Dear CareerBabe:

I'm transitioning from a 21 year Air Force enlisted career in communications. I want to work in a mid-level network management/support position while I pursue my education. What should I use to best market myself for a high tech career and how does the market look for me in central Massachusetts? I only have an AS degree (1981), although I do have several recent commercial technical courses under my belt. I managed a WAN at the Pentagon, served as the theater coordinator for two systems in Europe, and managed a software maintenance activity in Oklahoma City for a proprietary government system fielded in Europe. I've supervised 4 to 10 people during these assignments and interacted with various engineering and project management activities, and with many customers. I have not had hands-on experience during this time. The systems I managed were all older technology. However, I am familiar with the newer technology. I'm very interested and open to work in several communications/network engineering/integration/operations areas. So, I have a lot of prior technical and supervisory/management experience but for older technology systems. Thanks for your help.

Signed:
Work Wanted in Worcester

Dear Worcester:

First, let's look at what you have going for you and where you will need to "fill in the gaps." First, you are technical and experienced. You have managed people, been responsible for projects and have a wide range of experience. You are probably fairly young - in your 40's. On the downside, your experience is with systems that are "older" and companies may view you as "rigid". So, here are a few tips:

Start building your personal networks both on and off-line. Find and stay in touch with people who have made the transition. Go to on-line chats, i.e. AOL where grown-ups are and identify yourself as a job seeker. Tell people exactly what you are looking for and where. Seek out not just training opportunities but specific places - even volunteer opportunities - where you can use those new skills. Don't wait for a paying job. Just get the skills under your belt and use them.

Last, start reading the paper and looking at the job ads that are in your field. Call the recruiters that work in those areas and ask them: What do I have to do to find work in this area (both technical and geographical). Then do exactly those things.

I personally have several examples of people who have made excellent transitions from your position. The fast way was to get certified in MSIE, Novell, or in Year 2000 work. I understand CSC sponsors a program. Get one or more of those certifications under your belt and I guarantee you will find work in short order.

Remember: your first goal is to work in business outside of military life and then to move up from there.

Wishing you SuccessAHEAD!