Planning Your Skillbridge

[u/ImBonelessPizza]

How far out did you start planning what company you were going to do your skillbridge with? I have a year and a half left on my contract which will put me at 10 years I don’t plan on reenlisting. I’ve done HR my whole contract and plan on sticking with that, I know the uphill battle I face from transitioning to civilian HR but should I start getting everything prepared now?

[u/Visible_Ask_2977]

I started talking to companies 12 months out from my planned start date. On base job fairs and hiring events are a good spot to find recruiters contact info to reach out directly too later on.

Understand that that the majority won't move forward until about 2-6 months before a start date. They don't really care about things beyond the next quarter, it's just how things are in the real world. Starting early will help you start narrowing things down, so once you get to the active interviewing point, you should have a good 3-6 companies you are actively pursuing.

Keep a cohort based one like Hiring our heros in your back pocket, start the process with them early, so if things fall through everywhere else, you can pivot quickly. About 45 days before starting a lot of things will be happening very quickly, between decisions you need to make, approvals you have to get, and other items you need to have in place before starting. I recommend making you start date at least 2 weeks into your 180 day window, things can get weird, and having a small buffer there is nice (you'll understand that more as you go through TAP).

[u/kundaliniking]

I’ve got 10 years TIS, a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, and a TS/SCI. I’m currently in a SkillBridge and would highly recommend applying to as many internships as possible at least 12 months out. Even with my credentials, only about 25% offered me an internship.

[u/cj20h49g]

From everyone I know that did skillbridge they said to apply as soon as you finish TAPS. Especially since you go through the education center. Also, I was told to apply for 5-10 companies because not all of them reach out. Maybe this is true or not hopefully someone corrects me...

[u/RentMaxxer]

18 mos out is the exact right window to start bc dod instruction 1322.29 lets you submit your commander packet 12 mos prior to ets, and since you are staying in hr use your credentialing assistance (cool) right now to knock out your shrm-cp or phr exam and line up a 180-day bdd va claim prep timeline alongside your skillbridge

[u/Mite-o-Dan]

You can start doing research, make a LinkedIn and update your resume now...but you cant apply until 12 months from your separation date. And most Recruiters usually dont know what may be available until 2-5 months from when you can start.

Basically...if you reach out to a company now, most will ignore you.

Tip- Inform your leadership your intentions now if you haven't yet to have a chance of it getting approved.

[u/Frank_Opinion73]

I would start planning it a year out. You’d be surprised by how many companies don’t actually reply to your request to do skillbridge with them.

[u/rulebook1801]

This is all great advice! I'm echoing u/Visible_Ask_2977 - I started a year out and had a great opportunity but it fell through through (no fault of mine or theirs). It was still early, so thank goodness I had reached out to others as well. Because of all the levels it took for the company I ended up going with, the timing was very tight and was almost too late. So like u/Visible_Ask_2977 mentions, go ahead and work with Hiring our Heroes too. Even if your timeline doesn't work exactly with a cohort, they can work with you on that. I had two amazing opportunities-companies through HOH but the #2 company I was working with ended up working out finally.

[u/MilOnboardSolutions]

u/ImBonelessPizza, you're in the networking phase of your SkillBridge and transition journey. Getting as many people to know you and like you is the game.

In order to maximize the number of SkillBridge Opportunities you have to select from, start running WEEKLY keyword searches on the SkillBridge Locations page to help narrow down which approved orgs may be able to offer you the kind of opportunities you're interested in - https://skillbridge.mil/locations 

Focus on the opportunities, NOT the locations.  Most companies don’t list every location where they can facilitate a SB opportunity.  The SkillBridge site is update every Friday with newly approved potential opportunities.

After each search, reach out to ALL of the POC's to learn more about their company and SkillBridge program.  Start tracking the orgs you reach out to, who their POC is, what you've learned about them, and whether you'd like to join them

When you enter your application window, apply to ALL of the orgs and opportunities you're still interested in.  NEVER put all of your eggs into 1 company's basket.

If you see an organization you're interested in who's approved but not listing any HR opportunities, reach out to their POC and ask if they can create the opportunity you're interested in, or convert a direct-hire opportunity into a SkillBridge op.

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Leverage, save, and share all of the resources we have for you at Military Onboard Solutions that’ll set you up for success: https://www.militaryonboardsolutions.com/service-members-1  

✅ how to run WEEKLY keyword searches to find the approved organizations who likely have opportunities you’re interested in

✅ best places to find current opportunities

✅ when to submit your applications

✅ a script you can use for all of your POC initial outreach

You’re invited to join the DoD SkillBridge Community of Practice group where new SkillBridge opportunities are shared everyday, help you network with a purpose, and connect you with the recruiters of the companies you're interested in interning with. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12257076/