James Bibow @jamesbibow  Reputation - 2 Rank - Aluminum | Hello all- Im a new member here, and this is my first post here. I have a question regarding what direction to take my career in. Ill explain: Im military and a DOD certified LSS Black Belt with currently 5 years experience and the below listed certs. I have ran a mid sized LSS program office completing about 30 RIEs, and 4 BB Projects a year with success and qualified (DOD) 40+ green belts and 6 Black Belts. Currently, Im implementing a LSS program across a 5000 person command, operating as a Master Black Belt. I have extensive teaching and coaching experience and have led a few very large events with documented success. Certs (All DOD certified)
BS Business
LSS Black Belt
Lean Practitioner
TOC Expert (SCTDE)
Green Belt Instructor and instructor qualifier
Green Belt My question is this: Ill be leaving the military in a little under 3 years, and Ill be looking to continue in the corporate world the same field. Ill be leaving once my current job place is fully up and running and self sustaining, but during the mean time, Im curious as to what area I should focus on to make me the MOST employable at that point with 8 years experience. Any advice i6ers? Thanks! |
MBBinWI @MBBinWI Reputation - 1829 Rank - Silver | Regardless of your certs and experience, I’ve found many organizations either discount government (and believe me, the military is government) implementations or they believe that they are “different” than any other organization, so they want folks with expertise in their industry. That said, I’m finding that logistics is a current issue needing attention in industry. You should have plenty of opportunity to run projects in that area. Good Luck! |
dale mchaney @drm901 Reputation - 0 Rank - Aluminum | I’ve interviewed quite a few DoD BBs for positions. I think their knowledge base is quite good. The challenge, and key difference between the military and business world, is we can’t order or mandate someone to implement a solution. So, play up the conflict resolution and solution selling situations you have had to work in. As far as topics, I suggest supply chain & logistics. Given the economy, Lean and value stream mapping will be hot areas for the next 5 years. |
Tim McCardle @timmccardle  Reputation - 7 Rank - Aluminum | James, Your qualifications are impressive and show a lot of initiative. I retired from the Marine Corps last year. I had finished my MBA but had only obtained a LSS Greenbelt. I encountered hesitation to train E-9′s beyond the Whitebelt level, partially because we are seen as dinosaur’s. After I transitioned I moved into a position where I am designing and leading the implementation of Lean in the heavy highway and bridge construction industry. Reducing waste is the near term goal with reducing variation an long term goal. This is a new initiative for this company and I am the first one in this position. That is good but challenging at times. What I don’t know I need to figure out fast. By the definition of the role, I am working at a BB level. “MBB in WI” is correct that there is some discounting of military experience by civilians. That doesn’t just apply to LSS. Some interviewers were surprised that I could actually do more than dig a fighting hole and shoot a rifle. Some of the smaller industries you may interview with hold on to the old school thought that educational degrees carry more weight than certifications. In the 3 years you have left before transition, finish as much college as possible. This will broaden your opportunity for employment. Hopefully in three years, the employment outlook will be better. If I can help you in anyway, please contact me. Semper Fi,
Tim McCardle  |
July 12, 20110
Tim McCardle 308 days ago.
