MAPP It Out

Now that you have gained insight into careers that may interest you, it's time to gather information on your current qualifications. Having a clear outline of your experience and qualifications can be extremely helpful when deciding on a career or generating a resume.

Accessing Your Military Experience and Training Records

Service members and veterans can find information on their military experience and training at the following websites:

• Army, Navy, and Marine Corps: Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)
• U.S. Coast Guard: Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) or request CG-4082 (USCG Record of Professional Development) from your unit's administrative office.
• Air Force and Space Force: Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript (Enlisted) or (MyVector) for officers and enlisted.

Additional Documents to Consider

- Transcripts

- Professional evaluations

- Letters of recommendation

- Certifications and licenses

- Certificates

- DD 214

Making an Informed Decision

With the information you've gathered, you can now make a well-informed decision about your career path. Whether you choose to stay in your current field or make a change, understanding your journey will help you find the way forward.

Researching Careers

When searching for a career that best suits you, consider:

- Industries and job roles that align with your interests and skills

- Informational interviews, job shadowing, internships, or volunteering to explore options

- Educational requirements, job outlook, salary potential, work environment, industry trends, and advancement opportunities

- Short-term and long-term implications of your career path

Other factors to consider include:

- Company and employee benefits

- Products and/or services

- Mission, policies, and leadership

- Performance reports, news stories, blog posts, and other media sources

Helpful Research Resources

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Provides information about the labor market for the next ten years

- CareerOneStop: Offers an Occupation Profile Demonstration tool to research different job markets

- Department of Defense Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (DOD COOL): Helps service members see how their military job relates to other military, federal civilian, and civilian occupations