Transitioning

July 31, 2008 – 8:51 am
Being that this is my fist blog, I suppose that I should take some time and explain who I am and what lead me to the decision to pursue an MBA.

          I attended the University of Illinios at Champaign-Urbana on an NROTC scholarship where I studied Aerospace Engineering.  After being crushed intellectually on a daily basis, I graduated in December of 2003.  Almost immediately thereafter I got married, and headed off to TBS to learn how to be a Marine Officer, and then to Logistics Operations Course to learn how to be a Logistics Officer.

          I have absolutely nothing bad say about my time in the military.  I loved the experience and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, but there is a reason that it is called service.  You are a servent of those that work for you and the United States of America.  More often than not, the place that people pay the price of that service is at home.  The challenges that a service member faces in regards to family are unlike those that you will find in any other occupation.  With long deployments and increased operational tempo it no wonder that the services are a wasteland of broken homes and troubled marriages.  Some people can make the situation work, but I didn’t want to, so I decided pretty early on that the military was not going to be a long term career choice for me.

          With this decision out of the way, I had to start weighing my other options.  I heard a lot of talk while I was in the Marine Corps about how companies would be clamoring for me once I got out.  To be honest with you, I didn’t have much faith in that.  I’m sure that I could have found a job, but I wasn’t sure that I could have found the type of job that I was looking for, or that I would have the skill set to progress in a company.  Despite the fact that I attended a good engineering school for my undergraduate and gained a lot of leadership and life experience in the Marine Corps, I didn’t feel that my education meshed well with my practical experience.  An MBA seemed like the best way to tie those two things together, and my military experience certainly gave me a leg up when applying to business schools.

           I think that when I first started looking into MBA programs I was putting too much weight on school rankings.  While rankings are important, there is more to a business school than what rank it is assigned.  There are hundreds of options available and each persons situation is unique.  If you are thinking about getting an MBA, I would recommend that you do some research and visit the campuses before commiting anywhere.  There is truly not going to be that much difference in starting salaries for MBAs from top tier schools, but you will find a vast difference in culture and student development philosophy.  What school is right for you depends largely on how that school meshes with your personality.  For me, Washington University in St. Louis was the right choice.  It is a top tier business school, but it also was just the right fit for me in terms of size and culture.

           Classes begin on the 4th of August and I can’t wait for the new challenge. 

By Andrew | Posted in Gateway to an MBA | Comments (0)

Do they really understand?

May 29, 2008 – 11:00 am

“Teamwork, strong work ethic, sense of duty, reliability, leadership potential, professional appearance, self-confidence, self-motivated, self-starter…” and the list goes on and on.  Employers ask for these traits and then we, as Veteran employment professionals, tell those employers that we have people (Veteran job seekers) that match those qualifications perfectly.  However, I wonder if most employers have the same level of expectation that we (as military members) put on those concepts.

I’m inclined to think they don’t; here’s my opinion:  In the military we are / were expected to “think on our feet” and “to do what has to be done, as we see a need.”  Doing this in the civilian world can be mistaken for being insubordinate, over-stepping your job duties, and even being a fanatical over-achiever.  When we see someone failing to meet the standards we will typically point it out for them. We tend to have little tolerance for “slackers” and “whiners”. If we came out of the military under circumstances beyond our control, we’re the types of people who will strive to do the best job we can and improve ourselves at every possible chance.  This usually means volunteering for all the schools and training needed for the most rapid advancement possible.  While others around us are grumbling about having to drive a couple of hours for some “worthless meeting”, we see it as another opportunity to rack up some money on travel, see something interesting along the way, and (amazingly enough) we might actually learn something.  We also, typically, have a better understanding of the “Do more with less”, type of mentality (as that is the way the administrations have been taking us since the mid-80’s).  To us, that’s the way of life; to others, our attitudes toward these things are not always well perceived. 

Here’s a very recent example:  A very good friend of mine is currently home on leave, from Camp Bucca, Iraq.  He’s an armorer / supply guy.  The ambient temperature at his duty station is around 120 F.  His work space is a shipping container (connex), the temperature inside it hovers around 150 F, during the day.  He finally got an air conditioner, that will keep it around 100 F.  … How many people, in the (American) civilian sector, would ever be willing to work in conditions like that?  As Veterans who have been “there”, we know that no matter how bad the situation might seem it can get worse!

So, how do we “adapt and overcome” the situation?  How do we demonstrate these behaviors and attitudes, to the employers, as an asset instead of a liability?  First, we must be able to recognize these things within ourselves.  Second, there must be some level of conformity.  We can’t just blow through and “seize the objective”.  It takes a degree of “pacifying the hearts and minds” of our employers.  Let them understand that you want to use your superhero powers to help their company, not to cause problems.  Third, employers must be educated about Veterans.  Right now there is a fraction, of the upper-level management groups, that are not receptive to Veterans or their causes.  However, we are seeing a change, as the older management staff and younger staff transition; companies are seeing the benefits of being “Veteran friendly” and more understanding.  My final thought is to do your homework!  Look around, talk to other workers, and research the company.  If they aren’t Veteran friendly, and the other workers don’t seem like folks you could work with, on a daily basis, then go somewhere else.  Don’t lock yourself into something that will only cause you more stress and problems than you already have.  Believe me… it’s not worth it!

By Bill | Posted in There and Back | Comments (1)

My Two Year Anniversary

March 20, 2008 – 9:16 am

It’s been exactly two years since I left the Navy. Well, close since my last real day on the boat was St Patrick’s Day 2006. The only thing I had was an accepted business school position at Washington University and not much else. I didn’t even have an apartment, so I had to crash on an Army classmate’s couch for a couple of nights until I found one. How’s that for looking ahead!

I’m still glad I did this. I’m sure most of you know it’s tough being in the military and not having much experience with the outside world of jobs. So these two years have been very worth it and very necessary to my development. Could I have done it alone without school? Sure, but I don’t think I would have as good of a job lined up, I wouldn’t have the same skills, and I surely wouldn’t have met a great group of new friends who never wore a uniform. Coming to Washington University was still a good choice.

By the way, my team won in our industry in the capstone course. That preparation paid off along with a lot of team work.

By Jake | Posted in G.I. Jobs Blog, Gateway to an MBA | Tagged | Comments (0)

Looking for Second Income? Beware of Pyramid Schemes / Multi Level Marketing (MLM)

February 9, 2008 – 2:59 pm

Looking for a second income to augment your military/retirement pay? WATCH OUT for Multi Level Marketing (MLM)/pyramid schemes! The attraction is great; “Be your own boss! Earn a lot of money! Quick and easy! Work from your own home! exciting work environment! No Fees!” …but: I know personally of a bank President (Bill T) with a degree in accounting who signed up with a company that sells a “Cure All” but none these promises came true! In fact he lost a great deal of money having to buy a worthless product that ended up in his basement. A friend (Phil S.) who had a Masters in Education wanted to involve me but I refused. The last time I heard from him, he was forced to sell his home but he did get a job as a teacher in New York. When I was in a class for an MBA, the instructor brought up the subject of MLM. A person mentioned that he had a basement corner full of cosmetics. The instructor asked if anyone else got involved with a MLM and about half the class (all high level managers and business owners) raised their hand. I didn’t.

When is an MLM company a pyramid scheme and when is it legal? Opinions differ and as do pyramid definitions. In my opinion, MLM’s are almost always pyramid operations. At face level, MLM’s look legal and inviting. This is because little people know what they are even when they are involved in one. One claim by a MLM spokesman is, “No one pays a penny to join… In fact, we do not make any money at all until someone buys something from us.”

In reality, the “profit” is made from the exponential expansion of participants (”Distributors” etc) at each level. Each distributor purchases the “product” (in lieu of investment fees) and resells it to another distributor at lower levels; keeping a percentage of the sale as well as sales made at lower levels. Most all profit is not from the sales directly to outside consumers. As the scheme expands, enrollments continue (supposedly) to infinity: Level #1= 8 distributors; Level #2= 64 distributors Level #3= 512 distributors Level #4= 4,096 distributors Level #5= 32,768 distributors Level #6= 262,144 distributors Level #7= 2,097,152 distributors Level #8= 16,777,216 distributors

Participants at the very top make huge amounts money from percentages of sales made by lower level participant who are doing all the work looking for other distributors. The supply of distributors runs short quickly as shown above.

At level six, there are 262,144 distributors (20,000 more than the population of Lincoln, Nebraska) who need to recruit 2,097,152 (Population 0f Utah, 2001) additional distributors. With population exhausted, like a house made of playing cards that fall when a few cards at the bottom are pulled out, a lot of people will lose, guaranteed.

For more detailed information go to; http://www.pyramidschemealert.org/PSAMain/home.html

By Nelson | Posted in G.I. Jobs Blog, The Veteran Advisor | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Life Is A Game

January 30, 2008 – 9:58 am

Today’s analogy is geared more towards our “newly disabled” brothers and sisters, who are transitioning out of the military “due to circumstances beyond their control”… those currently (or recently) in the Warrior Transition Units, Medical Hold, or whatever the circumstance. I relate this analogy from the perspective of one who has gone through it myself.

“Life is like a box of chocolates…” That’s a famous quote from one of my all-time favorite heroes, Forest Gump. The way I see it, life is a like a game and we’re all trying to do our best to be successful at it. Hopefully most of you will remember the board game Chutes and Ladders (Hasbro Games). For those who don’t… Google Image search for it and this will make more sense. *Quick run-down: board game, roll the dice to move however many number of spaces, land on a space with a ladder and progress upwards to potentially outrun your competitors, land on a space with a chute and slide backwards potentially getting behind the competition and having to try to catch up, the third possibility is to never hit either one and just maintain a slow but steady pace, the winner gets to the top first.

The way I see it, is that just by raising your right hand and swearing in to the military, you started on your way up the first ladder, gaining a foothold over your peers (competitors). Next is your basic training and specific skill training. Then perhaps you went through some Non-Commissioned Officer schools (or even some who have gone to Officer Candidate School or ROTC). All of these things you have accomplished have been at a relatively early age, compared to your peer groups in the civilian world. These are the things I associate with the “ladders” of the game, that have allowed you to get ahead quicker in the game.

Then all of the sudden something bad happened! Now you have to leave the military before you were ready; and it’s usually in a drastic and dramatic way. These are the “chutes” I’ve referred to. Typically a person returns to their hometown, waiting in limbo for all the VA appointments, filing for unemployment, trying to re-adjust back into the civilian world, while all the time having to deal with physical or mental problems that very few people around them understand. This can really put a person “behind the power curve” so to speak. Now you are having to play catch-up. Fortunately, there will be some more “ladders” for you, depending on your VA ratings, and some other factors. The trick is to be able to recognize those “ladders” as they are presented (education and training, career advancements, re-establish family bonds, positive social activities) and to avoid more chutes (substance abuse, disruptive behaviors, and other self-destructive situations). Remember that life is a game to be played. There is always some level of strategy, risk, faith, and luck involved in everything we do. Remember, too, that there are a lot of “old-timers” out there, who are more than willing to lend a hand, listen to ideas, and offer support if you’ll just ask. You are not alone and have not been abandoned, even though it will definitely feel like it sometimes… and it will happen, you can be sure of that.

A little side note for those who don’t remember the board games… maybe you are an “on-line, multi-player, gamer”. When you are running around in your virtual world, and perhaps come upon a territory you are not familiar with, there is usually someone around who knows the area and the “where to go and what to do stuff”… from what I’ve seen, these people are usually very helpful and willing. That is what I’m saying about us “old-timers”… we’ve been there and will help at any chance we have.

Another thought for another group: “Dungeon-Masters”… we have the answers you seek on your quest. (if you get it… you get it)

Homework: look around you… analyze your game to see what are the “ladders” to help you get back in the game, and what are the “chutes” to avoid slipping further back. If you’re not sure, ask someone. We’re all in this together to help each other. All that “teamwork” stuff still applies, even if we don’t still wear a uniform. Good Luck!

By Bill | Posted in G.I. Jobs Blog, There and Back | Tagged | Comments (0)

First & Last-ing Impressions

January 22, 2008 – 10:04 am

What impressions to do you make on others around you? Do they consider you happy, cheerful, full of energy and hope, intelligent, hard-worker, “well-rounded”? Or maybe they think of you as being angry, sullen, narcissistic, vain, vulgar, shallow-minded, or even a “chip-on-the-shoulder-wearing” sort of person? A big part of how others perceive us is based on what we allow them to see.

First off, we have our initial impression, also seen sometimes as stereotypes. As a plumber, I would normally be seen wearing my overalls (’cause crack kills), work boots, and ball cap. In a military uniform, people initially notice the obvious attachment to the military, then the rank, and then other subtle details. As a businessman, if I am dressed in a suit and tie, people tend to have certain perceptions associated with that. If I was to walk around in my Mensa T-shirt, (those who know) would perceive me as gloating, being a “know-it-all”, or just an above average guy. One could go on and on with these sorts of examples; you can come up with your own. I say all that to say this: That if someone who only knew me as the overalls wearing “mud-up-to-my-elbows” plumber, would they still consider me to be the same college educated businessman, who wears a suit and is a member of two of the most highly respected organizations in the world? Nope, probably not. When you are out there looking for a new job, career, etc. consider that people will be looking at your initial impression. You might have a good suit picked out for the interview process, but if you walk in to leave a resume or pick up an application and you don’t look the part… that will be noticed by someone. You may not ever know who sees you, or what their part is in the process, but it will make an impression on someone. Not only what you are wearing, but how you conduct yourself and interact with those around you, will convey a definite statement. Not too many companies are looking for some shy, introverted, loner. (There are personality tests out there in the internet to help you discover if that pertains to you.) Today’s business world is so dynamic that companies tend to look more for someone who seems happy and outgoing. Not only do they tend to get along better with co-workers, but they usually stay with a company better than people who are never happy with anything. So remember: appearance and attitude will determine the initial impression.

Second is the lasting impression (or maybe the long-lasting impression). If and when you get the career you’ve been looking for, you will develop a working relationship with your co-workers. You will get to know their personalities and vice-versa. Let’s say that during the application and interview process you put on your best smile and happy-go-lucky-glad-to-be-here attitude, and got the job; now what? Now you either have to be genuinely happy or be a disappointment to whom-ever hired your “winning attitude”. We all know someone who is just a grumpy-guss (perhaps that is you), but we’ve learned to adapt to their ways and adjust accordingly. This is an area in which we have the advantage over civilians, due to the variety of personalities in the military. We also know some other personalities, in our workplaces: Happy-bubbly, Nervous, Office Gossip, Hypochondriac, Do-gooder, the twins Loudmouth and Foulmouth, and then the one I refer to as Eeore (just mopes around, never excited). What sort of personality are you? What influence do you have on your co-workers? Are you the sort that people want to be around? Are you a good representation, of your company, for others who are looking into your fish-bowl world? Whatever your personality type, you will have to deal with it. Some of you will be old enough to remember Eddie (Wally’s friend) from Leave it to Beaver (back in the day). He would have one persona that he would display in front of the parents, and a completely different one when it was just “the guys”. With that sort of personality type, no one respected him (at least most of the viewers didn’t).

Whatever you personality is, when you make it into the job, you have three basic options: Regress, Progress, or Maintain. Maintain is acceptable, but to progress is a better way. The more you regress, however, the less effective you will become in your career and with your co-workers. If your normal personality is a fairly mild-tempered one and one day you just snap… that is ok. If you snap easily and on a regular basis, people will tend to avoid talking, as no one likes to have their head bit off for no apparent reason.

Maybe some or all of this will make sense to some of you. I highly recommend checking out some of the personality tests available on-line. While these do not replace actual psychological exams administered by authorized persons, they can be fairly accurate, fun, and informative. Some even have lists of potential employment industries for each different personality. Whatever you do, just keep doing the best that you can, and definitely ask for help when it is necessary!

By Bill | Posted in G.I. Jobs Blog, There and Back | Tagged | Comments (0)

Not Letting A Service-Connected Disability Become A Self Fulfilled Prophecy

January 8, 2008 – 3:01 pm

What distinguishes man from other forms of live is man is able to maintain beliefs, especially about his self. Constantly having thoughts, feelings and behavior of a specific personal phenomenon may cause that phenomenon to become more pronounced, to the point of being his identity. This includes being disabled. It’s called self-fulfilled prophecy or self-validated phenomenon and it happens when a disabled person becomes so focused on his disability that it becomes his identity. He discounts other areas such as intelligence, imagination or creativity: which validates his identity. Of course I am NOT taking about those with a legitimate severe disability and those with a cognitive disorder. I was a veteran’s representative for 16 plus years; as a Title IV-C Program Manager, Disabled Veterans Employment Representative, and Local Veterans Employment Representative. I have been in the counseling field of work for 30 years (1974-2007), during which time I have actually interviewed hundreds of veterans. One dynamic I have seen in several different configurations is self-defeating behavior; and a person not being discreet of whom and when to mention having a disability is how it could be harmful.

One day a middle aged veteran came into my office (ok, ok cubical), and spent no less than an hour telling me in detail all about his disabilities; from his hair to toe nails and what he can’t do. I asked one question: “OK, what CAN you do?” He was stumped but I noticed that he had been standing a lot (although there was a chair); so I asked him, “Can you stand?” When he said “…(pause)..yes,” I told him I have a job for him. I sent him through Flaggers School and referred him to a job with Department of Transportation. He got a job as a flagger and later a Tool Room Worker. I learned then to look at abilities rather than disabilities.

I know another person who is a quadriplegic. She can barely move three fingers on her right hand. She however requested a laptop with a finger pad so she could learn computer programming. She was in school sponsored by State Vocational Rehabilitation.

I was the counselor for a 55 year old man who was laid off when Geneva Steel went bankrupt. He didn’t know what to do next. He repeatedly said “I’m too old… .” He wanted a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management; he had an Associates. When it came to his Pre-Calculus classes, he wanted to drop out. I referred him to some tutors for help and he passed Pre-Cal with a B+. Not only did he learn Pre-cal but he discovered something about his self. “I am NOT too old to learn.” He also shaved his white beard.

In 1972 I was teaching the Special Olympic Field & Track and Swimming participants. One impaired girl could swim like a fish but she refused to dive. I offered to buy her a candy bar she really liked if she would dive. She dived off the edge of the pool like a pro. It was also the first time I heard her say “I can…”. She was so proud that she didn’t want the candy bar. Her parents who said “She can’t…” were said it was difficult to believe that she did dive.

I think it takes determination and bravery, goal setting and more to overcome the barriers we create for our self. I think the reward of changing our self image to being empowered, and accomplishing more than we thought possible is priceless.

By Nelson | Posted in G.I. Jobs Blog, The Veteran Advisor | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

The second year of the MBA is very different from the first

October 26, 2007 – 9:17 am

A few days ago I was walking past the team meeting rooms where the first year students were working on a case. I saw them hard at work on an Operations case affectionately called “Cranberry”. It took my group a lot of thinking last year - hour after hour of brainstorming, hypothesizing, and calculating. It’s safe to say I was glad to be on the outside looking in.

Seeing those first years hard at work got me thinking back to this time last October. That first year resembled drinking from a fire hose. You are behind nearly every day. So many of us, especially from the military, just aren’t used to seeing business terms. One concept is not hard, but dozens of new ones coming at you every day is. Only a few students in the middle of that first semester can see the point in all of it.

Then you come out the other side. My classes since that first semester are all unique twists on those initial concepts. I grow, but at a speed that is allowing me to look deeply at what really interests me. I have an independent study this semester and several classes that I know for sure are going to be vital to what I will be doing in my first job.

If any of you are coming out here to Washington University or any other school for visits, be sure to stop and look at those first year students frantically trying to keep up. That could be you very soon. But don’t forget to talk to us second years to put their work in perspective.

By Jake | Posted in G.I. Jobs Blog, Gateway to an MBA | Comments (0)