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42L Career Guide

Army

42L: Human Resources Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Human Resources Specialist (42L)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 42L veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Administrative Services Manager

$79K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project management softwareBudget management

Office Manager

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry software (e.g., medical billing)Advanced Excel skills

Executive Assistant

$72K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced calendar managementCRM softwareExcellent communication skills

Human Resources Assistant

$45K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

HRIS softwareKnowledge of labor lawsRecruiting experience

Compliance Officer

$68K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Industry-specific compliance regulationsAuditing skillsRisk assessmentLegal training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 42L training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

This role demands strict adherence to established administrative procedures, regulations, and protocols in handling sensitive documents, managing correspondence, and maintaining records. Attention to detail and accuracy are paramount.

Your ability to follow and enforce procedures translates to a valuable skill in any regulated environment where consistency, accuracy, and compliance are critical. You understand the importance of adhering to established guidelines to minimize errors and ensure smooth operations.

Rapid Prioritization

Managing a diverse range of administrative tasks, from handling correspondence and managing files to supervising personnel and coordinating office operations, requires the ability to quickly assess the urgency and importance of each task and allocate resources accordingly.

You excel at quickly determining what needs to be done first and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. This skill is invaluable in fast-paced environments where you're constantly juggling competing demands and ensuring critical tasks are completed on time.

Team Synchronization

Supervising administrative functions, providing technical training to subordinates, and coordinating activities with other organizational elements requires effective communication, collaboration, and coordination to ensure seamless operations and achieve common goals.

You have a proven track record of working effectively with others to achieve shared objectives. You understand the importance of clear communication, mutual support, and coordinated efforts in ensuring a cohesive and productive team environment.

Resource Optimization

Determining requirements for office equipment, supplies, and space, planning office layouts, and coordinating administrative activities with other organizational elements involves maximizing the efficient use of available resources to achieve desired outcomes while minimizing waste and redundancies.

You are skilled at identifying and implementing strategies to optimize resource utilization and improve efficiency. Your ability to analyze processes, identify bottlenecks, and streamline operations can lead to significant cost savings and improved productivity.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

As a 42L, you've honed your skills in procedural compliance, meticulously adhering to regulations and protocols. You've been responsible for ensuring accuracy and minimizing errors. As a Compliance Officer (13-1041), you'll leverage these skills to develop, implement, and oversee compliance programs, mitigating risks and upholding regulatory standards. Your experience in managing sensitive documents and providing technical training makes you exceptionally well-suited for this role.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-1075.00

You've gained experience optimizing resource use, coordinating activities and handling equipment inventories. Your organizational skills from managing administrative functions translate well into analyzing supply chain operations. As a Logistics Analyst (13-1075.00) you’ll apply these strengths to streamline logistical processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

Project Coordinator

SOC 13-1000

With your experience in administrative supervision, team synchronization, and rapid prioritization, you're well-prepared to excel in project coordination. You've been responsible for managing multiple tasks, coordinating activities, and ensuring seamless operations. As a Project Coordinator (13-1000), you'll apply these skills to assist project managers in planning, organizing, and executing projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to project goals. Your ability to work effectively with others and manage competing demands makes you an ideal candidate for this role.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Adjutant General School, Fort Jackson, SC

168 training hours4 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in Human Resource Management

Topics Covered

  • Army Correspondence
  • Records Management
  • Military Personnel Actions
  • eMILPO (Electronic Military Personnel Office)
  • Awards and Decorations
  • Personnel Readiness

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)70% covered

Requires studying advanced office management topics like project management, meeting management, and advanced software proficiency. Also requires passing an exam.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)60% covered

Requires focused study and practice on specific Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to meet certification exam objectives. Exams validate skills in using features and functions of the software.

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)30% covered

Requires comprehensive study of HR principles, practices, and legal compliance. Focus on strategic HR management, talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, employee relations, and risk management. Also requires passing an exam.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Army Correspondence and Message Preparation (AR 25-50)Business Correspondence and Records Management Standards
Installation Support Modules (ISM)Facilities and Infrastructure Management Software
Total Army Personnel Database (TAPDB)Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
Electronic Military Personnel Office (eMILPO)Cloud-based HR Management System
Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS)Learning Management System (LMS)
Evaluation Entry System (EES)Performance Management Software
MARKS Records Management SystemDocument Management System (DMS)

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