2 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
My college doesn’t just thank me for my military service. They give me the credit I deserve.
Offering Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. Contact Columbia College’s local representative Jim Schermerhorn today at Virginia@ccis.edu or call (757) 918-1900. GoForGreater.org/SPS
Lena Atkinson ‘14
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 3
6%$ $QQRXQFHV %RRWV 7R %XVLQHVV 5HERRW The Small Business Administration (SBA) will host Boots to Business: Reboot, an entrepreneurship training course for veterans in twelve cities across the U.S. Each event, led by SBA Resource Partners and industry experts from Syracuse University’s Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF), will host up to 100 Veterans for a two-day Introduction to Entrepreneurship class. Boots to Business: Reboot, will introduce veterans to the fundamentals of business ownership, and lead participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. The program will also introduce participating Veterans to a network of lifetime business support available locally across the U.S. by introducing them to SBA’s network of Veteran Business Outreach Centers, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and SCORE Counselors. Boots to Business: Reboot will adapt the curriculum from the SBA-sponsored Boots to Business: From Service to Startup, a worldwide program offered as a component of the Department of Defense’s redesigned Transition Assistance Program (TAP) renamed Transition GPS. The curriculum, developed to introduce transitioning service members to business ownership and connecting them to resources in their local commu-
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Events will be held in the following cities: July 11 – 12 | Washington, D.C. July 24 – 25 | Dallas- Fort Worth, Texas
nities, will now be available to more than 22 million veterans who have already transitioned into civilian life.
July 29- 30 | Miami, Florida
Following the two-day training, participants will also be eligible to register for “Foundations of Entrepreneurship� an eight-week, online course led by instructors from IVMF that offers in-depth instruction on the elements of a business plan and techniques and tips for starting a business. After completing Boots to Business: Reboot, participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, connect with local resources and launch their small businesses.
August 5 – 6 | Boston, Massachusetts
The Boots to Business: Reboot events will kick off at the White House on July 11 -12, 2014 and culminate on August 25 -26, at the American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
August 20 – 21 | Seattle, Washington
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July 31 – August 1 | Chicago, Illinois
August 6 – 7 | Albuquerque, New Mexico August 8 – 9 | Kansas City, Missouri August 13 – 14 | Detroit, Michigan August 13 – 14 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania August 15 – 16 | Los Angeles, California
August 25 – 26 | Charlotte, North Carolina
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Boots to Business: From Service to Startup is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)-sponsored, worldwide program offered as a component of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) redesigned Transition Assistance Program (TAP) renamed Transition GPS. Boots to Business is offered by the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University (SU) and operated by SU’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), in partnership with SBA resource partners. Boots to Business is a three-step training program developed to introduce and train transitioning service members to business ownership. Boots to Business helps ensure that every transitioning service member has access to a standardized entrepreneurship training track and small business resources in their local communities. After completing Boots to Business participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, connect with local small business resources, and launch their small business.
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4 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
:RUNLQJ $GXOWV 3OXJ ,QWR 2QOLQH (GXFDWLRQ :LWK &KDQJLQJ 7HFKQRORJ\ Brandpoint – Many working adults begin using technology from the moment their alarm clocks go off. From checking emails on a tablet over morning coffee, to sending out social media posts from a smartphone before they get into the office, technology allows people to be efficient and stay connected anytime, anyplace. This same technology is now playing an important role for individuals seeking alternative learning environments to continue their educations or grow their careers. According to a national survey from University of Phoenix, 87 percent of working adults say there are benefits to online learning. Another survey reveals that 54 percent indicate they’ll go back to school in the future and 48 percent are interested in taking an online class. So it is no surprise that universities are adjusting their online classroom offerings to cater to the technology working adults are currently using.
Today’s technology makes education more personalized, more social and more accessible than ever before. This creates a more balanced and better learning experience for busy working learners. At University of Phoenix, online classrooms have been upgraded to provide students a more customized learning environment, including visual, auditory and written learning opportunities that cater to varying learning styles. This new classroom also incorporates elements of social media, spurs more student collaboration and reflects the contemporary online experience that working adults are used to elsewhere on the web. Even with technology upgrades, students still need to manage their education to make certain they get the most out of it. University of Phoenix School of Business Dean Dr. Bill Berry offers these tips:
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Epix Aviation, has one of the largest fleets of planes for you to train on. We offer professional flight training for almost every rating through the commercial pilot certificate, as well as a diverse selection of add-on ratings for you to pursue.
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 5
Plug-in
Be knowledgeable about the available resources - Ask about the technology learning options available before signing up for a degree program, and research whether mentors are available in the community. Learn how best to use these resources to help dedicate the time needed for classwork once enrolled in the program.
Students can connect to the classroom and discussions from
Build a support network - Earning a college degree doesn’t just involve the student. The student’s family, employer and friends are also involved, both directly and in supportive roles. Gain their buy-in and look for ways to involve them in your education. Setting up study times with your children or leading a case study discussion at work are just two of the ways you can involve other stakeholders in your education. Enhance time management skills - Strong time management skills help students avoid being overwhelmed when they add school, work and classes to an already busy schedule. Before starting a program, set aside specific hours during the week that are dedicated to school work. As the program starts, review deadlines and establish mini deadlines to accomplish smaller parts of each assignment to help break up the project.
all over the world.
Leverage the network - Once a degree is earned, networking can help you get the most out of what you have learned. Universities are setting up their own academic social networks leveraging LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to provide ongoing career support and connect alumni, students and faculty members.
For the nearly half of working adults who are interested in taking an online course, plugging into online education is easier than ever before. Now you can receive real-time alerts when grades are posted or participate in a discussion forum with classmates around the world - all before that morning cup of coffee has ďŹ nished brewing.
24'2#4' (14 ;174 (7674' 61&#; Contact Baker today for a complimentary evaluation of transfer credit and military work experience. See an online class demo at bakercollegeonline.com/demo. %#..
Baker College is a member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), DANTES, GoArmyEd, and CCAF’s AU-ABC program. The college is eligible to receive Federal military and Veteran education benefits.
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An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Institution. Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association / 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504 / 800-621-7440 /www.ncahlc.org. Baker Center for Graduate Studies’ MBA program is also accredited by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our Web site at www.baker.edu/gainfulemployment.
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6 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
'UHVV )RU 6XFFHVV 7LSV )RU %XLOGLQJ $ 3URIHVVLRQDO :DUGUREH Brandpoint – Whether you are a recent grad or someone re-entering a professional work environment, building a work wardrobe that strikes a balance between professionalism and personal style is key. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you’re being hired for,” said Stephanie Thomas, fashion instructor at The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles, a campus of Argosy University. To get you started, fashion experts from The Art Institutes system of schools offer tips to have you dressing for the corner office. 6XLW 8S - “I know it sounds boring, but a suit is an absolute must,” said Thomas. “Look upon your suit purchase as a long term investment,” adds Pierotti.
Dress To Impress
“Your job description, and that of the next step up your career ladder, should be the driving force behind your apparel purchases.” - Stephanie Pierotti Fashion Instructor, The Arts Institute of Las Vegas
“This is not an area where you’ll want to skimp. Seasonless fabrics, like lightweight wool, worsted wool and wool crepe are your best bets.” She recommends purchasing a suit in a classic color such as black, gray, tan or navy blue and saving the more trendy colors and patterns for your accessories. Thomas said to also think about the colors in your current wardrobe and look for a suit that can be interchangeable with pieces you already own. For women, a suit with both pants and a skirt will offer more variety. You should also feel comfortable in your suit. A good fit will make you look polished, professional and more confident. “The chances of you finding a suit that fits you perfectly off the rack is slim to none, so be sure to budget some funds for tailoring,” said Thomas. :DUGUREH %XLOGLQJ %ORFNV - You will also need some staples that will serve as wardrobe building blocks that enable you to walk right into a new job. “Women should purchase two or three button-down shirts of a good fit and quality. Men may want to purchase five, if button-downs are a staple in their field,” said Pierotti. For women, a wrap dress is a great alternative to pants and a button down. Women can also incorporate knit shirts that will mix and match with their suit separates.
For men, a sports jacket in an all-weather fabric is a good investment. “Think less trend, more modern classic that will cut across many seasons,” said Thomas. “Men and women need a great blazer and some type of sweater they can dress up or down.” Both men and women can mix in sweaters and cardigans to go with their separates. Pierotti advises, “Look for versatile items that can take you from desk to dinner and from workdays to weekends. Also consider a dark or black jean for casual days at the office.
$FFHVVRULHV - Don’t forget about accessories, which can add personality to your outfits. “Men should have a couple of ties with a little bit of personality, meaning different patterns or maybe a bold color,” said Thomas. For women, necklaces and bracelets can add a pop to an outfit, but less is more when considering jewelry. Make sure you don’t forget to use an appropriate purse or messenger bag and no matter where you live, you should have a professional trench in your wardrobe.
6KRHV - To put your best foot forward at a new job, make sure you also have professional footwear to go with your new wardrobe. Pierotti recommends two pairs of practical shoes for day-to-day work life and one or two for more formal events, in neutral colors such as brown, gray and black. And for women, 4 inches should be the maximum height for a professional setting.
7DLORULQJ $QG 0DLQWHQDQFH - Once you’ve built your wardrobe, you’ll want to keep it neat and polished. To make you clothing look custom made, find a good tailor who can make small tweaks to your garments. A garment steamer, a clothes shaver, stain remover sticks and fabric freshener sprays will help save on dry cleaning costs, by helping your garments looking and smelling fresh.
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 7
'LUW\ /LWWOH 5HVXPH )XQ By Jacey Eckhart, Flagship Military Spouse Contributor – I see resumes that are too long, have pushed out margins, boast a font size tiny enough to ďŹ t on a grain of rice. I often can’t even tell what kind of job the person is seeking. Slogging through a resume like that isn’t resume fun. It is the resume equivalent of a mud-miler. Some think that ďŹ rst, ultra-complete, sweat-drenched, threepage resume is a ďŹ nished document that someone will read and see exactly where we ďŹ t into their organization. So we should put in everything, right? Wrong. The ďŹ nished resume is really like a big business card. It is focused. It is functional. It is read in literally six seconds by the people in your network (where 80 percent of all jobs in America are found). The Dirty Little Resume – that document that everyone should throw together whether they are actively job seeking or not – isn’t meant for public
3ULQW LW I don’t mean that you need to print this on bond paper for distribution. I mean that when you hold something in your hand vs. look at it on the screen, you see it differently. Your mind considers it differently. So print it.
sharing. The Dirty Little Resume is a thing meant to organize your thinking. To push back fear. To help you ďŹ gure out just what you want. +RZ WR ZULWH D 'LUW\ /LWWOH 5HVXPH 7KURZ WRJHWKHU D ZRUN KLVWRU\ This isn’t a neat, clean, perfect little document. This is a straight shot here-is-allthe-work-I-have-ever-done – paid and unpaid. Lay the whole thing out chronologically starting from the minute you graduated from high school. <HV LQFOXGH HYHU\ ´OLWWOHÂľ WKLQJ \RX KDYH GRQH Go ahead and include everything you have done – the jobs you liked, the jobs you didn’t like. The volunteer work you couldn’t wait to get out of doing, the contractor job you wished you could have done forever. Do include your gig as a stay-at-homemom (SAHM) or dad. Add in your education even if you didn’t actually
ďŹ nish your degree. Partial degrees can be very revealing. /RYH LW RU OLVW LW For each job or educational opportunity, write a little pro’s and con’s list. Here are the things I liked. Here are the things I didn’t like. If you were/ are a SAHM, often the things you like or don’t like do not include childcare per se. Instead think of things like whether you liked working alone, on your own schedule, with people under three feet tall? Or maybe you liked the opportunity to be creative or to spend a lot of time outside?
rience, your education, your strengths, your satisfaction leading you to? What is the next job for you?
*HW LW GLUW\ Break out the pencils, pens and markers, people. You are now going to make your “Dirty Little Resumeâ€? even dirtier. Circle themes that you see. Paths that you have taken. Patterns that emerge. You will probably see a path that goes along with your college coursework like “Marketingâ€? or “Teachingâ€? or “Engineering.â€? You will also ďŹ nd themes about what you did on the job “Military familiesâ€? or “Detailsâ€?or“Spreadsheetsâ€?or“Cold Calling.â€? You could see themes that are about a value or a skill like “Leadership,â€? “Justice,â€? “Healthâ€? or “Creativity.â€?
1DPH WKDW MRE If you can’t name the kind of job or employer or ďŹ eld you seek, you aren’t really ready to craft a resume. You aren’t quite ready to approach your network. You don’t need to be able to say, “I want to be a senior product manager for a mid-range ďŹ rm selling software to furry-backed cabinet makers on the north side of the street in Midlothian, Virginia.â€? Instead, you say something like, “I want to work for a non-proďŹ t – I’m good at fundraising and events.â€? Or, “I want to use my health care background in a business environment this time.â€? You are even allowed to be seeking more than one kind of job at a time – as long as you have a resume for each job you want.
8VH WKHPHV WR VXJJHVW \RXU QH[W MRE JRDO Seeking these themes might seems silly to you, but this the important stuff. These themes tell you not only what kind of job you want, but they tell you what you should actually include on your next resume. Where is your past work expe-
$VN IRU IHHGEDFN If you still aren’t sure what you are looking for, post your Dirty Little Resume on the fridge or email it to a few trusted friends. Start asking the people who love you and what they think you would be good at doing. Write that stuff down.
8 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
&1,& )OHHW $QG )DPLO\ 5HDGLQHVV 5HOHDVH 1HZ 9LGHRV )RU 7UDQVLWLRQ *36 “These videos are previews of what paths separating Sailors can choose,” said Mike Cheshier, Military Support Section Lead. “They cover subjects like attending college, preparing for the working world, and starting a business.”
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The first video, “Accessing Higher Education,” gives an overview of the resources and options available to Sailors considering college.
By Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs – Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Work and Family Life (WFL) section of Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) released three short informational videos, June 11. The videos focused on the different career tracks Sailors can take in addition to attending the mandatory Transition Goals, Plans, Success (Transition GPS) class.
The second, “Career Technical Training,” looks at technical training certification requirements with emphasis on preparing, researching and selecting institutions and technical fields.
Accessing Higher Education Career Technical Training Entrepreneurship
are making decisions about their next steps after the Navy. “We want to give Sailors enough time to really think about what they want to do once they leave the Navy,” said Cheshier. “The three tracks are a great opportunity for Sailors and their spouses to explore the exciting career possibilities available to them. Sailors and their spouses can select to participate in one or all of the Career Tracks.”
Transition Videos www.ffsp.navy.mil In the podcast and webinar section or view them at: www.youtube.com/user/navyfamilyreadiness.
Finally, the third video discusses “Entrepreneurship,” and centers on pursuing self-employment in the private or non-profit sectors. Cheshier suggests the videos should be watched prior to and during the Transition GPS class, or any time Sailors
For more news
from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cni/
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Find out about the 13 doctoral, master’s and graduate certificate programs offered at GW’s Hampton Roads Center
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER EXPLORE AN ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEGREE FROM THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY On-site programs are offered in: Cyber Security: learn current cyber strategies, practices, and policies that will help you lead the fight against cyber threats. Safety and Security Leadership: a master’s program teaching critical knowledge covering the 8 key areas of homeland security issues, policies, and practices that will help you lead and advance your career. Engineering Management / Systems Engineering: learn the managerial skills that complement technical knowledge to develop leaders for technically oriented organizations. Hampton Roads Center (757) 269-4949 1 Old Oyster Point Road, Suite 100 Newport News, VA 23602 (exit 256A off I-64)
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Human Resource Development: for both managers and human resource professionals, this program focuses on the 5 key areas that will help students design and lead change that supports an organization’s strategic direction. Education Leadership and Administration: for emerging leaders in K-12 education, gain the knowledge, skills and credentials to move from teaching into school administration with a master’s degree, post-master’s certificate or education specialist degree from GW.
For more details, please call 757-269-4949 and ask for Lindsay or visit hamptonroads.gwu.edu
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 9
Âś7UDQVLWLRQ *36¡ +HOSV 7URRSV 5H (QWHU &LYLOLDQ :RUOG By Terri Moon Cronk, American Forces Press Service – Feedback on “Transition GPS,â€? which prepares service members to enter the civilian workforce, indicates it improves on the program it replaced, director of the Defense Department’s Transition to Veterans Program ofďŹ ce said. Transition GPS – for goals, plans and success – is a redesigned, weeklong curriculum that replaces the Transition Assistance Program with a more in-depth approach that is a “signiďŹ cant improvement,â€? Susan S. Kelly said. Participating service members give high marks to the Transition GPS program, she noted. “We have received very positive reviews from the service members,â€? Kelly said. “They’re telling us they’ll use the content to prepare for transition, use it after they separate, [and] they know how to access resources they’re going to need before and after they separate. That’s a very positive outcome for the program so far.â€? Kelly emphasized the need for service members not only to take the full weeklong course, but also to get started early in Transition GPS before they begin the separation process. “Every service member, whether they’re completing their ďŹ rst tour of duty or they’re separating as a fourstar general, will separate from active duty,â€? she added. “So the best plan for everyone is to start early, because this is your exit strategy.â€? The redesigned program stems from the Veterans Opportunities to Work -- or VOW -- to Hire Heroes Act, she said. Congress mandated the core part of Transition GPS for all active-duty, Guard and Reserve service
Transition Starts Here
members. From there, DOD created a mandatory policy for service members to meet career-readiness standards before they leave military service, Kelly added.
All of the curriculum’s modules are posted on Joint Knowledge Online for service members to move at their own speed to complete the training, and they can return to the site as veterans for a refresher, she added.
The redesign of the old Transition Assistance Program began with “a very large and successful partnershipâ€? with the Labor, Veterans Affairs and Education departments; the OfďŹ ce of Personnel Management; and the Small Business Administration. The agencies jointly decided what service members need to prepare for reentering civilian life, Kelly said. In Transition GPS, she said, service members can choose personal goals. “We give them the training, skills and information ‌ to be able to navigate multiple systems very successfully,â€? she added.
“By hosting it in JKO, DOD is sending a message that preparing for separation is a training expectation of all service members,� Kelly said.
"The mandatory approximately 40-hour core curriculum includes training in pre-separation counseling, a Veterans Affairs beneďŹ ts brieďŹ ng and a Labor Department employment workshop,â€? Kelly explained. "In addition, the mandatory full ďŹ ve-day curriculum includes various modules to help service members match their military training with prospective civilian jobs." Transition GPS also offers three additional two-day tracks to service members, which concentrate on meeting goals such as going to a college or university on the Post-9/11 GI Bill; technical training schools to obtain certiďŹ cations, licenses and apprenticeships; and an entrepreneur track for those who want to start a business, she said. "While the core curriculum is available now at military installations, the full Transition GPS curriculum is expected to be in place at the end of March at facilities around the world, Kelly said. The entire program also is available online, she noted.
While Transition GPS helps service members ease back into civilian life and gives them the tools for seeking jobs, pursuing education and managing day-to-day issues such as ďŹ nances, the program doesn’t end there, Kelly said. To make sure Transition GPS is meeting its goals, she explained, DOD will work with its interagency partners to follow up on veterans as they begin careers, continue their education or start businesses. “We’re looking at several long-term outcomes,â€? Kelly said. DOD is committed to setting up the infrastructure to collect data, which will begin as soon as the program’s information technology is in place, she noted.
For service members facing imminent transition, the entire Transition GPS curriculum is available online, with 24/7 access.
“My advice to any service member is three words,� Kelly said. “Get started now.�
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Allowing You To Continue To Serve Your Country
Selected members of the United States Marine Corps or Coast Guard, who are otherwise qualified, may be eligible for opportunities in the Army. However, Marines and Coast Guard members will be required to complete their current terms of active service.
Reach For More
‌A more fulfilling and rewarding future. As our thanks for your service, Bryant & Stratton College is dedicated to helping you and your family get ahead in life. • Receive a personal, career-focused education. • Approved for Veteran’s Training. • Convenient day, evening and online classes. â€˘â€œSalute to Spousesâ€?Scholarships available. • We’ll help you find a position when you graduate. Yellow Ribbon Program Participant • Servicemember Opportunity College (SOC). Onsite childcare
To learn more, visit us at: http://www.bryantstratton.edu/admissions/military.aspx or connect with us on Facebook at: facebook.com/BSCVirginiaBeach • facebook.com/BSCHampton facebook.com/BSCRichmond
Virginia Beach/Hampton
757.447.4240
Richmond
804.404.9800
Bryant & Stratton College Personal Education. Lifetime Success.ÂŽ Since 1854 For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.
Certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia.
7UDLQLQJ — AFSCs or Rates that convert to Army MOS will attend Basic Combat Training. Retraining into another Army MOS may be possible based on the individual's qualiďŹ cations and training vacancies. Bonuses may be available for selected Military Occupational Specialties that convert from an AFSC or Rate. $VVLJQPHQWV — may be available for AFSC or Rate that convert to an Army MOS.
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“Right Sizing�
Operation Blue to Green will allow you to continue to serve your country, maintain the benefits of military service and expand your horizons by gaining new training in another military branch. The program allows qualified Air Force and Navy personnel to transfer to Active Duty service in the Army. Enrollment in the program depends on your current active service obligation, and your branch’s willingness to release you to the Army.
All E5's and above will have grade and Military Occupational Specialty determined by EIS IAW with para 5 above (E5s will retain current rank, unless, current MOS is over strength and they refuse to retrain in an MOS that allows E5 entry level training).
OfďŹ cers will retain their grade and date of rank.
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During this period of “right sizing� the Air Force and Navy, the Army recognizes the need for our armed forces to retain qualified men and women.
E1 through E5 will retain their grade and same date of rank.
The Army is seeking qualiďŹ ed candidates for the Blue to Green program. Opportunities exist for Commissioned OfďŹ cers, enlisted personnel and qualiďŹ ed Air Force and Navy cadets
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OfďŹ cers will receive branch-speciďŹ c training as needed. Find More about OfďŹ cer Interservice Transfers
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SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 11
THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY NOW, IT’S OUR TURN TO SERVE YOU Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, the body to act. - TROY Motto 1887
Troy University has provided highly respected academic degree programs to the nation’s military and their families for more than 60 years. Many of our University’s leaders have worn the uniform too, so we understand your needs for excellence, affordability and flexibility. Whether you want to study in class, online, or both, TROY offers many great programs including: • • • • •
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Business Education Nursing Computer Science Criminal Justice
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• • • • •
Psychology Liberal Arts Communication Art and Design and more
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Visit www.troy.edu/military for more information about: • Post 9/11 GI Bill and other financial aid options • Admissions & transcripts evaluation • Transfer credits & credits for military experience – Ask for your TROY “FREE IN 48” report. • Readiness for successful transition • Career planning • Military Friendly • Got Your Six
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12 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
<RXU 1H[W 3URIHVVLRQ $UH <RX 0HDQW 7R %H $ 7HDFKHU" Brandpoint – Teaching is an admirable profession, whether you’re helping kindergarteners learn to read or preparing high school students for life after graduation. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career, teaching could be a great option no matter how old or young you are. Are you meant to be a teacher?
Re-career
Is it time you make a career change?
Genevieve Koens asked herself that question. She was doing well working in business after she received her MBA. But when she got divorced, she realized she wanted to spend more time with her kids instead of working up to 60 hours a week at the office. She decided to attend Kaplan University and completed her Master of Arts in Teaching in just 13 months. Today Koens works in a middle school STEM program science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “We do a lot of team work, which kids absolutely adore,” she said. “When I know what they like, I’ll try to put it into the lesson plans.” Working at a low-income school allows her to feel like she’s making a big difference for children and helping shape their future. “I went from being a business person
where my sole goal was to make money for me and my company, to being a service member where I help out kids and their families,” Koens said.
What makes a good teacher? Do you embody these characteristics?
Many states face an alarming shortage of STEM teachers, according to the American Board. If you have real-world experience in these subject areas, your skills could be in high demand as a teacher. Here are five qualities that make teachers great. 3DVVLRQ - Great teachers are passionate about subject matter as well as helping students. Students typically respond well when they know a teacher is genuinely excited about what they teach. If you have a passion and the desire to pass on knowledge to others, teaching could be a good career for you. +LJK ([SHFWDWLRQV Great teachers set high expectations for all their students. Remember, you’re shaping knowledge and transforming lives. Make sure all students learn and succeed, and never give up on underperformers because they may be the ones that need you the most.
2UJDQL]HG Preparing ahead of time and organizing lesson plans helps ensure every minute in the classroom can be dedicated to teaching and engaging students. If you are organized and like to plan ahead, these skills will serve you well as a teacher.
)OH[LEOH Planning ahead is necessary as a teacher, but great teachers always adapt and are flexible when needed. It’s important to recognize how students really learn, and follow their lead. Watch and listen to what kids are doing and saying, and be able to change plans in order to teach more effectively. 5ROH 0RGHO As a teacher, you are a top role model in your students’ lives. Act as such and show you genuinely care about their future. When you build trust you’ll be able to make the biggest difference. To be the best role model and teacher possible, be a lifelong learner. Always hone your craft by learning new technology and teaching methods to help better reach students.
'RG 3URJUDP +HOSV 6HUYLFH 0HPEHUV 7UDQVLWLRQ 7R 7HDFKLQJ From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs – Placing veterans in the nation’s classrooms to serve again is the goal for the Troops to Teachers program, officials said April 12. “We are here as a counseling and referral asset to help eligible veterans transition into second careers as teachers,” said Cliff Yager, director, Troops to Teachers for Tennessee and Northern Alabama, during a Transition GPS briefing at Naval Support Activity Mid-South. The purpose of the Department of Defense program is to help eligible current and former military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed. Veterans possess many of the qualities
that make a good teacher; a sense of service, leadership, discipline, maturity and life experience, said Yager. He added that studies show that beginning teachers who are military veterans score much higher in peer assessments and assessments from principals and superintendents than their peers coming to the classroom straight from college.
help applicants identify teacher certification requirements for the state they wish to teach, programs leading to certification and employment opportunities in their state.
“It is partly understandable because you are not only talking about an older more mature group of individuals, but people who have also had other life experiences,” said Yager.
Additionally Yager and other state representatives will reach out to service members earlier while they are still on active-duty and identify education requirements so that interested service members may begin working toward their teaching certifications before leaving the service, enabling a smoother transition into teaching.
Yager and other Troops to Teachers representatives from across the nation recently met to discuss their role in assisting service members and veterans. In addition to counseling and referral, state Troops to Teachers representatives
“If a service member thinks that they might want to be a teacher, they should contact Troops to Teachers and register for the program,” said Yager. “We can help them with that decision process, investigate whether teaching is right
Why?
Veterans possess many of the qualities that make a good teacher. for them and we can help them walk through the process.” Service members can learn more about Troops to Teachers and locate a state representative at www.proudtoserveagain.com.
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 13
CYBERWARFARE HAS A NEW FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE. LEARN FROM THE LEADER. B.S. IN CYBERSECURITY M.S. IN CYBERSECURITY STUDIES
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14 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10,2001, of:
Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable
At least 36 months
100%
At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability
100%
At least 30 months < 36 months
90%
At least 24 months < 30 months
80%
At least 18 months < 24 months
70%
At least 12 months < 18 months
60%
At least 6 months < 12 months
50%
At least 90 days < 6 months
40%
2QH 0LOOLRQ 1RZ %HQHÀW )URP 3RVW *L %LOO Department Of Veteran Affairs – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced in November that a million veterans, service members, and family members have benefited from the Post9/11 GI Bill since the program’s inception in August 2009. The Veterans Benefits Administration, which administers the program, has distributed over $30 billion in the form of tuition and other education-related payments to veterans, service members, and their families; and to the universities, colleges, and trade schools they attend. “This is one of the most important programs helping our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans reach their educational goals and find a good job,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We’re proud this important benefit is making such a big difference in the lives of so many veterans and their families.” “Over the next few years, as more than a million service men and women end their military careers and return to civilian life, education will be at the forefront of that transition,” said Dr. Jill Biden. “As a community college teacher, I have seen firsthand the qualities our veterans bring to the classroom – dedication, a sense of teamwork, and a commitment to their work. Helping our veterans succeed in the classroom so they can go on to find good jobs to support their families is one important way we can thank them for their service.”
What Will I Receive? You may receive a percentage of the following payments (see chart). • A tuition and fee payment that is paid to your school on your behalf • A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) (not payable to individuals on active duty or those enrolled at half-time or less) that is equal to: • Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payable for the zip code of your school to a military E-5 with dependents for students pursuing resident training. • One-half the BAH national average for students training solely by distance learning. • The national average BAH for students pursuing training at foreign schools. • A books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year. How Many Months Of Assistance Can I Receive And How Long Am I Eligible? Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.
“We are pleased that the Post-9/11 generation of veterans is taking advantage of this significant benefit program,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “The scope of the program we’ve administered thus far would fund the undergraduate student bodies of Virginia Tech, Ohio State University, West Virginia University, and University of Florida combined – for eight years.”
What Kind Of Training Can I Take? You can use the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill at colleges, universities, trade schools and for on-the-job training, apprenticeships and flight schools. To see what programs are currently approved for VA benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov. You can use the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill for tutorial assistance, licensing (attorney license, cosmetology license, etc.) and certification tests (SAT, LSAT, etc.). Note: If the program you are interested in isn’t on the website, contact your State Approving Agency (list available on www.gibill.va.gov) to see if it can be approved.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a comprehensive education benefit created by Congress in 2008. In general, veterans and service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001 are eligible. On average, VA processes the initial claims for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits in 23 days.
Can I Transfer My Entitlement To My Dependents? You must be a member of the uniformed services to transfer your unused benefits to your spouse or dependent(s). Generally, you must agree to serve four more years when transferring benefits.
Am I Eligible? You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty* after Sept. 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days following Sept. 10, 2001. *Includes active service as a National Guard member under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training and active service under section 502(f) of title 32 for the purpose of responding to a national emergency.
What Is The Yellow Ribbon Program? The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill can cover all in-state tuition and fees at public degree granting schools, but may not cover all private degree granting schools and out-of-state tuition. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional support in those situations. Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund uncovered charges. VA matches each dollar of not satisfied charges the institution agrees to contribute, up to the total cost of the tuition and fees.
9$ /DXQFKHV 2QOLQH 7RRO 7R &DOFXODWH 3RVW *, %LOO %HQHÀWV Department of Veterans Affairs – The Veterans Affairs Department launched a new online tool to make it easier for veterans, service members and family members to calculate their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and learn more about VA’s approved colleges, universities and other education and training programs across the country. “We are pleased that Post-9/11 veterans are taking advantage of this significant benefit program,” said Allison A. Hickey, undersecretary of veterans affairs for benefits. “The new GI Bill Comparison Tool will help future beneficiaries as they make decisions about what education or training program best fits their needs.” The GI Bill Comparison Tool provides key information about college affordability and brings together information from more than 17 different online sources and three federal agencies, including the number of students receiving
VA education benefits at each school. It is one item in a series of resources VA is launching in response to President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13607, which directs agencies to implement and promote “Principles of Excellence” for education institutions that interact with veterans, service members and their families, and to ensure beneficiaries have the information they need to make educated choices about VA education benefits and approved programs, VA officials said. Recently, VA also instituted a GI Bill online complaint system, designed to collect feedback from veterans, service members and their families who are experiencing problems with educational institutions receiving funding from federal military and veterans educational benefits programs, including benefits programs provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Defense Department’s military tuition assistance program.
TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR MILITARY AND VETERANS EDUCATION
Standing by to serve those who serve our nation.
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 15
The executive order, signed April 27, 2012, directs federal agencies to provide meaningful cost and quality information on schools, prevent deceptive recruiting practices and provide high-quality academic and student support services. VA works closely with partner institutions to ensure the GI Bill beneficiaries’ needs are met, officials said, noting that more than 5,000 education institutions have agreed to the Principles of Excellence. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a comprehensive education benefit created by Congress in 2008. In general, veterans and service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001, are eligible. Since 2009, VA has distributed more than $30 billion in the form of tuition and other education-related payments to more than 1 million veterans, service members and their families, as well as to the universities, colleges and trade schools they attend.
GI Bill
Comparison Tool: Visit benefits. va.gov/gibill
Whether on base, on our campuses, or worldwide you can trust TCC’s Center for Military & Veterans Education (CMVE) team to help you take command of your education and career. TCC offers many certificates that ladder to associate and bachelor’s degree programs while fast-tracking you to employability. TCC’s CMVE provides one-stop access to degree planning, certifications, job skills training, and employment opportunities. Services for all military-related students. Enroll today at tcc.edu
TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR MILITARY & VETERANS EDUCATION
Contact us today! www.tcc.edu/military • Local: 757-822-7777 • Toll Free: 866-921-6289 International: 855-399-7480 • Email: CMVESupport@tcc.edu
16 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
7KHVH 7HFK 5HODWHG *LIWV :LOO +HOS &ROOHJH *UDGXDWHV 6WDUW 7KHLU &DUHHUV ,Q 6W\OH Brandpoint – Graduation is right around the corner. If someone in your life is graduating from college and about to embark on their first career, you’re probably searching for the perfect gift to celebrate their educational accomplishments and to get them started on the right foot in the working world.
Grad Gifts
Today’s graduates are entering a very technology-based world where business travel and communication devices may be a big part of their career. Keep this in mind as you search for the perfect gifts for the graduates on your list who need to organize their personal life and get their career started right. Check out these suggestions: 7$%/(76 - Tablets are ideal for college grads about to enter a first career because they offer mobility and can handle many personal and professional computing tasks. Tablets allow workers to connect with the office from home
or on the road, and users can stay up to date on their favorite TV shows, too. Andriod, iOS, or Windows, the graduate may prefer a specific brand of tablet, so check with close friends or family members of the graduate for a recommendation.
or iTunes - to name a few - where graduates would love a subscription or gift card for downloading or streaming their favorite albums and videos. In addition, they can also use the gift cards to purchase apps for both entertainment and professional purposes.
:25.287 *($5 - Working out and staying fit is a much more enjoyable task while listening to your favorite tunes. The Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless stereo headphones fit comfortably around the ears for all levels of exercise. They’re sweat-proof with a reflective finish, making the wearer visible at night. The graduate can use the reversible armband for keeping his smartphone in place during his workout, as well as storing the headphones when not in use.
352)(66,21$/ (48,30(17 - If the graduate on your shopping list will be working in an office setting using smartphones or tablets, hook him up with Plantronics Voyager Edge, a slim and lightweight headset that has noise-cancelling technology to prevent disruptive background noise from interfering with a phone call or audio on the device. This headset announces a caller’s name for incoming calls and is voice-activated, so the graduate won’t have to look at the phone to answer the call. Strong battery power keeps the headset working for up to 16 hours of talk time while using the fully-charged case and headset - perfect for a full day of work and then some.
',*,7$/ (17(57$,10(17 - Music, apps, videos ... there are many digital entertainment stores like Google Play, Pandora, Spotify
&$55<,1* &$6( - If your graduate already has all the technology needed for his or her first job, a beautiful messenger bag, portfolio or laptop bag would make a great, stylish and practical gift. Do a little research on what equipment your grad has and will be planning on transporting to and from work. Consider looking for a bag that will allow hands-free use with a long strap to go over the shoulder and across the body. This allows your grad to pick up a cup of coffee or access keys to enter the office, car or home after work. With these personal and professional tools, the college graduates on your list will be ready to start their careers with the equipment needed to stay digitally connected. Just add a message to your gift that you wish them well in their career, and to remember to have fun in this new life stage.
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 17
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Troops to Energy Jobs is designed to help veterans make a successful transition to a rewarding career in the energy industry. This website will guide you step by step in transferring your military training to a new energy job, identifying any additional education and credentials you may need, and supporting you in your job search by utilizing an interactive Troops to Energy Jobs ROADMAP. Energy jobs offer promising opportunities, whether you are an experienced worker or just starting
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In some cases, Troops to Energy Jobs will help you start working immediately in an energy industry-related job. Many companies hire professionals directly from the military for certain positions, which we call “Ready Now,� because these veterans only require
company training as they transition to energy industry jobs. For others, some type of postsecondary education may be needed— in most cases, leading to a credential or degree. Regardless of which group you belong, you will need to understand how well the energy job that you are interested in matches up with your knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through military training and experience. This will help you understand if you are a Ready Now candidate or need to pursue further education to gain credentials. For more on this program, visit http://troopstoenergyjobs.com.
Energy Career
These jobs are both challenging and rewarding, and provide competitive compensation and professional growth opportunities.
YOU’VE DEFENDED OUR FUTURE.
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Bethel College can help you cultivate the ministry call through sound Biblical education and leadership training. VA Educational Benefits are available to those who qualify. For more information about our programs and degrees visit us at bcva.edu
bcva.edu 1705 TODDS LANE | HAMPTON, VA 23666 | 757.826.1883 x215 Bethel College is certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia. Bethel College is accredited by ABHE, Orlando, FL
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your career. These jobs are active, hands-on, rewarding, and available in every state, in an industry that is stable and growing. With many of the nation’s energy workforce either retiring or otherwise departing their jobs during the next ďŹ ve years, the energy industry is working now to develop programs to attract and train new workers for energy-related generation, transmission, and distribution careers.
DEFINE YOUR CAREER IN... Automotive, Diesel/Heavy Vehicle, HVAC/Refrigeration, Maritime Welding or Commercial Driving. We Offer Hands-on Training, Graduate Employment Assistance, Day & Evening Classes and Financial Aid if Qualified. Approved for VA/TA. 5700 Southern Blvd. Virginia Beach
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
757.490.1241 auto.edu Certified to operate by SCHEV
18 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
5HVRXUFHV 7R $VVLVW ,Q <RXU 7UDQVLWLRQ )URP ))6& FFSC Norfolk – Change is a good thing right? Absolutely! However, for those service members currently transitioning from military to civilian life, this change may be quite intimidating. Transitioning service members ďŹ nd themselves asking various questions during their transition.“Where am I going to live?â€?“How am I going to pay the bills?â€? “How am I going to get a job?â€? “Do I need to go to school?â€? “What beneďŹ ts am I entitled to?â€? The list goes on and on. The answers to these questions are, in some cases, not easily found, and may require the transitioning service member to seek the assistance of others in their search for those answers. For those of you who may require some assistance, here are the top 10 resources for transitioning service members:
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During their Transition Goals Plans Success (GPS) 5-day workshop, transitioning service members will receive a 3-day presentation offered by representatives of the Department of Labor. The presentation focuses of assisting service members in job searches, career decision-making, current labor market information, the drafting of resumes and cover letters, skills analysis, and interviewing techniques. Post-transition, the Department of Labor assists veterans with job seeker services through the DOL Gold Card. The DOL Gold Card enables unemployed post-9/11 veterans with the follow-up services they need to succeed in their job search. Certain grants and other resources are also available through the Department of Labor.
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This directory is currently maintained by the Department of Defense, Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As an online directory, service members are able to connect 24/7 and receive resources pertaining to BeneďŹ ts and Compensation, Education and Training, Employment, Family and Caregiver Support, Health, Homeless Assistance, Transportation and Travel, Volunteer Opportunities, and many more.
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The Disabled American Veterans organization is dedicated to “Empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignityâ€?. Many transitioning service members feel the physical pain associated with injuries incurred while on active duty. However, some of these service members may not know where to go to get the assistance they need. The Disabled American Veterans assists service members, veterans, and their families with ďŹ ling disability claims, job search, transportation options, and other outreach programs. The Disabled American Veterans has over 60 ofďŹ ces throughout the United States, which enables service members to obtain assistance from virtually anywhere in the country.
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Probably one of the most popular Veterans’ organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides services those men and women who have served in our armed forces. As the website states, the mission statement of the Department of Veterans Affairs is “To fulďŹ l President Lincoln’s promise, ‘To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.’â€? The Department of Veterans Affairs offers Health Care options for Veterans and their families, as well as other beneďŹ ts including retirement compensation, education and training, home loans, life insurance, burial beneďŹ ts, and vocational rehabilitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs E-BeneďŹ ts website is an online portal that allows service members, Veterans and their families research their beneďŹ ts and have access to these beneďŹ t options 24/7.
Visit joiningforces.gov for even more veteran employment resources!
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Fleet and Family Support Centers provides service members, veterans, and their families with numerous programs, including relocation assistance, new parent support, deployment services, clinical counseling services, ďŹ nancial management, family employment services, family advocacy, and transition assistance programs. Transitioning service members are encouraged to stop by one of the FFSC ofďŹ ces and request information on upcoming events and workshops relating to their transition. -RE )DLUV YHF YLUJLQLD JRY
One of the major hurdles for a transitioning service member to overcome is obtaining a civilian job that will cater to their needs. Networking has a major inuence on landing that dream job, and one way to successfully network with employers is through job fairs. State websites frequently post job fairs, as do various military installations. Being able to write one’s skills on a resume is one thing, but connecting with employers face-to-face has proven to be extremely effective.
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Everyone needs a mentor, whether that mentor is a parent, friend or business executive. Transitioning service members ďŹ nd that connecting with individuals in their desired career ďŹ eld can be useful in gaining the knowledge needed to succeed. Certain mentor groups, such as American Corporate Partners can provide this assistance. These groups are often free for transitioning service members and veterans, and offer a year of mentorship for that individual. Managerial level civilians offer their help and advice to transitioning service members on the matters of job search, networking, education, and transition in general. Mentors are available to chat online, through phone conversation and sometimes even in person. &ROOHJH DQG &DUHHU 3ODQQLQJ 6HUYLFHV GDQWHV NXGHU FRP
Some transitioning service members may ďŹ nd that they may need to pursue education opportunities post-separation in order to ďŹ nd a job that will beneďŹ t them. Others may feel as if they are undecided on which career path to pursue. In order to assist with questions associated with choosing an educational program, or choosing a career path, certain skills assessments may be useful. The Kuder assessment is designed to assist individuals in answering those questions. Services are free for service members and veterans *, -REV 0DJD]LQH JLMREV FRP
The GI Jobs Magazine is issued monthly and delivered to most military installations. Interested individuals may also subscribe to the magazine and pay a fee to have the magazine delivered to their house. This magazine includes information on military friendly employers, military friendly schools, military friendly cities, and military franchise opportunities. The GI Jobs website allows for individuals to navigate through their site, and connect with recruiters, receive assistance in resume writing, and information on business attire. 6RFLDO 0HGLD OLQNHGLQ FRP HWF
Social media can be used in order for individuals to be able to network with other professionals in their chosen career ďŹ eld. LinkedIn, for example, has become more and more popular in the recent years for many different reasons. The social network allows individuals to connect with people in their career ďŹ eld for networking purposes. Individuals can also join interest groups in order to share ideas and welcome feedback. LinkedIn provides job postings, as well as information on employers, that may be beneďŹ cial for anyone looking to enter the workforce,
SUMMER 2014 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION 19
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED As Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degree Programs M I earned my degree from a proven leader in higher education.
• Regionally Accredited • Affordable Academic Excellence – a best value in higher education • Respected by employers • Approved for VA Benefits/GI Bill
Chesapeake (757) 382-7599
Fort Lee (804) 861-9634
Newport News (757) 249-0390
Fort Eustis (757) 887-1166
Langley (757) 766-1812
South Hampton Roads (757) 464-6449
virginia@saintleo.edu
www.saintleo.edu/MilitaryVa Certified by SCHEV Saint Leo University admits students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin. Regionally accredited, private, non-profit university
20 CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUMMER 2014
Why Choose Liberty? • Military Book Vouchers • Military Tuition Discount
EARN YOUR DEGREE AND LEARN TO FLY IN NEWPORT NEWS Earn a bachelor of science in aeronautics at one of the nation’s most Military-Friendly schools. *As evaluated by Military Times Edge Best for Vets, Military Advanced Education, and GI Jobs
Liberty University has trained professionals to assist you with the use of your Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Reserve Education Assistance Program as well as those who qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Military Affairs Office • Yellow Ribbon Scholarships
For more information please visit our website www.liberty.edu/online/military
What You Can Expect • Part 141 Flight Instruction (Private Pilot Through ATP) • Rapid Enrollment (Start Flying in Weeks) • Exceptional Customer Service • Train on Your Schedule (Accelerated, Evenings, or Weekends) • Eligible for Restricted “Reduced Hour” ATP License • Regional Airline Hiring Agreements
Liberty University Flight Training Affiliate:
Who is eligible for GI Bill? If you know you are eligible for GI Bill benefits, please visit our website at www.liberty.edu/online/military for further information including detailed benefits of each GI Bill, or contact a Liberty University Military Affairs counselor for assistance, phone: (855) 355-4947, email: lumilitary@liberty.edu, chat: www.liberty.edu/chat. If you are unsure of your eligibility or entitlement, please contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at (888) 442-4551.
(757) 969-1600 or FlyLibertyU.com