Information, preparation key to transitioning to civilian career

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Transitioning from a military to civilian career takes preparation. 

With that thought in mind, Master Sgt. Jackie Spann, the 412th Operations Group information management noncommissioned officer in charge, is doing all he can to prepare himself for a civilian career in the next three to five years. 

Helping him understand the different aspects of this preparation, Sergeant Spann looked into the different programs that Airman and Family Readiness Center's Transition Assistance Program offers. One of the programs is the yearly Military Officers' Association of America's "Marketing Yourself for a Second Career," which was held Tuesday. 

"This program helps Airmen, who are either separating or retiring, in preparing to transition into civilian careers," said Claudia Stover, AFRC community readiness consultant and Transition Assistance Program manager. "We do this once a year. I coordinated it to be more effective for the force shaping. We try to target those people who are most affected." 

A lot of military personnel haven't experienced job interviews or had the opportunity to do a resume for a long time, Ms. Stover said. This program prepares Airmen for that change and introduces them to things that they are up against. 

"The more information (people) have, the better armed they are to go out there in the job force," she said. "It is more than getting a job; it is making sure they are doing something they want. This program shows them a lot of tips on how to research and prepare for resumes and interviews." 

The speaker for the event was Dan Koslov, deputy director of transition services with the Military Officers' Association of America. Mr. Koslov is a retired colonel and 30-year veteran of the Air Force. 

Mr. Koslov spoke about the importance of preparing for the transition to the civilian world. His topics included self assessments that involved looking at what individuals have to offer, what they want and what they are looking for. It also included skills assessment, trainings and education, looking at your own strengths and weaknesses and resume tips. 

"He was really helpful in showing folks how to research for jobs and how to prepare especially in doing resumes and interviews," Ms. Stover said. 

"(The day) gives people some great information on what the next steps are for transitioning to their next career," Sergeant Spann said. "From what Mr. Koslov said, 'this is something you have to plan,' it is going to take more than a few months. I still have a lot of research to do in the future." 

This is just one part of a whole, Ms. Stover said. 

"It is important to prepare folks for leaving the military and entering the civilian life," she said. "It gives them confidence and shows them what they need."