Topic 9:

Career change from Navy to HR/T&D

Question: I am a senior enlisted Navy member and will be retiring in one to four years. I have my undergraduate degree in HRM and am looking for additional advice on my graduate work. Which would be more beneficial, an MSM or MED to help propel me into the arena as a HR Generalist or even into training and development? For five years I have facilitated Navy leadership courses and have loved it.

--Rick Thompson, Norfolk VA

Answer: Isn't it wonderful when you know what you want to do in your next career life? Unfortunately, there isn't any one correct answer to your question about further education. It partially depends on the focus and stress of a specific program and where you would feel be most applicable to future plans. You already have a good running start in marketing yourself in T&D or as a HR Generalist given your educational background and experience from the Navy. You are to be commended for doing advanced planning and preparation so as to be competitive once you retire and begin to seek a position in the corporate world.

A degree in education would concentrate on adult development and learning, instructional design, etc., while a degree in management would give you a better understanding and wider knowledge of the business world. Both degrees are relevant to T&D/HRD. The route you take depends on what you feel are the gaps in your background and experience and what interests you the most. Also consider where your military background and expertise will best fit in and be welcomed by organizations.

To help you to decide which pathway to take and also to start networking for future contacts, join the local ASTD chapter and look into local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) activities. It is never too early to start your preparation for a career change. In addition, take stock of your transferable skills that will showcase your military career strengths. Between now and the time you retire from the military look for additional opportunities in your work to further strengthen those competencies that you want to continue to use in your new career in T&D/HRD.

For further information about transitioning from the military to civilian and corporate lives, look at the following web resources:
· Corporate Gray Online (information on connecting with military-friendly companies nationwide)
· Career Development
· Lucas Group
· Transition Assistance Online
· Military.com
· Veteran Jobs

Keep current with the issues and trends both in Training/HRD and business by reading ASTD's T+D magazine, various business magazines, and reviewing the ASTD Website as well as those of business organizations, e.g. Wall Street Journal and Business Week. A general guide to business information sources is http://www.brint.com/newswire.htm.

--AR