Aim Hire: From Learning to Leading

You spend years learning the answers. Then graduation hands you a whole new set of questions. Where do I begin? What experience do I need? How do I apply what I know in the real world?

In episode 47 of Aim Hire, “From Learning to Leading,” Ryan Schneider, marketing and brand management specialist for Air Force Civilian Service, introduces you to two outstanding AFCS employees who’ve not only asked those very questions but have uncovered their answers and are ready to share them.

Jacob Urdialez is the Defense Civilian Training Corps program manager. Rachelle Ramirez is a human resources specialist specializing in classification. Both began their Air Force Civilian Service careers in early-career programs. Today, they’re using what they learned along the way to help you embark on a similar journey: from learning to leading.

Questions come with the territory. During this episode, so do the answers.

You’ll want to watch from the very beginning, but if answers are what you’re looking for, check out this handy answer key:

Jacob’s AFCS journey: Jacob introduces his current role and describes the path that brought him from an early-career program to program management.

Rachelle’s AFCS journey: Rachelle explains her current HR role and how her AFCS career developed from the PALACE ACQUIRE program.

Early-career pathways: Ryan asks Jacob to explain the AFCS career pathways available to students and recent graduates.

Qualities AFCS seeks: Rachelle fields Ryan’s question on what traits help candidates thrive in AFCS early-career programs.

What students should know: Ryan asks, “What should college seniors understand about starting a career with AFCS?”

Serving without a uniform: Rachelle details what she feels students should know about civilian careers in the Air Force.

Jacob’s introduction to AFCS: Ryan asks what attracted Jacob to AFCS, and how he discovered the internship program.

Rachelle’s application experience: Similarly, Ryan asks what drew Rachelle to AFCS and, notably, what steps she took when applying.

Recognizing long-term potential: Ryan inquires when Jacob realized AFCS could offer more than a first job and become a lasting career.

Rachelle’s defining moment: Following up, he asks when Rachelle began to see AFCS as the place to build her career.

Today’s application process: What should you expect when applying for AFCS early-career programs?

When to begin preparing: Ryan asks how early students should start preparing to become competitive applicants.

Experience that counts: Ryan asks what experience AFCS looks for in potential candidates.

Candidates without traditional experience: Ryan inquires how students can demonstrate their potential even if they have limited professional experience.

Misconceptions that discourage candidates: Ryan asks the panelists if there are that can lead promising applicants to count themselves out.

Breadth of career opportunities: Ryan asks whether there are AFCS careers beyond engineering and other technical fields.

Preparing for a federal interview: The panelists offer advice on preparing for your first federal job interview.

Impressing hiring managers: Ryan asks what qualities and responses tend to stand out during an interview.

Avoidable application mistakes: Ryan asks what common mistakes can prevent students from pursuing opportunities for which they may qualify.

Contributing from the beginning: Ryan wonders how soon new AFCS employees begin performing meaningful, mission-supporting work.

Moving into a permanent role: Jacob describes his transition from intern to full-time employee, and what helped him succeed.

Continued professional development: What training, education, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities remain available after an employee is hired?

Mentorship in Jacob’s career: Ryan explores how mentorships have influenced Jacob’s growth from intern to program manager.

Support early in Rachelle’s career: Rachelle tells how mentorship and professional support helped her as she began her AFCS career.

Future of the programs: Ryan wonders what excites Jacob most about the future of AFCS opportunities for students and recent graduates.

Watching others succeed: What does it mean to Rachelle to see participants grow through these programs into successful professionals?

Advice to his younger self: What one piece of advice would Jacob give himself as a college freshman?

Advice for early-career professionals: What single piece of career advice would Rachelle give students and recent graduates?

Why candidates should apply: What would Jacob say to someone who is still unsure about applying?

Taking the first step: What would Rachelle tell candidates who remain hesitant or “on the fence?”

AFCS extends our gratitude to our special guests Jacob Urdialez and Rachelle Ramirez, for sharing their experiences and time with us. They truly exemplify what if means to go from learning to leading.

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