Page 13 - Spring 2014 World of Welding

hiwt@welding.org HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY

VETERANS Navy officers. They were a great opportunity to network and
see what companies were hiring. More than 70% of jobs are
(Continued from page 12) found through a network and today you have the option to
network through the internet as well.

veterans on all the job opportunities in the industry. 6. Research different careers. Maintenance and reliability
is a growing field with many openings for skilled veterans,
In Knight’s experience, the military did not prepare him to leave but people are unaware these jobs exist. When you leave the
the service and build a successful career in manufacturing. military, take some time and look into different industries and
The military’s agenda is not to train men and women to be careers.
civilians. They are interested in training soldiers and keeping
them in the military. So what should veterans do to find work You will be surprised how many companies are looking for
after leaving the service? someone with your qualifications or may be willing to direct
you to the training you need to meet their requirements.
1. Start early. Start looking for jobs six months to a year
before leaving the military. I spent a year before I left the EDITORIAL NOTE:
Navy networking, rewriting my resume and applying for jobs.
The Hobart Institute has accepted students under the G.I. Bill
2. Translate military skills into civilian skills. Companies since 1950. For the second time in two years, the Institute
received recognition as a Military Friendly School ranking it
in the civilian sector are not familiar with military jargon, in the top 20% of all colleges, universities, and trade schools
so take some time to rewrite your resume, tailoring it to the nationwide that are doing the most to embrace America’s
civilian business sector. military service members, veterans, and spouses as students
and ensure their success on campus. The 2014 list of Military
3. Don’t rely on getting a college degree. Leaving the Friendly Schools® was compiled through extensive research
military you are told to go back to school and earn a college and a data-driven survey of more than 10,000 schools
degree, which can mean two to four years before you have nationwide approved for VA tuition funding. The survey results
Celebrating 50 years of service to
a steady income. Many maintenance and reliability jobs do that comprise the 2014 list were independently tested by Ernst
& Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology
not require a college degree and you can immediately apply established by Victory Media. Each year schools taking the
Industry providing Tooling, Machining
for these positions. Or consider attending a shorter program, survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year
and Special Systems.
such as a welding program at a school like Hobart Institute of via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed
1040 S. Dorset, Troy Ohio 45373 Ph: 937-440-2500 Fax: 937-440-2551
Welding Technology, where you can be through school and in with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB)
the workforce within five to nine months. consisting of educators from schools across the country.
4. Get certified. The VA reimburses veterans for the cost of
the Certified Maintenance
and Reliability Professional
exam, which validates skills
and experience, and SMRP
offers a discounted price to
service men and women to
offset the initial cost of the
exam. Take advantage of
programs offered by the VA
and nonprofits like SMRP. A
certification shows that you
have the knowledge, skills
and abilities for a given job.
Hobart Institute also offers
certifications for welders.

5. Network. When I was
looking for a job, I attended Celebrating 50 years of service to Industry
meetings for Navy Engineers, providing Tooling, Machining and Special Systems.
Service Academy clubs and
1040 S. Dorset, Troy, Ohio 45373 Ph: 937-440-2500 Fax: 937-440-2551

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