Military Career Transitions
The Transition from Military Service to a Business Career
Here are some important highlights of career transition observations made by Stephen Bush, Founder and CEO of AEX Commercial Financing Group.
- First, let me emphasize that the topic of transitioning from a military career to whatever comes next is a very personal one.
I went through all of the challenges when I left the military (Navy) quite a few years ago. It has always been a struggle. I want to do what I can to help lighten the load for those who are currently experiencing or are about to experience this stressful transition.
- Second, the difficulties in a military transition to business have increased with each passing year.
During the past five to ten years, the economy has changed drastically primarily due to excessive risks taken by banks and the ensuing financial crisis when risky investments proved to be too much for them to bear. Unfortunately, what banks do impacts the entire economy, and we will be seeing the consequences of inept banking decisions for decades to come. Among other things, military transition opportunities are now distinctly different than they were before the latest round of bank mistakes and bailouts.
- Third, new solutions are required for new problems.
The search for practical military career transition opportunities often follows a long and winding road. Even in the strongest employment markets, the search can be frustrating and stressful. But now it is critical for military personnel to realize that new career transition strategies will most likely be needed to successfully overcome new career problems.
- Fourth, the role of education in producing tangible career benefits has changed.
Expensive college degrees are seriously over-rated for a growing number of promising business careers. It is important for military personnel to realize this sooner rather than later. If you want to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree, it is critical to realize that such degrees will frequently not result in the job or career opportunities that are expected. I should know since my own college education resulted in two degrees that ultimately had very little impact on most of my career opportunities. So please think twice before assuming that college is the answer for your career transition.
- Fifth, specialized training can be a vital component of a new career solution.
Career training programs have effectively replaced the need for an expensive college education in many circumstances. There are several key problems to avoid with most career training approaches. In my experience, the most effective career training is specialized and individualized as much as possible.
Interested individuals should contact Stephen Bush for more information.