| Topic Name: |
Leaving the Military |
| Message Name: |
Ex Navy MBA |
| Date Posted: |
05/18/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
I'm getting out of the Air Force next year and need some advice on how to go about finding the perfect job, any advice? |
| Message: |
I agree that an MBA can provide the ideal way to make something out of the Recession and get the best opportunities for the advancement. I got out of the Navy in 93, went to B-school, learned a ton of stuff, not only from class, but also from the people who came from other professions.
It gave me insights that know interview could have offered and friendships and connections that amount to something.
B-schools are into diversity and nowadays, a military experience in the business world is about as unique a background as you can find. I met more Peace Corp grads than MBA's. I also agree that the JMO recruiters will often times slot you into a "commodity" middle management position. As one guy told me, it was like being a JO in a unionized Navy. He was brought up on bogus harrasment and discrimination charges because he tried to get his employees to actually do something for their wages.
Go to the best business school you can, and don't be cheap. You only get one of these degrees and shaving some bucks now will waste your time and your marketabililty going forward.
Forget about the military for a while and focus on learning and acting like a civilian. A lot of people don't understand the military or have bizarre preconceived images of military personnel, ranging from Rambo to Gomer Pyle. The ability to actually get things done with few resources is probably your best asset. That and your ability to relate with people on all levels. Just remember, although civilians don't wear uniforms, people in organizations will continually try to label you according to where you stand (e.g. sales guy, tech dweeb, square ex-military guy, worker bee) It sounds harsh, but it happens and allows people to determine how they shoulf treat you. My advise is to be as ambiguous as possible, because once you are typified, that is the way people will see you and your abilities going forward - and that will limit your growth and mobility.
Don't drone on your military experience. Get in touch with who you are now and where you are going to make a place for yourself in the world. I was really scared when I got out, but I realized that the world was filled with so many idiots who get stressed over the stipidest things that there was no way I could lose - as long as they were breathing.
Enjoy life and you can look back on your military experiences once you have grounded yourself in the private sector and accomplished your own goals
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