Military to Civilian Career Transition

12x things I would have done differently if I was transitioning now: 1 - started earlier Should have started 18 months out, but would have loved to had 2-3 years...allowing me to space things out Doesn't mean "I'm getting out & going to job fairs" for 2-3 years Means I'm getting my LinkedIn profile together, growing my network, having exploratory conversations about careers & working on education (if necessary) It took 200+ phone calls & cups of coffee to figure out what I wanted to do...it would have been MUCH less stressful spread out over a few years (instead of 10 months) 2 - take TAP as soon as possible It isn't an amazing course (unless you luck out & get one of the absolute angels that teach it + have experience) But it is designed to give you a FOUNDATION Almost like transition Cliffs Notes 3 - request a mentor from American Corporate Partners (ACP) (14 months) Gives you full year to work with them before you get out Hint: ask your mentor to introduce you to other people if things are going well 4 - work on ethics memo (12 months out) for senior leaders Visit local JAG or ethics office You'll need an ethics letter for many senior defense sector jobs, so better to know now (and maybe even start the cooling off period earlier...while still in) 5 - get free LinkedIn Premium (12 months out) Google "free LinkedIn Premium for veterans" and hit the first link 6 - conduct informational interviews (12 - 6 months out) You ideally start way earlier, but here is where you really narrow down the answer to the question: what do you want to do? I recommend at least 2x calls a week to learn more about what people do, ideally you are doing 3-5x a week 7 - Sign up for USO Transitions (12 months out) Get a USO Transition Specialist that will work with you one-on-one, and they also have some cool webinars 😎 8 - get life insurance quotes (12-6 months out) Do it BEFORE you document everything that has ever been wrong with you for your disability (or get a sleep study) VGLI is #expensive & designed to ensure everyone (even medically discharged) can get it This can save you hundreds a month (easy) 9 - get free cert from Onward to Opportunity (6 months out) Ideally you've done enough informational interviews to choose the best one for your next career (not the automatic PMP everyone says to get) O2O will give you (+ spouse) free training for 1x cert AND pay for the exam They will also give you a career workshop, coaching & help with your resume 10 - take extra TAP classes Visit your transition center & see what else they offer They hold events and have specialized training beyond the minimum required classes 11 - work on resume (4-6 months out) with mentors It doesn't make sense to write a resume until you figure out what you want to do 12 - start applying for jobs (2-3 months from day you can start) Ideally with referrals from your mentors, giving you 11x better odds of getting job) Questions? #quinnsights HireMilitary

Your MOS won’t get you hired. (But your translation will.) Let me break it down for every transitioning service member: Employers don’t speak “military.” They don’t know what an 0311, 42A, or 0369 means. They don’t know that “Platoon Sergeant” meant you managed 40+ employees, ran performance reviews, led operations, and kept people alive under pressure. They just see what you put on your resume. So if your resume looks like your fitness report... If it’s packed with acronyms, billets, and military jargon... You’re not being overlooked because you’re underqualified. You’re being overlooked because they don’t understand your value. Here’s how to fix it: Break it down ↳ Don’t say: “Oversaw training of 80 Marines” ↳ Say: “Led training operations for 80 personnel, improving readiness by 30% through performance tracking and curriculum redesign.” Speak their language ↳ Use terms like: Leadership | Project Management | Operational Oversight | Risk Mitigation | Cross-functional Teams Focus on your impact, not your rank ↳ They care less about E-7 or O-4 ↳ They care more about what you did—and what you can do for them Your MOS was your title. Your value runs deeper. Let’s get you hired (not just thanked for your service). P.S. Repost this ♻️ for your network. You never know who it might help. #MilitaryTransition #VeteranJobs #VeteranSupport

Most veterans are switching careers arse about face. They're polishing CVs and firing them into the void. Then wondering why nobody calls back. Here's the reality: your CV is the last thing that matters. The most successful career switchers I know didn't get their breakthrough job from a job board. They got it because someone vouched for them. The game-changing approach: Research first. Really bloody research. Know the industry, the role, the company. Know what problems they're solving and how you can help solve them. Then find people who work there. LinkedIn, industry events, mutual connections. Have conversations. Not pitches. Ask questions. Show genuine interest. Learn. Most people are happy to help if you're not trying to sell them something. Only then do you think about applications. By this point, you're not a random CV in a pile. You're the person Sarah from the leadership team met at that event who asked smart questions about their digital transformation. You're the one who followed up with a thoughtful message about that article they shared. You're not a stranger anymore. And when that role comes up, guess whose name gets mentioned? Stop spraying and praying. Start building relationships. #veterans #careers #military

I was recently asked what I would do today if I were in the military and made the decision—or had the decision made for me—to transition out before retirement. Whether you’re in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard, my advice is the same. Here’s what I’d focus on to set myself up for success: 1️⃣ Eliminate Debt: I’d make getting out of debt a priority—everything except a mortgage. If possible, I’d pay that off too. Debt limits your options and can force you to compromise on critical decisions. Freedom from financial burdens creates flexibility. 2️⃣ Max Out My TSP Contributions: I’m a fan of Roth, but whether you choose Traditional, Roth, or a combination, the key is to save aggressively. Your future self will thank you. 3️⃣ Leverage Tuition Assistance (TA): If you don’t have a degree, get one. If you have a bachelor’s, pursue a master’s, and focus on something value-added to your goals. For those in tech, chase certifications with the same determination. TA covered 100% of my BA and MS when I was in the Marine Corps—take full advantage of it! 4️⃣ Network Relentlessly: Create a strong LinkedIn profile. Post 3+ times weekly about the field you want to enter—cybersecurity, business, defense contracting, etc. Attend seminars, trade shows, and any networking opportunities available. Respond when people reach out, and always follow up with a thank-you note. Networking isn’t just online; it’s face-to-face too. Build a large, strong network to maximize opportunities. 5️⃣ Document Everything: Complete and document your medical, dental, vision, and hearing appointments. Keep a copy too. 6️⃣ Protect Your Reputation: Finish strong. Nothing is more important than your last name and professional reputation. Stay 100% committed to your assignment. Dropping your pack in uniform will hurt your endorsements and recommendations. Excellence until the end sends a message: you’re someone worth investing in. 7️⃣ Weigh SkillBridge Thoughtfully: This is personal. I wouldn’t choose SkillBridge because I’m not interested in working for free. Instead, I’d save my leave and use those 60+ days to focus on my transition. PTAD/PTDY can also provide valuable time to reset. 8️⃣ Learn from Fellow Veterans: Reach out to those who’ve transitioned successfully. Ask questions, seek advice on resumes, interviews, starting a business, consulting, contracting, or government roles. Follow up and implement what you learn. 9️⃣ Plan Time Off: Whether you served 4 years or 20+, you’ve earned a break. Take time to decompress, reflect, and think clearly about your future. Be proud of your service—it’s a foundation for what comes next. What Did I Miss? This list reflects what I’d do, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. What would you add? Where do you disagree? To all of you who have served: thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Military leadership is 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘳 than corporate leadership. Not because it’s less important. Not because it’s less complex. But because the 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 does most of heavy lifting. Look-- In the military... Leadership is reinforced by structure: rank, roles, doctrine, and clear authority. When you give direction, you usually have 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 and 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 backing to execute it. There are 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙇 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 for not following orders. In corporate... The authority is different. You might “own” the outcome, but you don’t automatically “own” the people, priorities, or resources. Influence often matters as much as competence-and alignment matters as much as execution. Last week... I was on a call with a buddy who started his first corporate leadership role after retiring. He said, “𝘐’𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦.” (That made me chuckle 😂--pushing a rope 🤣) Anyway... As we talked through it and the gap wasn’t his leadership ability but the environment: • multiple stakeholders • unclear decision rights • competing incentives • a culture where “yes” doesn’t always mean “yes" So... Here are 𝟯 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 for anyone transitioning from military leadership to corporate leadership: 1. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀. In corporate, credibility is earned repeatedly--and across peers you don’t “outrank.” Invest early in trust, cross-functional relationships, and understanding what each stakeholder 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 cares about.     2. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Orders become proposals. Direction becomes collaboration. If you can clearly connect your request to business outcomes (cost, risk, customer impact, revenue, & time), your leadership will land faster.     3. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀--𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗟𝗬! Before you drive execution, ask: 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴? 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴? 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴? 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘥?     Many frustrations in corporate aren’t leadership failures--they’re governance failures. Does this sound fair? For those who’ve made the transition: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲? #QuickNote #Leadership #MilitaryTransition

For those retiring/transitioning out of the #military, here is the latest version of the Military Retirement Planner. Aside from some new time limitations on DoD Skillbridge Fellowships, not much notable has changed since I last updated it in 2025. As always, this is meant as guide, not for a source for definitive information (all models flawed, but some are useful). Here's what hasn’t changed: You need to figure out what you want to do next and where you want to live. For most, figuring out what you want to do next is a messy process. Building your network, following and connecting with professionals in your fields of interest on #LinkedIn, conducting informational interviews, finding mentors…these are things that will help you determine a vector, figure out any skill gaps, and lift the fog of the unknown.  You are about to swim in open water. Don’t get lulled into thinking your rank, security clearance, or your veteran status is enough to get you a job.  Carve out the time to do a proper ‘mission analysis’ and make a tentative plan so your separation date isn’t the first day of your unemployment. Your first job out of the military won’t be your last. At some point you will move up, move out, or move on. Learn how to network, translate your relevant skills, tailor your resume to a job, interview for a position, and negotiate your salary and benefits. These are all life skills you will need as you enter the civilian workforce. Find a military career transition program or other free resources that can help with these skills (there are many).  I’ve been out of uniform for 8 years so here’s a final thought for those looking to transition from military service and enter the private sector (take this as an observation and a warning): Covid-19 fundamentally reshaped the landscape of work by accelerating the adoption of remote and hybrid work arrangements (not for all, but for many). Looking ahead, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to further transform the workplace in profound ways. I’m watching this play out now in real time like most of you.  More than any other advice you might receive about getting degrees and certifications, you need to learn how to use AI tools if your job requires a computer.  If you are using a free version of an AI tool like ChatGPT, its capabilities are years behind the paid subscription versions. It’s like using a bicycle instead of a motorcycle. Get beyond using AI as a search engine and merely asking it simple questions.  Learn to feed it info and task it to conduct analysis, write papers and produce products. AI tools will be commonplace in most every work sector you can think of and this is rapidly accelerating.  AI can make you obsolete, or it can make you more valuable.   Hope this helps. For the veterans that have been out for a bit, feel free to drop a comment below. #militarytransition #veteranshelpingveterans #transitioningmilitary

Your first job out of the military 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 be CEO. In the military, no one would hand a brand-new lieutenant the keys to command a battalion. There’s a reason leadership is developed step by step, with mentors, training, and time in the seat. But too often, veterans step out of uniform and feel the pressure to “go big or go home.” They aim for top titles before learning the terrain. And it backfires, not because they lack leadership, but because leadership in the military and leadership in corporate aren’t the same thing. We’re taught to lead. 𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦. There’s a gap to bridge. That’s why the smartest transition isn’t always the highest role. It’s the one that gives you space to learn the rules of the new game, translate your experience, and grow into influence without the weight of unrealistic expectations. Because here’s the truth: Veterans can and do make phenomenal CEOs. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲. Veterans in transition: don’t confuse your first step with your final destination. Take the bridge role. Learn the culture. Then lead the company. #VeteranHiring #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #CareerAdvice Veteran Hiring Solutions

“I was a Navy Corpsman for 12 years. Now I sell insurance and feel empty inside.” I received this message at 2 AM about a month or so ago. I wasn’t awake but that was the timestamp said… It wasn’t the first time I’ve heard this sentiment. Many veterans chase paychecks after transition, only to discover something vital is missing. The mission. The purpose. The impact. Here’s what most career advisors get wrong about veteran transitions… They focus on transferable skills without addressing transferable purpose. Your military service wasn’t just a job. It was a calling. Finding your civilian calling requires asking deeper questions. 🔸 What did you love most about your service beyond the technical aspects? 🔸 Which problems are you uniquely positioned to solve based on your experiences? 🔸 What injustices or inefficiencies make your blood boil that you could help fix? I worked with that former Corpsman for three weeks. We identified that his passion wasn’t medicine specifically, it was crisis response and helping people through their worst moments. Today, he’s training to become an emergency management specialist for a major hospital. Lower initial salary. Infinitely higher satisfaction. The most successful transitions aren’t just about finding any job. They’re about finding work that continues your service in a new uniform. What aspect of your military service gave you the most fulfillment? Comment below, it might reveal your civilian mission.

A hard truth for transitioning veterans. Nobody cares what you did in the military. They care how you translate it. That might sting a little, but it is the reality of the civilian world. You could have been the best squad leader in Charlie Company 4-31. You could have led troops, moved mountains, and kept your people alive in situations most civilians cannot even imagine. But employers are not hiring your past. They are hiring your ability to deliver value today. And here is the 800 pound soup sandwich in the room that nobody talks about. That sub standard soldier you had who barely made it through his first enlistment is out here telling the same war stories. Most civilians cannot tell the difference between him and you. To them, you are both just "military." They do not know MOS, units, commendations, or what excellence actually looked like in your world. Which means you cannot rely on your service to speak for itself. What matters is how you connect the dots. Can you explain how your time leading soldiers translates into leading teams in a corporate environment? Can you communicate how planning a mission aligns with managing a project? Can you show how discipline, initiative, and accountability transfer into results for their organization? The uniform earns respect, but it does not automatically earn opportunity. Your job is to take what you did in the military and make it understandable, relevant, and actionable in the civilian world. Not in acronyms. Not in unit stories. In terms that make sense to someone who has never served a day in their life. Once you do that, everything changes. Doors open. Conversations shift. Employers start to see what you bring to the table. Your service matters. Your translation is what gets you hired. #Veterans #TransitioningMilitary #MilitaryToCivilian #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSuccess #VetEmployment #CareerAdvice #CareerGrowth #Leadership #VeteranHiring #HireVeterans #WorkforceDevelopment #PostMilitaryCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerReadiness #VetsInTech #Vets2Industry #HumanResources #Recruiting #TalentAcquisition #MilitaryExperience #SkillsTranslation #JobsForVets #VeteransSupport #LinkedInVeterans #MilitaryCommunity

There’s a progression I’ve seen time and time again with senior leaders transitioning out of the military or government. After three years of walking alongside clients as they build their portfolios, a clear pattern has emerged. And I’ll tell you this—if you understand the steps ahead, you won’t be nearly as frustrated with how long this takes. Because it does take time. But it works. Step One: Accept an Adjunct Professor Role This is where many begin. You’re an expert—let that be known. Taking a teaching role is more than just a job; it’s a public signal that you’re stepping into a thought leadership role in the civilian world. Step Two: Say Yes to Speaking Engagements Panels, keynote talks, moderating events—these aren’t just about being seen. They’re about learning how the private sector talks, what matters to business leaders, and how to frame your experience in language that resonates. Step Three: Consulting Opportunities Once you’ve shown up publicly, companies start to notice. You’ll be approached for help on specific projects or asked to contribute your insights to proposals. You will also be able to identify ideal clients based on their challenges or concerns. This is your entry point into the business world. Step Four: You Become a Strategic Advisor Months—maybe a year or two—into doing all of the above, you’ll start seeing bigger opportunities. The companies you’ve consulted for now trust you. You understand their ecosystem. And suddenly, you’re no longer a guest—you’re at the table helping shape the company’s long-term strategy. Step Five: You’re In Demand You’ve put in the reps. You’ve attended events, had countless coffees and cocktails, contributed to your clients, and stayed consistent. Now you’re not just “available”—you’re requested. And that’s when doors to private company boards start to crack open. Someone you’ve built a relationship with knows of a seat opening and thinks you’d be a great fit. Here’s what I know: none of this happens overnight. And no, you (the majority) can’t skip steps. Yes, your 30+ years of experience matter—but they’re not a fast pass to the front of the line or a guaranteed seat on a public board. You still have to invest in yourself. You have to develop new skills, hone old ones, and show up—consistently and with value. If you do that, it will come. If you’re ready to take those steps and want a more intentional, efficient way to navigate this path, Leadership Reimagined was built for you. I created the road map, designed to guide leaders like you through each stage—so you can show up with clarity, build momentum, and step into this next chapter with a clear understanding of not what to do but HOW to do it. #servantleader #consulting #advisor United States Marine Corps US Navy US Army Air Force United States Space Force U.S. Coast Guard