Dear Chris,

Thank you for inquiring about the AOG Career Transition Services on behalf of your class. There are a number of services that AOG provides andI will discuss the principal ones in the context of a search for a position. The entire list of services can be reviewed by checking the AOG homepage http://www.aog.usma.edu./ Once there click on Alumni Support and then clickon Career Transition Services.

First, the graduate is most likely to find a good position with a good company if the graduates are personally active with their search. A graduate seeking a position must use all available sources of help. This requires networking!! I recommend a broad front attack as the course of action for finding a position. This means the graduate should use personal networking, use the AOG Career Transition Services, use 2-3 recruiters, and use the Internet.

The best personal networking tool available is the Service Academy Business Resource Directory (SABRD). The AOG USMA, in coordination with the Alumni Associations of Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, annually publish the Service Academy Business Resource Directory (SABRD). It is organized by geographical location, by industry, by company, by graduate class and by individual names alphabetically. The synergy of academy graduates working together is proving to be marvelously successful. Graduates willing to network with other graduates have indicated this in the SABRD. If anyonein the Class of 1995 is considering career transition from the Army, they  must have the SABRD in hand. If they do not have it, they can quickly get the 1999 version by calling 800-232-4723 ext 1613. The SABRD is available in both CD-ROM and book form. It will be sent via by priority mail. I would recommend that they not wait for the 2000 version as it will not be available until late April 2000. Networking takes time and waiting until
April or May is too late for those concluding their five year military commitment. The 2000 SABRD costs $41.95 which includes priority mail shipping and handling. This may seem steep but you are investing in yourself and your family's future.

To use the SABRD one must personally network with any graduate listed in SABRD, regardless of the academy from which they graduated. However, as a matter of courtesy, you should as a minimum visit the homepage of the company involved before calling a networking contact. Review the homepage and attempt to determine the business unit in the company where you can contribute to the company's profitability. Then, call and open the discussion from that perspective. If you are asked for a resume, you must be prepared to send it email immediately. I recommend that you follow up the email by mailing a copy of the resume with a thank you note.

Secondly, each year the Joint Alumni Associations conduct two Service Academy Career Conferences (SACC). The next one will be in Dallas, Texas (18-21 October 1999). There will be 70+ companies in attendance. The cost is $20. To attend the SACC, attendees must also place their resume on the Joint Academy Resume Database System (JSARDS). There is no cost to post your resume. Two hard copies of your one page resume must be mailed with your SACC participation fee. With JSARDS you will also be asked to post your photo and recent evaluations. Additionally, you will be asked to  answer four basic interview questions via phone and these will be recorded in the database. Be sure that you are ready to interview before you proceed with the interview via phone. Post the resume as soon as possible and complete the other requirements as time permits. JSARDS also allows graduates to hyperlink spouse's resumes should they be looking for employment as well. The corporation representatives participating in the SACC review the hard copy resumes and the resume data base the day prior to the conference.

Thus, when you attend, you must be ready for initial interviews. More details on the Oct 1999 SACC and JSARDS are available by checking the AOG webpage http://www.aog.usma.edu./ The second SACC will be held in April 2000. Details will be announced later this fall.
 
Thirdly, undoubtedly, some of your classmates are currently dealing with recruiters. They come in all sizes and shapes. Some are excellent and some are not. I recommend that you deal with 2-3 recruiters. If a recruiting firm asks you to sign an exclusive agreement with them, I recommend that you do not do it. To do so limits your ability to explore the many
opportunities that may be available to you. The bottom line is that a recruiter gets paid handsomely when you accept an offer from a company. When you get an offer through a recruiter and you feel that it is not really right for you, then the recruiter will frequently strike at your loyalty.
 
If the job is not right for you, then do not accept it! You must have the courage to walk away. In a job hunt, you owe nothing to recruiters. You must place the best interest of your family and yourself first. On the other hand, some recruiters will be of great assistance and help you to negotiate a fair salary, etc. As you deal with the recruiters, you will sense whether the recruiter is good or not.

Fourthly, using the Internet is another useful means to seek employment. The AOG has established a partnership with JobTrak. This can be used by entering it through the AOG website. You can email your resume to many companies that advertise jobs through this site. Additionally, you can visit http://www.defender.west-point.org/service/jobbank There you will find some listings of positions and you can make direct contact with those who have listed positions. At the Career Transition section of the AOG homepage, you will find a more extensive listing of internet sites which might be of value to you.

Chris, I hope this basic description of AOG's Career Transition Services is of help to you and your classmates. A number of your classmates have already made contact with the AOG, and we are helping them with the career transition process. If you or your classmates have any questions, please have them contact us at 800-232-4723 ext 1613 or 1610.

Best wishes from West Point.

Sincerely,
Jim Blake
Director, Alumni Services

Anthony P. Ferraiuolo, Sr.
Director, Class Support Program
Association of Graduates
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