Sir! What are my job prospects, sir?!
Q: I am a graduate of Royal Military College and a senior logistics officer in the military. I am considering my options for retirement. What is the market for someone with my background? How favorably would my experience be seen by the private sector? M.A., Ottawa
A: You don't have to look far to find business people with a military background. A large percentage of people attending a recent leadership program at Home Depot had military backgrounds. At Nortel Networks Corp., Bill Owens, the chief executive, came from the military.
RMC is very highly regarded in the private sector, and this is a plus. You also mention your logistics background, another plus.
You have skills and experience that would be useful in a number of sectors, such as transportation. Your logistics experience is highly marketable, as are leadership skills and an understanding of communications. As a senior officer, you have proven your ability to grow your career within a structured organization.
Some employers may be concerned you only work well in a command/respect environment, so you need to be aware of the potential for a negative bias.
Use your network, particularly your former colleagues and graduating class from RMC. This is one of the unique advantages you have: The military has a very strong culture, and great internal networks. I have seen many examples of people finding opportunity through military relationships. You will find that potential employers with military experience understand the value of your training and understand the diligence, character and skills that are developed within the military.
More than ever, organizations are looking for well-rounded individuals, and military experience can be a strong foundation for the next step in your career in the private sector.
A: You don't have to look far to find business people with a military background. A large percentage of people attending a recent leadership program at Home Depot had military backgrounds. At Nortel Networks Corp., Bill Owens, the chief executive, came from the military.
RMC is very highly regarded in the private sector, and this is a plus. You also mention your logistics background, another plus.
You have skills and experience that would be useful in a number of sectors, such as transportation. Your logistics experience is highly marketable, as are leadership skills and an understanding of communications. As a senior officer, you have proven your ability to grow your career within a structured organization.
Some employers may be concerned you only work well in a command/respect environment, so you need to be aware of the potential for a negative bias.
Use your network, particularly your former colleagues and graduating class from RMC. This is one of the unique advantages you have: The military has a very strong culture, and great internal networks. I have seen many examples of people finding opportunity through military relationships. You will find that potential employers with military experience understand the value of your training and understand the diligence, character and skills that are developed within the military.
More than ever, organizations are looking for well-rounded individuals, and military experience can be a strong foundation for the next step in your career in the private sector.
posted by Alan Kearns at 12:37 PM
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