From Submarine Officer to Software Engineer

How does one transition from a long career in the Navy to a civilian job that will bring the most job satisfaction while avoiding the frustrating phase of jumping between jobs for years, hoping that something sticks?

This question has occupied my thought space a lot as I begin to plan my transition from a Submarine Officer to a Software Engineer. I have been in the Navy for 9 years, and want this transition to be effective and concise.

Some advice that has stuck with me is "find someone who has done what you want to do, and do exactly what they did." The idea being that we can learn from their experience to fast track the first few steps, then shape and mold our own journey as we get more experience.

My problem is, I can't find anyone that has done what I want to do. I was alone when I was at the Paul G. Allen School for Computer Science and Engineering. No one in the Navy ROTC was earning, or had recently received, their Computer Engineering degree from the University of Washington. This sentiment was echoed on my submarine. I couldn't find any officers who had successfully transitioned from a career as a Submarine Officer to Software Engineer.

So, here I am, foraging something new. I aim to not only make a successful career change, but to also help peers who come behind me. I couldn't find the resources I was looking for, so I'm creating my own.

I want to talk about processes, projects, plans, and share experiences, and I am delighted to invite you to come with me.

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