As a member of the military, you've learned more than a thing or two about leadership. As you transition out of the military and into the private sector, you can start putting those leadership skills to work right away. Rely on them to help you successfully navigate the path from life in uniform to live as a private citizen.
Here are some ways your leadership skills will be helpful:
1. Continuously Take Initiative.
Leaders never stop starting. Chances are, your next job isn't going to find you; you are going to find it. Whether it's taking a class or two, joining a professional society or networking with your contacts, you have to make the first move in the job search.
In the military, we learned to be proactive in order to influence outcomes. If you approach your job search the same way, you'll find your next career much faster and will likely be more satisfied with your choice.
2. Remember You Are Courageous.
Courage is defined as your ability to face your fears and move ahead in spite of them. Leaving the security of life in the military behind can be a fearful time. You likely have bills to pay, you might have a family to support and we all have hopes and dreams for our future.
Fight your fears about the transition with action. Each resume you submit or phone call you make inquiring about a position is a step toward defining your future your way. Resist the urge to panic and freeze, or stop and mope. With courage, you'll have your new plan together quickly.
3. Accept Responsibility. Don't Waste Time Placing Blame.
Good job markets come and go. Sometimes, someone else gets your dream job. Life in the private sector moves quickly. It's easy to blame others or the system when you come up short in your job search. Yet playing the blame game will get you nowhere.
Take responsibility for everything you do and everything you fail to do. Accepting responsibility is the first step to solving any problem. You can't change the company or organization that didn't hire you. What you can do is seek to understand why you weren't the first choice for an open position and then work to improve upon your performance.
4. Stay True to Yourself.
Seek the career you want, not the one someone else wants for you. Get to know your preferences. Research any career path that interests you. Talk to others who have the job or lifestyle you want.
You'll never meet your goals if you try to be someone you are not. Make a list of what your true priorities are. They may be attending college, saving for a house or providing for your family or traveling the world. Once you have a list of what you really want out of your life, you'll be better prepared to recognize the right opportunity.
True leaders take initiative, have courage, accept responsibility and are authentic. Best of luck as you lead your way to your new career.
Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch are founders of Lead Star, a Fairfax, Virginia-based, consulting firm dedicated to the leadership development of women in corporate America, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities. Angie and Courtney received an outstanding leadership education after being commissioned U.S. Marine Corps officers.
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