Unorthodox First Post: Looking for Ruddersteer on Career Transition

[SamC.]

Good Day to All. Brand spanking new Pelicanite here - very first post. I am however, a long-time Pelican Lurker and unapologetic Porsche addict, from childhood!

I am seeking some "rudder steer" advice on career transition outside of my normal circle of colleagues and friends. This is a MAJOR MUSCLE MOVE for me and I am working to get it right the first time. I am continually impressed by the wide range of obviously successful professionals on Pelican; hence I want to tap into a knowledge pool for a different look at the problem set.

Back-story: In June 2015, I "retire" from the Marine Corps after serving our country for almost 28 years. It has been a great run but it is time to transition to the civilian sector and create opportunity there. My background as a Marine Officer has been in combat arms (Infantry) and I have seemingly done some of everything - Operations, Planning, Project Mgmt., Resource Mgmt., Training, Adjunct Professor, even "Business Development"- in various garden spots around the world. I've been fortunate to lead and work with Marines, other military types and civilians in small groups and some very large -up to several thousand people. I am qualified to do many things well and others, not so much! (i.e., accounting/finance, IT, HR).

As for career transition options, it would be very easy to remain in the Pentagon/DC area and work as a defense contractor/ civil servant or head back to A-Stan/Iraq. Of course I’ll do whatever it takes to pay the bills, but would really prefer to work in the private sector. Profit motive is a driving factor here, but I’m also looking for another good mission. I realize that in many respects, I am starting all over, career wise. No problem, ready for the challenge.

All that said, I am very interested in hearing your ideas, guidance, advice on specific industries or jobs to seek out or to steer clear of. The more unorthodox, the better. Nothing and nowhere is off the table. For anyone that wants to drill deeper and provide targeted guidance, please PM and I’ll send you a resume/LinkedIn profile.

Thankyou for your time and ideas.

Semper fi, Sam

[LakeCleElum]

Sam:

1) Welcome, glad to have you here.
2) Thank you for your 28 yrs service to our county.
3) You are qualified to do a wide range of jobs. Where are your interests? I knew a person like you that was hired as a Supervisor for a large Warehouse. I'm sure have a great range of supervisory/management skills.
4) Don't blame you for wanting to get out of the DC area. Where would you like to live?
5) A classmate of mine retired as a Col. in the Air Force. He now has a great job in Huntsville...

Best of luck

[mreid]

Thank you for your service, Sam. Connect with me on LinkedIn. When you do we can talk.

[Hugh R]

Semper Fi, USMC, 1971-73 MOS 0844, surveyor/mapper for the now defunct 8" Howitzers and 175 mm guns. It sounds like logistics for you, UPS/Fedex maybe?

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by mreid

Thank you for your service, Sam.

+1

I would imagine you have unique SME that would be of interest to many Government contractors big and small. Could be a great gig that keeps you integrated with your previous community.

[SamC.]

Bob, Thankyou for the welcome aboard. I also appreciate your kind words regarding my service. It has been an honor, believe me. Regarding your questions - the Southeast is our preferred area, but as stated, I am willing to go just about anywhere. As to interests, that one is a bit more complex. I enjoy "hands on" work that is both intense and varied in nature. I don't know what that might correlate to in the civil sector, but I have been urged to look into the Oil and Gas industry - apparently pretty hurdy-gurdy. That would be fine by me. I also enjoy strategic planning - very challenging mental work that is most rewarding - especially when the desired result comes to be!

[SamC.]

Semper fi Marine! Much has changed in the artillery world since your time on watch. Logistics (in the purest sense of the word) is not my area of expertise, but as they say, " Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics"! I have considered the big freight companies/fulfillment centers.
Thanks much for your input. Sam

[SamC.]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

+1

I would imagine you have unique SME that would be of interest to many Government contractors big and small. Could be a great gig that keeps you integrated with your previous community.

JavaB, You are spot on, I do have certain skill sets that would be useful to a number of defense contractors. If needed, its good to know that avenue of approach will be available.

Thanks much, Sam

[SamC.]

Originally Posted by mreid

Thank you for your service, Sam. Connect with me on LinkedIn. When you do we can talk.

Mark, Thankyou Sir. PM sent.

Sam

[onewhippedpuppy]

Sam, thank you for your service! I worked on an aerospace defense project and worked with a number of people with your background. Most defense contractors have program managers, business development reps, and field reps that work with other defense contractors as well as directly with the government and military. Companies like Lockheed, FN Herstal, General Dynamics, Raytheon, etc. I would look at defense contractors in your region of interest and see what opportunities might exist.

[futuresoptions]

Thank you for your service! Do what makes you happy!

[Seahawk]

Sam,

Since you are a retired(ing) Marine Corps infantry officer, I'll type slowly.

I am a retired Navy helicopter pilot (so I type real slow anyway) and have been working in the business world for almost five years. I have helped a lot of my friends and colleagues transition and would be more than happy to provide my opinions on the subject.

PM your email address and I ship you my cell number.

You have some exciting times ahead. Congratulations on your career and successes to date, the story will continue!

Best.

[dennis in se pa]

Move to Kauai and take up surfing. Life is short. You have done enough.

[LWJ]

Sam,
Thank you for your service. I have an hobby helping people on their career track. I had a very difficult time early in my career. PM me your email and I will tell you my "system." First off, you need to have a narrow focus. I always tell people to do what they are good at vs what they like. It is a subject of debate and people like Steve Jobs disagree with me. My system involves writing a precise resume, interviewing directly off the resume, and networking effectively. Not rocket science.

Also, take some time off and clear your head. If you can do six months it will be a real gift to yourself.

Best of luck!
Larry

[SamC.]

Seahawk, You "RotorHeads" just crack me up - what a sense of humor! We call Marine Helo dudes " Grunts with Wings" - same mindset, different platform. Thanks much for your offer - PM on the way.
SamC.

[SamC.]

Larry, Thank you Sir. There's no question that narrowing focus is the hardest part. If I get that part right, the rest is easy - just a lot of hard work! PM Sent.

Sincerely, Sam

[SamC.]

Dennis, Thanks for offering up that fantasy! Seriously, I need another mission. I would last about a month pursuing the surfer's life - not for me. Well, not for me yet!