Topic 7:

Building on Military and E-Commerce Background for Leadership Opportunities

Question: I have 2 masters' degrees in education and 20 years management experience as a Naval officer along with 7 years as an e-commerce training consultant. I am looking for a leadership position in a non-profit or profit organization where I can use my background and skills.

What industries do you feel can best use my background? Right now I'm either being offered positions at salaries substantially below what I was making in my last position or my calls and e-mails are not being returned. Suggestions where I can focus my efforts?

--Richard, Ohio

Answer: I encourage you first to focus on trusting your strong foundation of experience and education. Take some time to review the many ways that you have exercised leadership and the impact of your efforts. This exercise can help you be specific about contributions made as you prepare for future interviews and it can give time for reflective celebration. The tone of your inquiry reveals your discouragement. This may be coming through in interviews. Trust what you have to offer and the opportunity to find the right place to exercise leadership.

Your combination of e-commerce and military management might be especially transferable to the small business environment. The particular industry ought to reflect your interests rather than what's hot. You could join your local Chamber of Commerce to begin networking and to no doubt run into other past military entrepreneurs.

I encourage you to continue to explore your interests to discover the type of organization that you feel drawn to. Targeting organizations that you have a strong interest in or particular expertise for can help with gaining entry. Your enthusiasm will shine through.

Why not explore executive temporary placement agencies that may offer either a transition options or may lead to more ongoing opportunities?

Also check the advice archive for other questions about transitioning from the military.

--DH