Making Your Military Transition a Transformation from Coursera

Transitioning from the military can be an unsettled and challenging time. This course will help transitioning military members, and their spouses, transform their post-military experience by designing the life they truly want. In this course we will talk about common transition pitfalls and walk you through the process of analyzing your personal motivations, prioritizing your career pursuits, and creating a career journey map. You will also evaluate your personal priorities, learn to utilize your network effectively, and select the best opportunities for employment and growth for you.

This course is built in partnership with Coursera and the USO Pathfinder Transition Program. The USO Pathfinder Program extends the USO experience to active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and military spouses by offering professional development services throughout the duration of the service member or military spouse’s career, as well as when they transition out of the military and settle into their new communities. As part of the program, USO Transition Specialists help you develop a personalized Action Plan while also helping you take full advantage of services and resources that are the best fit for you. Throughout this course, we'll share USO Pro Tips to highlight key points that'll help accelerate your transformation.

No matter where you are in your transition process, this course will help you ease the transition and accelerate your transformation by assisting you in focusing your efforts and creating a plan that works for you. By the time you finish this course you will have a plan to make your military transition a transformation.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Making Your Military Transition a Transformation

Welcome to Making Your Military Transition a Transformation, you are right on time! This course is built in partnership with Coursera and the USO Pathfinder Transition Program. The USO Pathfinder Program extends the USO experience to active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and military spouses by offering professional development services throughout the duration of the service member or military spouse’s career, as well as when they transition out of the military and settle into their new communities. As part of the program, USO Transition Specialists help you develop a personalized Action Plan while also helping you take full advantage of services and resources that are the best fit for you. Throughout this course, we'll share USO Pro Tips to highlight key points that'll help accelerate your transformation. Let's get started! In this module we will discuss the purpose and benefits of this course and meet your instructor, Cory Boatwright. Then we will move into discussion of potential pitfalls during military transition.

Transformation Part 1: Understanding Self

In Transformation Part 1: Understanding Self you will spend time in self reflection. We will discuss some of the topics that are important to understanding yourself and then you will engage in activities to help you identify your core values and beliefs, create personal mission and vision statements to guide your transition choices, and better understand your purpose and what makes life meaningful to you. A special message from the USO: As you embark on your transformation journey, we want to take a moment to thank you for your service and sacrifices for this country.

Transformation Part 2: Understanding Occupations

In Transformation Part 2: Understanding Occupations you will get an overview of the civilian workforce by comparing organizational roles in military and civilian communities, differentiating titles and levels across industries and companies, determining the opportunities most aligned with your values and beliefs, and discussing tasks and skills necessary for success.

Transformation Part 3: Understanding How

In Transformation Part 3: Understanding How you will explore the pathways of an employee, student, and entrepreneur, and the pros and cons each. You will also discuss a hybrid option using two or more paths at the same time.

Transformation Part 4: Understanding Where and When

In Transformation Part 4: Understanding Where and When you will be doing some research about "where". Where do you want to live? Where do you want to work? Which industry? Which company/organization? Where do you want to go to school? Which institution? You will evaluate your priorities by examining your geographical constraints, discussing opportunity and environmental considerations for decision making, and identifying considerations for choosing your separation date, the "when".

Social Strategies for Transformation

In Introduction to Social Strategies for Transformation you will get tactical tips and best practices on effectively leveraging your network by developing successful strategies for career conversations, networking strategies, and crafting your professional online presence.

Practical Strategies for Transformation: Getting the Job You Want

In Practical Strategies for Transformation: Getting the Job You Want you will learn how to design an effective resume, strategies for effective job applications, three effective techniques for interviews, and successful communication strategies.

Transformation is a Journey, Not a Destination

In Transformation is a Journey, Not a Destination you will learn how to continue your personal evolution once you've landed that job and how to find ways to continue your life of service once you separate from the military. You'll get some effective strategies to integrate into your new job, explore ways to make meaning, find opportunities to continue your transformation, and consider ways to assist others with their transition journey.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops job search techniques that are widely accepted in industry

Covers the major steps involved in transitioning from the military

Helps learners gain a deeper understanding of their personal aspirations and strengths

Taught by Cory Boatwright, a seasoned professional in career services

Recommended for military members and their spouses who are considering transitioning to civilian life

This course may not be comprehensive enough for individuals seeking a significant career change

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Making Your Military Transition a Transformation with these activities:

Attend a USO Transition Program workshop

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Attending a USO Transition Program workshop can help you learn about the different resources and services available to you as a transitioning military member.

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Find a USO Transition Program workshop in your area.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Attend a career fair or job fair

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Attending a career fair or job fair can help you connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities.

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Research career fairs and job fairs in your area.
Register for the career fair or job fair.
Prepare your resume and elevator pitch.
Attend the career fair or job fair and network with potential employers.

Create a resume and LinkedIn profile

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Creating a resume and LinkedIn profile will help you market yourself to potential employers and showcase your skills and experience.

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Gather your military experience, skills, and education.
Translate your military experience into civilian terms.
Create a resume that highlights your skills and experience.
Create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your professional brand.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Develop a career plan

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Developing a career plan can help you identify your career goals and develop a strategy to achieve them.

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Assess your skills, interests, and values.
Research different career paths.
Identify your career goals.
Develop a plan to achieve your career goals.

Volunteer at a non-profit organization

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Volunteering at a non-profit organization can help you gain experience in a new field, develop your skills, and give back to your community.

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Research non-profit organizations in your area.
Identify a non-profit organization that you are interested in volunteering for.
Contact the non-profit organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the volunteer application process.

Career center

Learners who complete Making Your Military Transition a Transformation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Resources Manager

As a Human Resources Manager, you will lead a team of recruiters and compensation and benefits managers and directors. You will also develop and administer programs to recruit, hire, train, and retain employees. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation helps prepare you for this role by teaching you effective strategies for onboarding new employees. Additionally, it reviews how to conduct career conversations and build an effective online professional presence as a leader.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close out projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and track progress. They also manage project budgets and resources. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with employees to ensure that work is completed efficiently and effectively. They also manage budgets and resources. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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Organizational Development Manager

Organizational Development Managers plan and implement programs to improve employee performance and organizational effectiveness. They work with leaders to identify areas for improvement, develop training and development programs, and facilitate change initiatives. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it can provide you with tools for understanding yourself and others, and developing strategies for leading and managing change.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including business strategy, operations, and technology. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it can help you integrate into a new job after separating from the military and develop new ways to assist others with their transition in a consulting capacity.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and operate their own businesses. They identify opportunities, develop business plans, and raise capital. They also manage the day-to-day operations of their businesses. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it covers how to create a career journey map and provides an overview of the civilian workforce. Additionally, the course teaches essential strategies for developing a resume and preparing for job interviews. These skills are essential for anyone who wants to start and operate their own business.

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Recruiter

Recruiters find and attract qualified candidates for job openings. They develop and implement recruiting strategies, conduct interviews, and make hiring recommendations. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it can help you understand the needs of the civilian workforce and develop effective strategies for attracting and hiring top talent.

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Career Counselor

Career Counselors assist individuals with making career decisions. They counsel clients of all ages and backgrounds who are looking for ways to find a job, advance in their career, or make a career change. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it can provide you with tools to assist your clients with identifying their purpose and values, and developing a plan to achieve their career goals. Additionally, the course covers how to effectively network with others and conduct informational interviews.

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Program Manager

Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs. They work with stakeholders to define program goals, develop program plans, and track progress. They also manage program budgets and resources. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for the overall success of an organization. They work with the board of directors to set the company's vision and strategy. They also lead the company's executive team and make decisions on behalf of the company. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with the CEO to implement the company's strategy. They also oversee the company's operations and make decisions on behalf of the company. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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Director of Operations

Directors of Operations are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with the CEO, COO, and Vice President of Operations to implement the company's strategy. They also oversee the company's operations and make decisions on behalf of the company. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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General Manager

General Managers are responsible for the overall operation of an organization. They work with employees to set goals, develop plans, and implement strategies. They also manage budgets and resources. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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Vice President of Operations

Vice Presidents of Operations are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with the CEO and COO to implement the company's strategy. They also oversee the company's operations and make decisions on behalf of the company. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs. Additionally, the course covers how to develop a career journey map and how to effectively network with others.

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Job Developer

Job Developers work with individuals with barriers to employment to help them find and keep a job. They assess clients' skills and interests, develop job search plans, and provide job placement assistance. Making Your Military Transition a Transformation may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the civilian workforce and how to identify opportunities that are aligned with your values and beliefs.

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