What To Do If You’re Thinking About Starting a New Career

You’re thinking about starting a new career, but where do you start? Matching your interests, skills, and goals while pursuing an occupation compatible with your mobile military life is easier than you think.  I’m here to give you some tips to get started on your new career journey.

Here are a few steps to help research and define your new career path.

1. Do Your Research

First, you must do your homework. The Department of Defense and the military service branches offer a full range of programs that can be accessed online, by phone or in person.

The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, or SECO, Program

Spouse Ambassador Network

The Spouse Ambassador Network helps military spouses reach their career goals by providing:

• Mentorship
• Entrepreneurial support
• Advocacy

2. Identify Fastest-growing Careers

If you are about to enter or re-enter the workforce, you may want to look for a career that will be adding new jobs over the next several years. You can find information about the fastest-growing careers — like those in health care and social assistance (personal care aides, physical therapists and registered nurses) and business services, like convention and event planning — the median pay, and education and training requirements from the following sources:

•Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

•CareerOneStop

3. Consider Federal Service Employment

As a military spouse, federal civil service employment may be more accessible than you think. Understanding the benefits and rules of the complex federal civil service hiring system can help you decide if federal employment is right for you and which jobs to pursue. Use these resources in your job search:

•USAJOBS.gov

•Programs for military spouses (Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses program and the Priority Placement Program for Military Spouses)

•Your military support services

•SECO

4. Try Volunteering

Sometimes volunteering at an organization is a perfect step into the working world. With a little foresight and thought, you can plan your volunteer activities in a way that can help you find a paying job when the time’s right. Volunteering allows you to learn new skills and build on existing ones, get valuable experience in different fields, network with potential employers or references, and get access to formal training and attend conferences.

Begin this exciting new chapter of your life with the right information. The job opportunities are out there if you explore your options and use your resources.