educated and well-trained veterans for their businesses.

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is a comprehensive web-enabled recruitment and career partnership solution connecting military spouses to employers seeking a 21st century workforce with the skills and attributes possessed by military spouses. MSEP provides a digital recruiting platform for vetted Fortune 500 Plus employers who have committed to identifying and promoting career employment opportunities for military spouses, posting job openings on the MSEP web portal and to offering transferable, portable careers to relocating military spouse employees.

VetSuccess.gov provides comprehensive transition and employment resources for veterans, service members and their families.

VetSuccess.gov serves as a virtual employment resource center where veterans can browse job listings, post resumes and apply for positions online. VetSuccess.gov also provides links to more than eight million jobs on the VetCentral site.

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Blue-to-Green

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GIVES SERVICE MEMBERS OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE IN ARMED FORCES

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uring this period of downsizing in the Navy and Air Force, many service members are being faced with the reality of leaving the Armed Forces. In an effort to combat this, the Army is helping service members continue to serve their countries without a break in service time.

According to the GoArmy website (www.goarmy. com), Operation Blue to Green was established to help good Sailors and Airmen continue serving their country after being told they don’t “make the cut.” “During this period of ‘right sizing’ the Air Force and Navy, the Army recognized the need for our Armed Forces to retain highly qualified men and women in our ranks. Operation Blue to Green will allow you to continue to serve your country, to maintain the benefits the military service and to expand your horizons by gaining new training and try new things.”

The program was established in 2004 after an announcement from the Air Force and Navy that stated a plan to cut troops by nearly 24,000 members between the two services.

When the program began, the Army was working to formulate a four-week course for service members who were utilizing the program, although with the numbers of transfers dropping from 186 Sailors in 2006 to just 43 Sailors in 2010, the Army has removed the training, stating it is no longer feasible to offer the shorter course.

Service members, other than Marines, will now be required to complete the full 10-week Basic Combat Training (BCT), which consists of three phases.

The first phase of the training is the Red Phase, “The Army makes sure every recruit is physically and mentally

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prepared to start Basic Training. Upon determining this, recruits are given a haircut, issued Army uniforms and are ready to start training,” said Sergeant Star, the Army’s automated help system for Operation Blue to Green.

The second phase is the White Phase, “Recruits go through marksmanship and combat training and learn to rappel at the Warrior Tower. This training teaches vital Soldier skills and instills them with more confidence,” said Star.

The third phase is the Blue Phase, “After becoming familiar with the use of automatic weapons and hand grenades in Weapons Training, recruits put their training to the test as they negotiate the Night Infiltration Course. After passing all their tests and challenges, they congregate for Rites of Passage,” said Star.

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Opportunities in Self-employment BRANDPOINT — Americans were born to make lemonade. If you have any doubt about the resiliency of U.S. workers, consider the many reports that indicate millions of Americans are turning life’s lemon of layoffs into an opportunity to work for themselves.

With unemployment rates still high, many people are looking to self-employment to create stable, rewarding careers for themselves.

NEED HELP? See page 22 to learn about VetFran, an organization helping veterans start their own businesses.

Self-employment offers many advantages, including more flexible work schedules, less job uncertainty and the satisfaction of working for yourself. If you’re considering a career change to self-employment and want to start your own business, insurance may be the field for you. It’s one of four fields, including child care, accounting and financial planning, that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts will see double-digit growth in the next few years.

Opportunities in the insurance industry for sales agents will grow 22 percent between now and 2020, according to the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Agents help clients understand their insurance needs and choose policies that best fit those needs and protect the things that are most important: homes, automobiles, businesses and above all else, lives.

The insurance field offers quick entry, even for those with only a high school diploma, and profitability can be even more accessible for those who pursue professional training. Companies like Farmers Insurance, which is expanding into Eastern states from its base in California, offer self-employment opportunities for those who wish to run their own agencies. Farmers provides training and can even assist with start-up financing at attractive terms. Along with all the benefits of self-employment, including a more flexible work schedule and the potential to work at home, agents who align themselves with an established company like Farmers can enjoy the benefit of working with a well-recognized brand.

Choosing a career in insurance, financial planning or another industry that anticipates double-digit growth in the next decade can help many career-changers achieve their dream of becoming successful entrepreneurs and help them make lemonade out of life’s lemons.

Get

Inspired LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT CAREER PATHS AVAILABLE TO SEPARATING VETS

Trends provide guidance as technology shapes careers landscapes BRANDPOINT — The saying goes: success is when preparation meets opportunity. As technology continues to affect our lives, workers in today’s ever-changing labor market need to be prepared with skills to adapt and succeed in the workplace.

Job opportunities in technology are growing up to three times faster than other career fields in the U.S. – long gone are the days of a linear education and career trajectory as technology continues to reshape the world’s workplace landscapes. Nowadays, the career paths of most individuals resemble a scaffold rather than a conservative straight line.

Changes in the education and workplace landscape not only impact job seekers, but educators and employers as well. It’s estimated that by 2025, the U.S. could have 20 million jobs without enough qualified people to fill them, according to a report

by Georgetown University.

Daniel Burrus, a globally renowned corporate strategist and author of six books including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-seller “Flash Foresight,” recently released his inaugural certainties list, based on a scientific method aimed at providing various employment sectors with a clearer outlook of their respective futures. As a strategist, he advises a wide range of Fortune 500 firms to develop projections by analyzing trends.

Burrus’ list of certainties, which highlights 12 technologies that will continue to transform present and future careers, uses his proprietary scientific method of separating “Hard Trends,” trends that will happen, from “Soft Trends,” trends that might happen.

Over the past five years, Burrus has collected certainties from thousands of senior executives from every industry around the world, providing a clear picture of the direction different sectors are heading.

“The goal is to give people a road map regarding how technology will transform their careers and how to ensure they’re not caught in disappearing careers, but rather preparing and positioning themselves for the predictable changes in their current fields as well as emerging careers with real, long-term demand,” said Burrus. According to the certainties list, some of the technologies that will transform our world and careers include: 3-D web and 3-D printing Employment for graphic artists, designers and programmers will grow as the web-surfing experience transforms from a one-dimensional “flat” page to a dynamic 3-D experience for the user. Additionally, the manufacturing industry will be revolutionized by 3-D printing, which will allow any size company to manufacture goods quickly, locally and at lower cost.

Gamification of education Both employees and students will have training and teaching methods delivered to them in a highly-personalized and accelerated way, through the use of simulations and skill-based learning systems transmitted through smartphones and tablets.

Cloud services and virtualization As more organizations maintain and store information using cloud computing, the demand for professionals skilled in information technology is expected to rise.

Employees who can safeguard important company and client data will be vital to business success.

SPRING 2013 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 19

The evolution of accounting: new careers in the language of business

Want to get paid to go to the gym? Become a personal trainer BRANDPOINT — One upside to the burgeoning obesity epidemic is that it’s fueling the growth of jobs in the fitness industry.

The bureau of labor statistics reports “employment of fitness trainers and instructors is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.”

According to Jeff Rosga, director of education at Life Time Academy, the training and certification organization for Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company, weight loss is a primary driver for people who seek out a personal trainer.

“There is a very large population of boomers with the economic means to hire a personal trainer,” he said. “Their requirements are substantial – they want a high-quality experience in training, as well as in-depth knowledge. Some are injured, have functional issues, or simply want to be more physically active and need assistance in learning how to overcome their challenges.”

Demand for personal training is also getting a boost as businesses and insurance companies see the relationship between healthier employees and lower health care costs by persuading employees and members – by virtue of various incentives – to get fit.

Phyllis Soltis, 59, from Lakeville, Minn., has worked in administration and was even a police officer at one time. She was drawn to personal training while a member of Life Time Fitness, where she lost 70 pounds.

“All the jobs I’ve had involved working with people,” said Soltis. Exercise had always been a part of her life, and as she considered what sort of job change she

could make at her age, she turned to personal training and applied to Life Time Academy.

Choosing the right certification program matters. “When you earn a certification you are directly linked to the certification body,” said David Van Daff, vice-president of business development and public affairs with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). “The reputation of the certification, both positive and negative, will impact how you are perceived as a fitness professional.”

Choosing the right personal training certification can be confusing, he said, who recommended the following considerations when choosing a program: Industry standards: Earning a certification that is not accepted by respected employers is a waste of time and money.

Contact local fitness centers and ask what certifications they accept. If a certification is not universally accepted, don’t buy it.

Curriculum/faculty: What you study and learn in a certification program should have practical application.

In addition, research the credentials and reputation of the faculty. Evaluate their background, accomplishments, testimonials and contributions to the industry.

Advanced specializations: Most successful personal trainers specialize in a particular area. Investigate what specialty credentials and certifications are offered by the certification organizations you are considering.

References: Ask a manager at a fitness facility which certifications best prepare new personal trainers. Having managed personal trainers with varying certifications and education backgrounds, they can provide insight into the value of various certification programs.

A 2012 NASM study found that certified personal trainers who were not previ-

ously employed in the fitness industry, on average, found employment in less than one month. That was true for Soltis, who graduated from Life Time Academy in December and was immediately employed at Life Time Fitness in Eagan, Minn. Soltis said one of the benefits at Life Time Academy were the weekly inclub labs, something not offered by many other programs. The 120 hours of handson experience allowed her the confidence to go from student to trainer seamlessly.

“I have specialty certifications through the Academy’s partnership with NASM in corrective exercise and performance enhancement,” said Soltis. Other partners include Yoga Alliance, American Council on Exercise and Peak Pilates. She has plans to use her knowledge in power lifting training and competitions to attract a clientele of “women of a certain age” who want to strength train. “Weight loss is a big one too, because of my own experience. I understand it from a personal perspective,” she adds.

Pay for non-certified personal trainers range from $18,000-$31,000. As a graduate of Life Time Academy, Soltis knows she can expect to eventually earn more than $40,000 a year and the possibility to make more than she has in other jobs. “I see the potential to make more because there are no limits. It’s like being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.”

BRANDPOINT — The earliest accounting records date back thousands of years to the use of an abacus, a rudimentary counting tool. As the workplace has progressed, so has the role of the accounting professional. This has been particularly evident in recent years – the integration of technology in accounting has created many specializations and job opportunities within the field – from forensic accounting to health care IT auditors.

The need for accountants with professional specializations is on the rise. The demand for forensic accountants, for instance, has expanded with the fallout from high-profile financial scandals like Enron and Lehman Brothers. These accountants focus on disputes or litigation in civil or criminal law and often investigate corporate and securities fraud, insurance and personal injury claims and computer fraud.

Environmental, or “green” accounting, is also a growing field.

With sustainability and environmental protection becoming more prominent objectives in today’s business world, green accountants will be employed to help leaders make more informed decisions.

There are varied educational paths for accountants, but most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Many professionals in the field choose to earn a master’s degree and certification, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), to enhance their resume and marketability.

20 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2013

SIX WAYS TO USE

Social Media

IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

BRANDPOINT — Resume? Check.

Cover letter? Check. Now you’re ready to begin that job search, right? Wrong.

There may be some very important things you’re forgetting about that could dramatically enhance your job search.

Nowadays, job searches involve much more than simply submitting hundreds of resumes and cover letters. “Today’s job search requires a strategy that uses social media as well as traditional vehicles,” said Wendy Wagner, career services director for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

According to a 2012 Jobvite survey, 92 percent of U.S. companies use social networks to find talent, with LinkedIn the most popular. “Make sure you have a social media strategy to augment traditional methods, such as face-to-face networking and informational interviews,” said Lyndsay Cooper, career services director for The Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

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, including skills and recommendations. On Twitter, link to your website, blog or online resume.

And don’t forget Pinterest, YouTube, Google+ and Foursquare.

Wagner and Cooper offer the following tips to give yourself an edge in your job search.

Know your audience. Your audience in Facebook is different from your audience in Twitter or LinkedIn.

Make sure your updates reflect that.

On LinkedIn, share articles and blogs on industry-related 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.

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Â&#x201E; Research. Use social media to create your target list of companies, then research those companies and their employees. Use hashtags on Twitter to ďŹ nd jobs. For example, if you are interested in fashion, search #fashionjobs. Sites like Technorati or Twellow let you search peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bios and the URLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their bios â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can easily ďŹ nd, 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 interviewer and ďŹ nd common topics to break the ice. Â&#x201E; 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 proďŹ le and encourages others to do the same for you. Twitter works well for this. Â&#x201E; Know your online proďŹ le. Google yourself and make sure what you see is what you want it to be. Go to Klout.com so you can see your â&#x20AC;&#x153;kloutâ&#x20AC;? score, which reports how inďŹ&#x201A;uential 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 ďŹ t 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 ďŹ eld by offering access to resources that enable you to identify and prepare for career opportunities. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also offered employers access to more talented job candidates.

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Incentives

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etFran strategic initiative contains nearly 500 International Franchise Association (IFA) franchisor member companies offering financial incentives, training and mentoring to veterans interested in small business ownership and/or a career path in franchising.

“With the help of VetFran, veterans have opened businesses as diverse as Abrakadoodle Art Education, Dunkin’ Donuts, RadioShack, Liberty Tax Service, The UPS Store and TeamLogicIT,” said Mary Kennedy Thompson, chairwoman of the VetFran initiative.

Starting out in 1991, VetFran was founded by the IFA in an effort to support veterans returning from the Gulf War transition to the civilian economy.

“VetFran works to raise awareness

through the media, events, webinars and online tools and solutions to educate veterans about opportunities in franchising,” said Thompson.

Many of the companies that comprise the VetFran initiative waive their franchise fees entirely for veterans. Others offer initiatives like helping with financing, discounted royalties and credits on purchases. One out of every seven franchise businesses are owned and operated by veterans of the U.S. military, according to a recent study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation based on U.S. Census data. These businesses have been beneficial to veterans, the job force and the economy. “More than 66,000 veteran-owned franchise businesses in the U.S. provide jobs directly for 815,000 Americans and generate more

Visit www.vetfran.com for more information.

than $41 billion in GDP [gross domestic product],” said Thompson.

“VetFran’s more than 500 members stretch from AAMCO to Zoomin Groomin,” said Thompson.

With hundreds of thousands of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the IFA and franchised businesses have launched Operation Enduring Opportunity, a campaign to hire and recruit as franchise restaurant owners, 75,000 veterans and their spouses, and 5,000 Wounded Warriors by 2014.

VetFran’s website describes why veterans are successful at franchising: “Veterans come back with strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of teams.

Military experience includes leading

people, improving processes and accomplishing the mission. Just like in the military, in franchising, the mission is accomplished by the team.”

The initiative also has a Wounded Warrior component which focuses on industries that may be particularly suited to disabled veterans, such as franchises in information technology and tax preparation.

Support for VetFran comes from many different organizations. “The IFA has partnered with the White House Joining Forces initiative, VFW, the Military Officer’s Association of America, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others to facilitate access to opportunities in franchising,” said Thompson.

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