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8A130 Career Guide

Air Force

8A130: Career Assistance Advisor

Career transition guide for Air Force Career Assistance Advisor (8A130)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 8A130 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Human Resources Manager

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certificationHRIS software proficiency

Training and Development Manager

$90K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Training program designeLearning developmentNeeds assessment

Career Counselor

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in CounselingCareer coaching certifications

Recruiter

$70K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Applicant tracking systems (ATS)Sourcing techniques

Public Relations Specialist

$68K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Media relationsCrisis communicationDigital marketing

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 8A130 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a Career Assistance Advisor, you constantly monitor the pulse of your unit, understanding morale, concerns, and external factors influencing airmen's career decisions.

This translates to a keen ability to read people and environments, anticipating needs and potential problems.

Rapid Prioritization

You're juggling multiple airmen's needs, commander requests, and program requirements, demanding quick assessments and efficient task management.

In civilian life, this means you can effectively manage competing deadlines and responsibilities, focusing on what truly matters most.

Resource Optimization

You're responsible for making the most of limited resources to improve retention, ensuring programs are effective and airmen are well-informed.

This is highly valuable in any role where efficiency and strategic allocation of resources are essential for success.

After-Action Analysis

By monitoring retention trends and program effectiveness, you are constantly assessing what worked and what didn't, using that data to improve future strategies.

This analytical skill allows you to learn from experiences, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous progress.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Human Resources Consultant

SOC 13-1141

You've been the go-to person for career guidance and retention strategies. As an HR Consultant, you'll use these skills to help businesses improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.

Training and Development Specialist

SOC 13-1151

You've been developing and managing programs to motivate airmen and provide career information. As a Training and Development Specialist, you'll apply your skills to create engaging and effective learning experiences for employees.

Market Research Analyst

SOC 19-3022

You've been monitoring retention trends and understanding what motivates people's career decisions. As a Market Research Analyst, you'll use similar skills to analyze consumer behavior and identify market opportunities.

Non-profit Program Manager

SOC 11-9199

You've been responsible for planning, directing, and promoting programs to support Airmen. You can leverage these skills to manage non-profit initiatives and improve community well-being.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Career Assistance Advisor Course, various locations

80 training hours2 weeksUp to 2 semester hours recommended in Human Resources Management

Topics Covered

  • Air Force Retention Programs
  • Career Counseling Techniques
  • Pay and Benefits
  • Publicity and Advertising
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Briefing Techniques
  • Data Analysis for Retention Trends

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)60% covered

Requires study of HR technical competencies, U.S. employment law, and behavioral competency application.

Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)50% covered

Requires study of the ATD Talent Development Body of Knowledge, focusing on instructional design, training delivery, and measurement & evaluation.

Recommended Next Certifications

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Civil Engineering System (ACES)Work order management systems (e.g., IBM Maximo, SAP Plant Maintenance)
Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (AFPAAS)Emergency notification systems (e.g., Everbridge, AlertMedia)
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)HR and benefits administration software (e.g., Workday, ADP)
Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS)Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM Cloud)
Virtual Out-Processing Program (VOP)Employee exit management software (e.g.,дукно Workflow, Offboardly)
LeaveWebTime off and leave management software (e.g., BambooHR, Zoho People)

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