8A190 Career Guide
8A190: Career Assistance Advisor
Career transition guide for Air Force Career Assistance Advisor (8A190)
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Top civilian roles for 8A190 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Human Resources Specialist
Training and Development Specialist
Career Counselor
Skills to develop:
Recruiter
Skills to develop:
Public Relations Specialist
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 8A190 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
As a Career Assistance Advisor, you constantly monitored retention trends and understood the factors influencing airmen's career decisions, requiring you to be acutely aware of the environment affecting personnel.
This translates to an ability to assess complex situations, understand underlying factors, and anticipate potential outcomes, crucial for strategic decision-making in dynamic environments.
Resource Optimization
You developed and managed Air Force retention programs, ensuring resources were allocated effectively to maximize retention rates and achieve desired outcomes within budgetary constraints.
Your experience makes you adept at identifying, allocating, and managing resources efficiently to achieve organizational goals, a valuable skill in any management role.
Adversarial Thinking
You identified factors negatively influencing career decisions, essentially anticipating obstacles to retention goals, and developed programs to proactively address these challenges.
This means you possess the ability to anticipate potential problems, understand opposing viewpoints, and develop strategies to overcome challenges, a valuable asset in competitive environments.
After-Action Analysis
You monitored retention programs and provided reports and statistics, allowing commanders to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and make data-driven adjustments to strategies.
This translates to a strong capacity for evaluating the outcomes of actions, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes to enhance future performance, essential for continuous improvement.
Rapid Prioritization
Advising officers and airmen on retention activities while simultaneously managing programs and responding to immediate concerns required quick assessment and prioritization of tasks.
This demonstrates your ability to quickly assess the urgency and importance of different tasks, allowing you to allocate your time and effort effectively in fast-paced environments.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Human Resources Business Partner
SOC 13-1071You've been an advisor and counselor, providing guidance and support to airmen navigating their careers. As an HR Business Partner, you'll continue advising employees, aligning HR strategies with business goals, and fostering a positive work environment. Your experience in program management and retention will be invaluable.
Training and Development Specialist
SOC 13-1151You've developed and supervised Air Force retention programs, designed to motivate and inform airmen. As a Training and Development Specialist, you'll use your skills to create and deliver training programs that enhance employee skills and knowledge, ensuring organizational success. You already know how to connect individual needs with organizational goals.
Public Relations Specialist
SOC 27-3031You've developed publicity programs and written news stories to promote the Air Force experience. Your experience in crafting compelling messages and managing communications will translate directly to managing a company's public image and building positive relationships with stakeholders.
Market Research Analyst
SOC 19-3022You've monitored retention trends and provided reports to commanders, analyzing data to understand the factors influencing career decisions. As a Market Research Analyst, you'll apply these analytical skills to study consumer behavior, identify market opportunities, and advise businesses on product development and marketing strategies. You’re already skilled at uncovering insights from data.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Career Assistance Advisor Course, various locations (typically Maxwell AFB or virtual)
Topics Covered
- •Air Force Retention Programs and Policies
- •Career Counseling Techniques
- •Interviewing and Needs Assessment
- •Pay and Benefits Briefings
- •Advertising and Publicity Program Development
- •Data Analysis and Reporting on Retention Trends
- •Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Opportunities
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of HR functional areas like employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, U.S. employment law, and some strategic HR management principles not explicitly covered in the 8A190 role.
Similar to SHRM-CP, but less emphasis on strategic HR. Focus on U.S. employment law, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and talent management. Review HR practices and regulations for comprehensive coverage.
While the 8A190 role involves advising and counseling, formal coaching certifications require specific training in coaching methodologies, ethical guidelines, and advanced communication techniques. Study coaching models and practice active listening/questioning skills.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Automated Career Management System (ACMS) | Human Resources Information System (HRIS) |
| Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) Secure Website | Cloud-based HR portals with secure access |
| Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) | Identity management and eligibility verification systems |
| Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) | Employee database management system |
| LeaveWeb | Automated leave management software |
| Air Force Training Record (AFTR) | Learning Management System (LMS) |
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