RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Randolph Transition Assistance Program hosts a special "Marketing Yourself for a Second Career" seminar Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon at the base theater.
The annual briefing, conducted by retired Col. Dick Crampton, a Washington lecturer on career transition from military to civilian employment, is geared toward NCOs and officers nearing retirement and their spouses, but anyone is welcome to attend.
"Those military members considering retirement and transitioning into the civilian job market should definitely make time to attend this briefing, especially with the Semi-Annual San Antonio Military Community Job Fair coming up at the end of the month," said Ray Ramos, Randolph TAP manager. "Colonel Crampton brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and covers just about every aspect there is to consider."
During the lecture, Colonel Crampton discusses the competitive nature of the civilian job market, perceptions civilian employers have regarding military members, job search planning, resume writing, networking, planning and conducting successful interviews and negotiating salary and benefits.
"I've been dealing with those in transition for over 10 years," said Colonel Crampton, who now works as the Military Officers Association of America Officer Placement Service director. "Between aviation assignments in the Army, I served twice as an instructor and two tours at the Army's personnel center."
"I also commanded as a captain, major, lieutenant colonel and colonel," he said. "So I spent a lot of time in the services teaching, training, giving classes and lecturing. I felt doing something like this (teaching military members how to market themselves for a second career) was the right thing to do and here I am."
The colonel said that while Thursday's lecture is important, those considering retirement should take advantage of all of the programs and resources the base TAP has to offer.
"I personally have been coming to Randolph for the last 10 years and I feel that here, like most of the places I visit (we give approximately 200 lectures a year), that our presentation augments and supports the outstanding service provided by Randolph's professional transition team," he said. "We may have a different spin on some things people have already heard and believe the more they hear the better they're prepared for a successful transition."
The seminar is free and those who participate also receive a copy of the book "Marketing Yourself for a Second Career."
Those interested in finding out more about the transition assistance program should visit Mr. Ramos or Vicki Beaudoin at the Airman and Family Readiness Flight in Building 693.