USAA - Spring 2015 - (Page 7)

How did you prep for a military separation? You told us on Facebook. "I fine-tuned my resume, practiced interviewing skills and made a copy of my medical records." PHOTOGR APH COURTESY OF USA A; GR APHIC SOURCE: THE PRINCETON REVIEW - Carrie B. "With help from the transition office, I turned my military experience into college credits." "Reduced my bills and debt dramatically, made several backup plans and lived way below my income." - Daniel S. I decided to pursue an MBA and really immerse myself in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment so I could learn how to properly build a solid, reputable company that hires veterans. I spoke with other veterans who attended business school, and I tapped every available resource at my local Veterans Affairs office, including GMAT exam tutors and essay coaches. I spent several months studying for the GMAT and putting together my application. It's important to strike a balance between talking about your military life and explaining how it will apply to civilian life and the future. My advice is to demonstrate, in your essays, how your experience in the military drove you to apply to grad school and what you will do once you graduate. The financial implications of not working and paying for two years of graduate school are significant, but I didn't have any student debt because I went to West Point. I have savings and investments, and I chose Stanford University, in part, because of a generous Yellow Ribbon Program that matches funds from the VA (when Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits can't fully cover education expenses) and other perks, like waived application fees The 12-Month and an active Veterans Grad School Prep Plan Club. And my pension MAY 2015 covers books, food, cellBegin researching phone, entertainment schools and prepping for the GRE. and housing. I would AUGUST 2015 have taken out loans if I Take the GRE didn't have all the finanand start writing cial support made availyour statement of purpose. able to me as a result of my military service. Military experience is OCTOBER 2015 respec ted a nd well Solicit recomregarded, but I can't mendations and visit schools, if stand on that reputation possible. for the rest of my life. Nothing will ever comDECEMBER 2015 pare to leading soldiers Complete and in battle. But come June, submit applications. I'll have a prestigious degree and the knowlJANUARY 2016 File for financial edge that will allow me to aid and explore take my business to the scholarships. APRIL 2016 next level. I wouldn't Celebrate your change a thing. acceptances! - John V. NEXT STEPS Navigate Your Transition Try these free online tools to chart your course and search for jobs. "To execute a successful transition, you'll need to apply the same discipline you applied to the military mission," says Tim Kiesow, director of military life advice with USAA. USAA's Separation Assessment Tool helps give you a clear picture of your financial standing today and whether you're ready to separate. Then our Separation Checklist can guide you through important steps involving your job change, moving plans, personal finances and education opportunities. Begin Next, the Job Finder preparing for tool can help you create a your re-entry to winning resume and search civilian life at usaa.com/ national job listings to find leavingthe positions that match your military expertise. SPRING 2015 USA A 7 http://usaa.com/leavingthemilitary?wa_ref=USAAmag http://usaa.com/leavingthemilitary?wa_ref=USAAmag

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USAA - Spring 2015