post-Army employment

[Anthony Martinez]

With the end of my deployment rapidly approaching, the time to find post-military employment is here. I have already started browsing listings at various employment sites across the web, but I figure it can't hurt to expand the search even more. If any of my fellow TPF members happen to know of employment opportunities that might fit a college-bound veteran, I'd appreciate whatever notice/assistance you can provide. The largest hurdle so far has been my inability to set a timeline any more specific than "when I get out of the Army." Best case scenario puts me back in the ranks of the civilian sometime mid-June, but the best case is rarely witnessed by anyone. My current ETS date is 13-SEP-2008, so I'll say that is the latest I will be out. In reality, I will probably be out sometime in between, I'm thinking (hoping) mid-July.

For the sake of details, I will be attending Texas State University and majoring in Mass Communications. If at all possible, I'll be buying a home somewhere between the south side of Austin, and San Marcos. My preference is to go to school before noon, and work a later shift, but I could just as easily schedule classes in the evenings and work during the day. As far as what sort of work I'm looking for, I'm open to anything that will enable me to pay the bills and finish my degree. Tuition and associated fees will mostly be covered by the GI Bill, and whatever savings I have left from this deployment, but things like insurance and rent won't pay themselves. Any leads or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

General interests/experience:

- photography (my ultimate goal being my own small business at some point)
- writing (OPORDS/FRAGOS/etc)
- music (guitar, 18yrs)
- security (Army Infantry, ~5yrs, two combat tours)
- IT (1yr, Active Directory; 7yrs personal *nix experience)
- mechanics (4yrs as a general automotive technician)

When I graduate, I hope to find myself gainfully employed as either a journalist or photographer (or both) following the fine sport of motorcycle racing. That's the goal anyway, in the meantime I'm open to pretty much anything. I don't imagine there's much risk of IED strikes, or indirect fire attacks in the Austin area, so that's a huge improvement over my current employment! My apologies if this is out of line in any way, I'm just trying to cover as much ground as possible before I get back to the US.

Thanks,
Anthony Martinez, SGT
USA, IN

[Murph]

I know its a little further than you wanted but Fort Sam Houston is fixing to add 3,000+ civilians for Army Hospital HQ south. Also with SouthCom coming to Fort Sam, they are getting even more. Look into that.

[pepper52]

Make sure that you take advantage of the transition centers at a local military base. It is an essential part of your transition from the military to the civilian sector. They will assist you in developing resumes that will enhance your skill sets and experience. If you find the right team, they will also assist you in making contact with employers in your area. I have seen soldiers laugh at this part of the transition process and later regret not taking advantage of all their resources. The terms "OPORDS and FRAGOS" would be revised to your emphasize your skills in written and verbal communications. They will assist you in revising your NCO skill sets to supervisory skill sets. I highly recommend the Fort Sam Houston Transition Center but you may find something closer to San Marcos. Don't forget to join veterans groups and work their employer contact system. Best of luck to you during your transition and congratulations on your acceptance and attendance to Texas State.

[MikeyG1965]

Thank you for your service.

Best of luck to you. The Fort Sam Houston information sounds pretty good.

[Anthony Martinez]

Thanks for the information folks. My use of acronyms is limited to posting here, my résumé uses plain English ;)

I full intend to use ACAP to the fullest, and welcome the recommendation of the FSHTX location. I was trying to decide between FSHTX and FHTX (the two ACAP centers close to Austin). Planning to live in Austin, might make Ft. Sam a bit far to go for work, but I'll definitely keep it in mind should I end up more in the San Marcos area. The SV gets 50+mpg, so at least I won't be killing myself at the pump.