From Cherry Point to Civilian Success: Your 7-Step Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Guide for Craven County

You’ve served your country with honor. You’ve mastered complex skills under pressure. You’ve led teams, solved problems, and executed missions that most civilians can’t even imagine. Now you’re facing what might feel like your toughest challenge yet: transitioning from military life at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station to a civilian career in Craven County.

If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the transition process, you’re not alone. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian life annually, and nearly 60% report significant challenges in finding employment that matches their skills and experience.

Here’s the reality: your military experience is incredibly valuable, but the civilian job market speaks a different language. The skills that made you successful in uniform—leadership, discipline, adaptability, problem-solving—are exactly what New Bern employers desperately need. The challenge is translating your military accomplishments into terms that civilian hiring managers understand and value.

Living in Craven County gives you a unique advantage. With Cherry Point as a major economic driver, local employers understand military culture better than most. New Bern’s business community actively seeks veteran talent. The infrastructure exists to support your transition—you just need to know how to leverage it.

This comprehensive guide walks you through seven critical steps for successfully transitioning from military service to a rewarding civilian career right here in Eastern North Carolina. Whether you’re retiring after 20 years or separating after your first enlistment, these strategies will help you land a job that honors your service while building your future.

Let’s turn your military experience into civilian career success.

Understanding the Craven County Job Market for Veterans

Before diving into transition strategies, let’s examine the local employment landscape and why Craven County offers unique opportunities for transitioning service members.

Major Employment Sectors in Craven County

Healthcare: CarolinaEast Health System, Coastal Carolina Health Care, and numerous medical practices actively recruit veterans for clinical and administrative roles. Military medics, corpsmen, and health services personnel find natural fits here.

Manufacturing and Industrial: BSH Home Appliances, Moen, and other manufacturing facilities value veterans’ technical skills, safety consciousness, and ability to follow procedures precisely. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, manufacturing represents over 18% of Craven County’s employment.

Government and Defense Contractors: Beyond Cherry Point itself, numerous defense contractors like Amentum, AECOM, and others maintain significant operations in the area. Your security clearance alone makes you incredibly valuable to these employers.

Hospitality and Tourism: New Bern’s historic downtown, Tryon Palace, and coastal attractions create steady demand in hospitality management—a field where military logistics and leadership skills translate directly.

Retail and Service: While often overlooked, retail management roles at businesses like Walmart, Food Lion, and local shops offer solid entry points with advancement potential for veterans demonstrating leadership.

Skilled Trades: Electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and construction professionals are in high demand. Your technical military training often provides a head start toward these well-paying careers.

Why Craven County Employers Value Veterans

Local businesses understand what many national employers miss: military personnel bring unmatched value. A 2024 study by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families found that companies hiring veterans report 92% higher retention rates and 88% higher productivity compared to civilian-only workforces.

New Bern employers specifically appreciate:

• Reliability: You show up on time, every time
• Work ethic: You complete missions regardless of obstacles
• Adaptability: You’ve thrived in constantly changing environments
• Leadership: You’ve motivated teams under the most challenging conditions
• Technical proficiency: You’ve mastered complex systems and equipment
• Security clearances: An immediate asset worth thousands in training costs
• Problem-solving: You’ve made critical decisions with limited information

The challenge isn’t convincing employers you’re valuable—it’s communicating your value in language they understand.

Step 1: Start Your Transition Before Separation

The biggest mistake transitioning service members make is waiting until terminal leave to think about their civilian career. Successful transitions begin 12-18 months before your separation date.

Leverage TAP (Transition Assistance Program)

Cherry Point’s TAP program offers resources specifically designed for service members leaving active duty. According to Marine Corps Community Services, participants who engage with TAP at least 12 months before separation find employment 47% faster than those who wait.

What TAP Provides:

• Resume writing workshops specifically for military-to-civilian translation
• Interview preparation tailored to veteran experiences
• Job search strategies for the local market
• Benefits counseling (VA benefits, GI Bill, healthcare)
• Entrepreneurship tracks for those considering business ownership

Pro Tip: Don’t just attend the mandatory briefings. Schedule one-on-one counseling sessions with TAP specialists who can provide personalized guidance for your specific career goals.

Use Your Military Education Benefits Strategically

The GI Bill represents one of your most powerful transition tools. Craven Community College offers programs specifically designed for transitioning military personnel, including:

• Associate degrees in high-demand fields
• Certificate programs in skilled trades
• Business management courses
• Healthcare certifications

East Carolina University’s distance learning programs allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree while remaining in the New Bern area. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, veterans with post-service education earn 24% more over their careers than those without.

Network Before You Need It

Start building civilian professional connections while still on active duty. Attend New Bern Chamber of Commerce events (many offer military discounts or free attendance for active duty). Join LinkedIn and connect with Craven County professionals in your target industry. Volunteer with local organizations to build community ties.

Remember: most jobs in New Bern are filled through personal connections before they’re ever publicly posted. Building your network early gives you access to opportunities others never see.

Step 2: Translate Your Military Experience Into Civilian Terms

This step trips up more veterans than any other. You need to communicate your military accomplishments in language that civilian hiring managers—who’ve never served—can understand and appreciate.

Stop Using Military Jargon

Your resume shouldn’t read like a military award citation. Civilian employers don’t know what “NCOIC of a 35-person S-4 section” means, and they won’t take time to figure it out.

Instead of: “Served as NCOIC for battalion S-4, managing Class I, III, and IX supply operations for 800-person unit with 98% operational readiness rate.”

Write: “Managed $4.2M inventory and supply chain operations for 800-person organization, maintaining 98% equipment availability through strategic planning and team leadership.”

See the difference? The second version quantifies your impact in terms any business leader understands: dollars managed, people led, and measurable results achieved.

Focus on Transferable Skills

Every military job develops skills that civilian employers desperately need. Your challenge is identifying and articulating them.

For Combat Arms Veterans:

• Leadership under pressure becomes “crisis management and team leadership”
• Mission planning becomes “project planning and execution”
• Equipment maintenance becomes “preventive maintenance and quality control”
• Training junior personnel becomes “employee development and mentorship”

For Technical Specialists:

• Aviation maintenance becomes “complex systems troubleshooting and repair”
• Communications becomes “network administration and cybersecurity”
• Logistics becomes “supply chain management and inventory control”
• Intelligence becomes “data analysis and strategic planning”

For Support Roles:

• Administration becomes “office management and process improvement”
• Finance becomes “budget management and financial analysis”
• Medical becomes “healthcare delivery and patient services”
• Food service becomes “operations management and quality assurance”

Quantify Everything

Numbers speak universally. Wherever possible, attach metrics to your accomplishments:

• How many people did you supervise?
• What was the budget you managed?
• What percentage did you improve readiness/efficiency/satisfaction?
• How many operations did you plan or execute?
• What equipment value were you responsible for?

According to resume experts at the Military Officers Association of America, resumes with quantified achievements generate 40% more interview requests than those with general descriptions.

Step 3: Build a Civilian-Friendly Resume

Your military service record won’t cut it in the civilian world. You need a resume specifically designed for Craven County employers.

Choose the Right Format

The reverse-chronological format works best for most transitioning veterans. List your most recent position first and work backward. This format feels familiar to civilian hiring managers and plays well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many New Bern employers use.

Check out our comprehensive guide on ATS-friendly resume strategies to ensure your resume actually gets seen by human eyes.

Structure Your Resume Effectively

Contact Information:

• Name, phone, email, New Bern location
• LinkedIn profile URL
• Don’t include rank or branch in your name line

Professional Summary (3-4 sentences): Highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments in civilian terms. Mention your security clearance if you have one—it’s immediately valuable to Craven County defense contractors.

Work Experience:

• Use civilian job title equivalents
• Focus on accomplishments, not duties
• Quantify everything possible
• Use action verbs (led, managed, improved, developed, implemented)

Education:

• List military training that translates to civilian certifications
• Include college coursework even if incomplete
• Mention specialized technical schools

Skills:

• Technical skills (software, equipment, certifications)
• Languages (highly valuable in New Bern’s growing international business sector)
• Security clearance level and expiration date

Military Service: Create a brief section acknowledging your service (branch, years served, highest rank, honorable discharge) without making it the resume’s focus.

Avoid These Common Resume Mistakes

Mistake #1: Leading with “Objective” statements. Replace this with a powerful Professional Summary highlighting what you offer employers.

Mistake #2: Listing duties instead of accomplishments. Employers don’t care what you were supposed to do—they care what you actually achieved.

Mistake #3: Using military acronyms. Every MOS, unit designation, and technical term needs translation.

Mistake #4: Neglecting to tailor your resume for each position. The 15 minutes you spend customizing your resume for each application dramatically increases your chances.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to proofread. Typos and errors are especially damaging for veterans because employers assume military training includes attention to detail.

Step 4: Master the Civilian Interview Process

Military promotion boards and civilian job interviews are completely different animals. Success requires understanding civilian expectations and preparing accordingly.

Research the Company Thoroughly

Before any interview with a New Bern employer, invest time learning about:

• Company history and mission
• Products or services they offer
• Recent news or expansions
• Company culture and values
• Key leadership team members

This research allows you to demonstrate genuine interest while identifying how your military experience specifically benefits their operation.

Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions

Civilian employers love behavioral questions that start with “Tell me about a time when…” These questions assess how you’ve handled situations in the past to predict future performance.

For comprehensive preparation on the specific questions Craven County employers ask most frequently, check out our detailed guide on interview questions New Bern employers ask.

Common Behavioral Questions for Veterans:

• “Tell me about a time you led a team through a difficult challenge.”
• “Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to change.”
• “Give an example of how you’ve handled conflict with a coworker.”
• “Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.”

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses, and translate military examples into civilian-friendly language.

Address the Transition Directly

Many interviewers wonder whether you’ll struggle adjusting to civilian work culture. Address this proactively:

“I know transitioning from military to civilian work comes with adjustments. I’ve prepared by researching civilian workplace norms, connecting with veteran mentors already working in this industry, and I’m genuinely excited about bringing military discipline and work ethic to a mission-driven organization like yours.”

This demonstrates self-awareness while framing your military background as an asset rather than a concern.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

The interview isn’t just them evaluating you—you’re evaluating them too. Prepare 3-5 questions that demonstrate strategic thinking:

• “What does success look like in this role after six months?”
• “How does your company support professional development?”
• “What’s your management style?” (to direct supervisors)
• “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
• “What challenges is the team currently facing that this position will help address?”

Never ask about salary, benefits, or time off in initial interviews unless the employer brings it up first.

Step 5: Leverage Veteran-Specific Resources in Craven County

You’ve earned benefits and support systems—use them strategically.

Craven County Veterans Services

Located in New Bern, the Craven County Veterans Services Office provides:

• VA benefits counseling and claims assistance
• Employment resources and job placement support
• Educational benefit guidance
• Healthcare enrollment assistance

Contact: 252-636-6606 | 406 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560

North Carolina Works Career Center

The New Bern location offers veteran-specific services including:

• Free resume writing assistance
• Computer access for job applications
• Skills assessment testing
• Job matching services
• Unemployment insurance assistance

Veteran Service Organizations

American Legion Post 539 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2514 in New Bern provide networking opportunities with veterans who’ve successfully transitioned. These connections often lead to job opportunities through word-of-mouth referrals.

Hiring Our Heroes

This U.S. Chamber of Commerce program hosts hiring fairs specifically for military members, veterans, and spouses. They regularly conduct events near Cherry Point, connecting job seekers directly with Craven County employers actively seeking veteran talent.

LinkedIn’s Veterans Program

LinkedIn offers free premium membership for one year to all transitioning service members. This provides access to additional networking tools, the ability to see who’s viewed your profile, and LinkedIn Learning courses to develop new skills.

Step 6: Consider Education and Certification Programs

Sometimes the fastest path to your target career includes additional education or certifications. Your GI Bill makes this financially feasible.

High-Demand Certifications in Craven County

Healthcare:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – 6-12 weeks
• EMT/Paramedic certification – 6 months to 2 years
• Phlebotomy certification – 4-8 weeks
• Medical billing and coding – 4-6 months

Information Technology:

• CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ certifications
• Cisco CCNA certification
• Microsoft certifications
• Cybersecurity certifications (especially valuable with clearance)

Skilled Trades:

• HVAC certification – 6 months to 2 years
• Electrical apprenticeship programs
• Welding certifications – 3-12 months
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – 3-6 weeks

Project Management:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Craven Community College Programs for Veterans

CCC offers veteran-friendly programs with flexible scheduling, military-to-college credit transfers, and dedicated veteran support staff. Popular programs include:

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees in various technical fields
• Continuing Education courses for specific certifications
• Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) for those interested in law enforcement careers
• Cosmetology programs for those seeking entrepreneurial paths

Many programs can be completed entirely through the GI Bill with zero out-of-pocket costs, and some even provide housing allowances through the VA.

Step 7: Network Strategically in New Bern’s Business Community

In Craven County’s tight-knit professional community, who you know often matters as much as what you know.

New Bern Chamber of Commerce

Membership includes access to networking events, business after-hours gatherings, and the annual Business Expo. Many local business owners attend these events specifically to meet potential employees.

Veteran Tip: Introduce yourself as a transitioning service member. New Bern’s business community takes pride in supporting veterans, and this connection often opens doors.

Professional Associations

Depending on your target industry, join relevant professional groups:

• Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors (if entering real estate)
• Eastern Carolina Chapter of Healthcare Financial Management Association
• Local manufacturing trade associations
• Hospitality and tourism professional groups

Informational Interviews

Identify people working in your target field and request 15-20 minute informational interviews (over coffee or phone). This isn’t asking for a job—it’s asking for advice and insights about breaking into the industry.

Questions to ask:

• “How did you get started in this field?”
• “What skills are most valuable for success here?”
• “What do you wish you’d known when you started?”
• “Are there professional associations you’d recommend joining?”
• “Who else should I talk to as I explore this career path?”

Most people genuinely enjoy helping veterans and will say yes to these requests. Even if they don’t have immediate job openings, they’ll remember you when opportunities arise.

Social Media Presence

Clean up your social media profiles. According to CareerBuilder’s 2024 survey, 70% of employers screen candidates on social media before making hiring decisions.

LinkedIn: Build a professional profile that mirrors your resume. Join New Bern-area professional groups. Share industry-relevant content to demonstrate knowledge and engagement.

Facebook: Adjust privacy settings and remove anything unprofessional. Consider creating a professional-only Facebook account separate from personal use.

Twitter/X: Follow New Bern businesses and industry leaders. Engage thoughtfully with content related to your target field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Military-to-Civilian Transition in Craven County

Q: How long should I expect my job search to take?

The national average for veteran job searches is 4-6 months, but Craven County’s military-friendly environment often shortens this timeline. Veterans who start networking 6-12 months before separation and leverage local veteran resources typically find employment within 60-90 days of separation.

Q: Should I mention my military rank on my resume or during interviews?

Only if it’s directly relevant to the position. For leadership roles, mentioning that you were a senior NCO or officer can demonstrate leadership experience. For entry-level positions, focus on skills rather than rank. Never introduce yourself by rank in civilian settings—use your name only.

Q: How do I explain employment gaps if I’m still looking for work several months after separation?

Frame the gap as “transition period” during which you obtained certifications, completed education, volunteered, or developed skills relevant to your target career. The key is showing you used the time productively rather than just waiting for opportunities.

Q: Will my security clearance help me find civilian work in Craven County?

Absolutely! Defense contractors in the area place enormous value on active security clearances because they cost $50,000-$100,000+ and take months to obtain. For positions requiring clearance, yours can be the deciding factor between you and equally qualified civilian candidates.

Q: Should I accept a job that pays less than I made on active duty?

Consider the total compensation package: base salary, health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, advancement potential, and work-life balance. Many veterans initially accept slightly lower salaries for positions with significant growth potential or better quality of life, then advance rapidly based on military-developed work ethic and skills.

Q: How do I handle the “why are you leaving the military” question?

Be positive and forward-focused. Never badmouth the military—it raises red flags about your attitude. Instead: “I’m proud of my military service and the skills I developed. Now I’m excited to apply those skills in the civilian sector while putting down roots in the New Bern community.”

Q: What if I don’t have a college degree?

Many high-paying careers in Craven County don’t require degrees: skilled trades, sales, manufacturing management, and technical roles often value experience and certifications over formal education. Your military experience counts significantly, and you can pursue education part-time through the GI Bill while working if you choose.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid During Your Transition

Pitfall #1: Underselling Your Accomplishments

Military culture teaches humility, but civilian job searches require confident self-promotion. You’re not bragging—you’re marketing your proven capabilities.

Pitfall #2: Targeting Only Government or Defense Contractor Positions

While these jobs value military experience, limiting your search to familiar territory restricts opportunities. New Bern’s healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors desperately need your skills too.

Pitfall #3: Expecting Civilian Workplaces to Function Like Military Units

Civilian organizations operate differently. Decision-making is often slower, hierarchy less defined, and communication styles more varied. Flexibility and patience during your adjustment period are critical.

Pitfall #4: Neglecting Soft Skills

Military culture values directness, but civilian workplaces often require more diplomatic communication. Practice softening your delivery while maintaining clarity and decisiveness.

Pitfall #5: Giving Up Too Quickly

Rejection is part of job searching for everyone, not just veterans. Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.” Persistence separates successful transitions from frustrated ones.

Conclusion

Transitioning from military service to civilian career success in Craven County is absolutely achievable—thousands of veterans have done it successfully, and you will too.

Remember: your military experience isn’t a liability to overcome; it’s a competitive advantage to leverage. The discipline, leadership, technical skills, and work ethic you developed in uniform are exactly what New Bern employers need. Your challenge is communicating that value in language they understand.

Start your transition early. Translate your military accomplishments into civilian terms. Build your network before you need it. Leverage the robust veteran support resources available in Craven County. Approach your job search with the same dedication and strategic planning you applied to military missions.

The path from Cherry Point to civilian success isn’t always smooth, but you’ve overcome far greater challenges. You’ve succeeded in high-pressure environments with lives on the line. You can absolutely succeed in the civilian job market.

Your service prepared you for this next chapter. New Bern’s veteran-friendly business community is ready to welcome you. The right opportunity is out there waiting for someone exactly like you.

Now go claim it. Semper Fi. Oorah. Hooah. Hooyah. Aim High. Whatever your service branch, thank you for your service—and welcome to your successful civilian career in Craven County.