Converting Military Skills to Civilian Jobs Guidelines for Success

Overview Who we are (our perspective) The challenge facing Veteran job-seekers Tools and techniques The follow-on challenge: Retention

About USVCC Who we are – The national Chamber of Commerce for Veterans in business – Based in Texas, started in 2009 – Work with agencies, organizations, and chambers of commerce What we do – USVCC helps Veterans manage, create, and develop business opportunities. – We train companies on how to manage Veterans – We can help employers find qualified Veterans

The Challenge What You WantWhat We Have

The HR Challenge Veterans bring skills and valuable characteristics to the table Job descriptions and screening criteria do not capture those skills and characteristics Veterans are not employed, despite their qualifications

Critical Skills for Business Team leadership Project management Peer mentoring Training and training development Risk management Risk analysis Change management Presentation and briefing skills Cross-cultural communications Property accountability Adaptive learning Self-assessment

Critical Skills for Military Team leadership Project management Peer mentoring Training and training development Risk management Risk analysis Change management Presentation and briefing skills Cross-cultural communications Property accountability Adaptive learning Self-assessment

Critical HR Task: Set Requirements Corporate task Look at skills needed Ask about work environment (time constraints, deadlines) Determine degree and type of leadership needed for position Veteran constraints No certifications Many key skills assumed Cultural assumptions Skills discounted

What is Wanted, What is Asked Typical project manager ad: Essential Job Functions Must be a self starter Must be capable of working with minimal supervision. Must be capable of taking initiative and making decisions. Must assume responsibility for their work and assigned tasks/projects. Must hold themselves accountable to their deadlines. Must be able to provide clear and concise communications (both oral and written) to both technical and business resources Must be able to ensure that all stake holders are updated on all issues and status as necessary. Must be capable of ensuring that all project documentation deliverables are created and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. Do you really think this is on a Veteran’s resume?

What is Wanted, What is Asked Good requirements Basic AS400 Administration is a must Knowledge of the newest version of the AS Operating System which is 6.1 is preferred Must have ability to use HMS System set-up and control files Knowledge of the HMS data structures preferred Poor requirements IBM Certified Systems Expert - Virtualization IBM Certified Operator – AIX 6.1 IBM Certified Advanced Technical Expert - Power Systems with AIX v2

The Perils of Machine Translation

BFO

Notice what is omitted: All management and most training opportunities, as well as project management, planning, and operations positions. Enlisted fare a little better…

Dimensions of Military Skills Military rank (soft skills) – Enlisted are E1 to E9, officers are O1 to O9 Military training (MOC, schools) – MOC=Military Occupational Classification Military branch (culture) – Tell them about your actual corporate culture Additional duties (gold mine)

Retention Key issue is culture Accuracy versus marketability – (Go with accuracy) Exploit the military cultural dynamics – General team orientation – Honest feedback and communications – Expectation of leadership

Questions? Brian Bascom CEO, USVCC ext. 701