Critical Early Career Decisions for Military-Affiliated Students at Austin Peay State University
Transitioning from military life to a civilian career can be challenging. For military-affiliated students at Austin Peay State University, making informed early career decisions is crucial to increasing success rates and ensuring a smooth transition. The Transition Assistance Program's "Go early, go often" slogan should not be taken lightly. This article will explore critical choices that can significantly impact your career trajectory and highlight how utilizing the university's new platform, Handshake, and networking platforms like LinkedIn and veteran community forums can maximize your employment opportunities.
Understanding Your Career Goals:
The first step in any successful career journey is understanding your goals. As a military-affiliated student, you possess unique skills and experiences. Reflect on your interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations, and assess any goals you consider. For example, if you are considering a medical field but have an aversion to blood, consider how that decision would impact you after spending years pursuing a degree. Leverage your military background in different industries and roles with the education you've obtained. Identifying a clear career path early on in your journey will help you make informed decisions about your education and professional development.
Leveraging Educational Opportunities:
Austin Peay State University offers several academic programs and resources tailored to the needs of military-affiliated students. You can use these opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge within your chosen field. On and off campus, getting involved with veteran networks can provide support, a sense of community, and additional academic and career advancement resources. Many organizations focus on assisting veterans with employment and training opportunities at little to no cost. Whether pursuing a degree, obtaining certifications, or participating in specialized training programs, investing in your education will significantly increase your employability and earning potential.
Building a Professional Network:
Networking is vital to career success, especially for service members during and after their military careers. They should look at building a robust professional network early in life. Connecting with fellow service members, superiors, veterans, and industry professionals lays the foundation for a thriving career. Attending military career fairs, workshops, and educational and networking events will help make these connections. These events provide invaluable insights into industry trends, leadership skills, and potential career paths within and beyond the military. Engaging with professionals can also lead to mentorship opportunities, where experienced individuals offer guidance, advice, and support.
As service members transition into civilian life, networking becomes even more crucial. Many civilian positions are filled through referrals and personal connections, making your network a critical asset in your job search. The relationships you build can help you learn about hidden opportunities, giving you a competitive edge in the civilian job market. Maintaining a robust professional network allows for continuous learning and development, keeping your skills and knowledge current and relevant.
Gaining Practical Experience:
While academic qualifications are essential, practical experience is equally important. Seek internships, co-op programs, and volunteer opportunities related to your career interests. Firsthand experience within your chosen field will give you a competitive edge in the job market. Employers value real-world experience and employ applicants with demonstrated abilities in practical settings.
Utilizing Handshake and LinkedIn:
Austin Peay State University Career Services has announced its Handshake launch for July 1st, 2024. Handshake is a powerful platform for students' career development and job search efforts. Additionally, leveraging LinkedIn and veteran communities can further enhance your career prospects. Handshake connects students with potential employers, allowing you to explore job and internship opportunities tailored to your field of interest, create and upload your resume, sign up for career fairs, workshops, and networking events, and receive personalized job recommendations.
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows you to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and showcase your skills and experiences. It assists in building a professional online presence, connecting with alums and potential employers, joining veteran groups, and staying updated on job openings and industry trends. Veteran communities provide valuable support and resources tailored to military-affiliated individuals, offering mentorship, job leads, and insights into transitioning to civilian careers.
Seeking Career Counseling:
"Go early and go often." Ensure you are taking advantage of the career counseling services offered by Austin Peay State University. The university's career services office is on the second floor of the MUC, and the Newton Center houses its career service program, the "Military-Affiliated Professionals Program." Career counselors can provide personalized guidance, help refine your career goals, and assist in developing a strategic job search plan. They offer insights into industry trends, salary expectations, and potential career advancement opportunities.
Staying Resilient and Adaptable:
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, but staying resilient and adaptable is essential. Your military experience has equipped you with valuable leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills, which will serve you well in your civilian career. Navigating new professional environments and learning to communicate differently may take time, but the strength and resilience you've developed through your service will provide a solid foundation. Networking with fellow veterans, joining professional organizations, and seeking mentorship can offer support and open doors to new opportunities.
Consider furthering your education or acquiring certifications aligning with your career goals, as many programs are designed to help veterans transition. Employers highly value your ability to remain calm under pressure and develop practical solutions quickly, and your leadership experience can set you apart in team dynamics and operational efficiency. Be patient with yourself during this process, celebrate your achievements, and keep focusing on your long-term goals. Your perseverance and adaptability will lead to a fulfilling and successful civilian career.
Conclusion:
As a military-affiliated Austin Peay State University student, making critical early career decisions can significantly impact your success. By understanding your career goals, leveraging educational opportunities, building a professional network, gaining practical experience, utilizing platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn, and engaging with veteran communities, you can maximize your chances for employment and achieve a fulfilling career. Stay proactive, seek guidance, and remain resilient as you navigate this exciting new chapter in your professional life. Your future is full of potential, and the resources available to you at Austin Peay State University are here to support you every step of the way.
The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program
The MAPP provides all manners of career service to the military-affiliated students of Austin Peay State University. This population is estimated to be about one-third of its total student population.
In addition, the MAPP extends its services to all service members, veterans, military and veteran spouses, and military and veteran family members, regardless of their affiliation with Austin Peay State University. Services can be provided virtually or in person under the MAPP. Let us know your needs, and we will tailor our services to meet them.
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Austin Peay State University's commitment to our service members and veteran communities remains unmatched.
To take advantage of the services offered by the MAPP, contact us at,
Call or text: 931-221-7930
Email: [email protected] .
If you would like to donate to our program, visit https://give.apsu.edu/ . Select Newton Military Family Resource Center Fund of Excellence. The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program falls within that category.
Austin Peay State University
At Austin Peay, we proudly serve you during your academic career. We are invested in your success and have created a division dedicated to our Military-Affiliated Students and their families. The Military and Veterans Affairs Division comprises several offices and resource centers trained to help you fully utilize your education benefits. From offering condensed 8-week courses through the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell to getting career advice from our Military-Affiliated Professionals Program, we are ready to support your success.
Apply Now!
Resources:
Austin Peay State University Career Services Office - https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/austin-peay-state-university-career-services/
Austin Peay State University's Handshake login website: https://apsu.joinhandshake.com/login
Friends of the MAPP:
United States Army Transition Assistance Program: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/taphq/
Operation Stand Down Tennessee: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/osdtn/
RecruitMilitary: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/recruitmilitary/
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/tennessee-department-of-labor-workforce-development/