Attendees at a recent MOAA transition seminar had a simple message for those considering their post-uniform careers – whether you’re looking to leave service in a few months or a few years, the time to start making plans is now.

“Get involved early,” said Cmdr. Robert Myers, USN, who took part in MOAA’s Executive Career Transition Accelerator on May 15 at association headquarters in Alexandria, Va. “One of the biggest surprises I had is the length of time it can take. But overall, setting yourself up, being deliberate and aggressive in your timeline to sign up for these courses and build that network … no time like the present.”

The daylong MOAA seminar provides valuable resources for transitioning members who are just beginning the process, those who’ve already begun the prep work, and those who’ve already left uniform and are looking to refocus (or restart) their next steps. In-person and virtual attendance options are available.

“The transition process can be a little scary,” said Rear Adm. Benjamin Evans, NOAA (Ret), an in-person attendee at the May 15 event. “It’s certainly been scary for me, and so it’s nice to be in a group of people who are going through the same thing.”

Along with sharing transition experiences and best practices with fellow servicemembers, attendees receive guidance from the entire MOAA Transition and Career support team, covering areas such as:

• How to build a stronger professional network.
• How to hone a résumé, improve a LinkedIn profile, and ace a job interview.
• How to get the most out of executive search firms.
• How to take advantage of service-earned benefits, including TRICARE coverage options, to inform your professional prospects.

[RELATED: New Job Board Offers Career Opportunities to Veterans Who Served or Trained in Korea]

“No two post-service career paths are the same, but building a successful one, no matter the industry, involves some clear best practices,” said Andia Dinesen, MOAA’s senior director of Transition and Member Services. “Following those practices will speed up this process. That’s why the accelerator seminar can make a huge difference – you’ll spend less time looking and more time in a position you want with a salary you deserve.” 

Evans, who attended the seminar based on a recommendation from a fellow MOAA member, called the presentation “powerful” and noted its value for those finding it difficult to make time for transition prep while still in uniform.

“It’s hard,” Evans said. “It takes really deliberate planning to carve out space while you’re still on active duty to do that. But it’s time well spent.”

[RELATED: More Transition and Career Events From MOAA]

Myers said the class offered material “beyond what you’d get from the military.”

“Are we navigating correctly as we prepare for this next step? I think a class like this really delivers some of those insights,” he said.

Prospective attendees can visit MOAA.org/accelerate for information on upcoming sessions.