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BY Joel Junker
Getting Out of the Military? Here’s Where to Start (7 Steps)
The first step in getting out of the military is to get clear on why you are leaving and what you want next. You can start at any point before your separation date, and the steps are the same whether you have years or months left. From there, research the transition, get feedback on your marketability, build a roadmap, and prepare for interviews.
More officers are coming to us later in their service than in years past, and that is fine. Starting earlier gives you more time to prepare, but you can still make a strong transition on a shorter timeline. The seven steps below show what to do and the milestone that tells you each step is done.
Step 1: Get clear on why you are leaving
The first step is to decide why you want to leave. Ask yourself what problem you are trying to solve by leaving. Your reasons do not have to be negative. You may want more time with your family, more say in where you live, or a new challenge. Write your reasons down, because you will use them to judge every option that comes later.
Milestone: You can explain in two or three sentences why you are leaving.
Step 2: Decide what you want next
Next, define what matters most to you in your next career, both personally and professionally. List the things that are important to you, such as location, family, income, growth, the type of work, and the people you want to work with. Then rank them. A strong transition moves you toward a goal you chose. Without this list, it is easy to accept the first offer that comes along.
Milestone: You have a ranked list of your top five priorities.
Step 3: Research the transition
If you are considering a business career, learn from people who know the transition well. Cameron-Brooks has many free resources, and you can talk with one of our coaches at any time. If you want to research on your own first, start with two resources.
Read PCS to Corporate America, Fourth Edition, available on Amazon. It explains what companies look for in military officers and shows you how to build a plan and prepare. It also covers the common pitfalls and what to look for in a recruiting firm or transition partner.
Listen to the PCS to Corporate America podcast. It has more than 240 episodes on the military-to-business transition. Many feature former officers who describe what the business world is like and what worked for them.
Milestone: You have read the book and listened to at least five episodes.
Step 4: Attend a transition webinar
Do not stay in research mode for long. The officers who transition well talk with someone who knows the process early on. Cameron-Brooks offers a one-hour webinar that covers four topics:
- Why companies value military officers
- The career fields open to you
- The obstacles that cause missteps and make a transition harder than it needs to be
- The factors to weigh before you choose a transition partner
Milestone: You have attended the webinar and written down your questions.
Step 5: Get feedback on your marketability
Sit down with a professional who knows what companies want from military officers. Share your evaluations and transcripts, and give them time to get to know you. This conversation tells you the salary range you can expect and the career fields that fit your background. Many officers are surprised by how many industries want to hire them. Companies value the leadership experience officers bring.
Milestone: You know your likely salary range and two or three career fields to explore.
Step 6: Set goals and build a roadmap
Use what you learned to set clear goals, then build a roadmap to reach them. Your roadmap should tie together your reasons for leaving, your priorities, and the career fields from your marketability feedback. Put a date on each task and work backward from your separation date. Include the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in your plan as well.
Milestone: You have a written roadmap with a date for each major task.
Step 7: Prepare
This step will feel familiar. In the military, you set an objective, build a plan, and prepare to carry it out. A business transition works the same way. Use this time to learn about the industries you are targeting and to practice interviewing until it feels natural. Learn to describe your experience in words a hiring manager understands.
At Cameron-Brooks, candidates interview at a Career Conference held about 40 to 60 days before they start terminal leave. Your preparation builds toward that week.
Milestone: You can answer common interview questions with clear examples from your career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Transition
When should I start planning my transition out of the military?
Start as soon as you begin thinking about leaving. More time gives you more room to prepare, but officers regularly make strong transitions on shorter timelines. The steps are the same either way.
What is the first step when leaving the military?
The first step is getting clear on why you are leaving and what you want in your next career. Those two answers guide every decision that follows, from the industries you consider to the transition partner you choose.
How much can a military officer earn in the business world?
It depends on your background, your career field, and where you want to live. A marketability assessment with a professional who works with companies hiring officers will give you a realistic salary range.
Do I have to commit to a transition partner to get advice?
No. Cameron-Brooks is one of several options available to you. You can talk with one of our coaches, attend a webinar, or get feedback on your marketability with no commitment.
Your next step
Treat your transition like any other mission. Set the objective, build the plan, and prepare. If you are thinking about getting out, talk with a Cameron-Brooks career coach or call 210-874-1500.
