How an Army Master Sergeant advances The Army People Strategy through certification

Master Sergeant Schlandria Edwards, United States Army

Master Sergeant Schlandria Edwards, United States Army

Certification plays a key role in fostering collaboration between the Military Services and private industry by providing a common language and assessing experience in or out of a uniform. As an Army “Training with Industry (TWI) Program” partner with the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), Master Sergeant Schlandria Edwards explains the importance of military experience and training for the civilian sector.

How long have you been in the Army? Can you describe your current role?

I’ve been in the Army for 17 years. Currently, I am in the “Training with Industry Program” with the United States Army, serving as a liaison between the HRCI and military personnel. When military personnel contact HRCI, they are unsure of what certifications to pursue. I help Service members and veterans identify and better understand what credentials will be best for them based on their desired career path. In turn, HRCI and I work together to match a candidate’s skills, experience and current/past job descriptions to best suit their future career goals for certification. Military members are accustomed to various roles and responsibilities. This can be a challenge for Service members to capture the vital experiences in their career and convey how they align with the certification requirements.

Can you describe the “Training with Industry Program”?

The Army's main objective with the TWI Program is to provide Soldiers with exposure to managerial techniques and procedures via a work-experience program in corporate America. Following the TWI participant's tenure in the industry, they are placed in a validated utilization assignment where they can use their experience to interact and conduct business with partnering civilian organizations.

Certifications are an assessment of knowledge, skills and ability (KSA), thereby helping Service members to effectively communicate with future employers.

—Schlandria Edwards

During your time in uniform, have you noticed a change in how credentials are emphasized in the Army?

Yes, I have noticed a change within the Army, especially when it comes to education. In October 2019, the U.S. Army introduced "The Army People Strategy", which mentions the importance of continually developing Soldiers and civilians. The goal is not only to place Soldiers in positions of greater responsibility, but to ensure their fluency with emerging technology and to put them on the pathway to educate, train and earn credentials. Throughout my years of service, the U.S. Army has always valued education and the development of Soldiers. The Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program can pay for courses and exams that lead to industry-recognized civilian credentials in an occupational area of their choice.

As an HR professional, can you speak to the value of certification in developing a highly skilled workforce and why that would be beneficial to the Army and DoD?

Certifications are an assessment of knowledge, skills and ability (KSA), thereby helping Service members to effectively communicate with future employers. For example, it was while studying for the Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certification that I became aware of the rules and regulatory guidance of a union, FMLA or OSHA. Certification, along with education, provides a competitive advantage while serving and while seeking employment upon transition, and as a leader I understand the importance of that.

Invest in yourself and take advantage of the programs you have earned during your tenure of service to position yourself for success.

—Schlandria Edwards

Are there any particular skills developed in the military that could be used for working in human resources upon transition?

In the military, we often must lead others early on in our career and bear a great deal of responsibility. Through our daily experiences, we are given the opportunity to offer advice; encouraged to be free thinkers; and able to work independently and with others on and off the battlefield. Additionally, from the beginning of our military careers we learn to appreciate diversity and seek education to better our careers and future. These traits and experiences can make military personnel excellent candidates to work in human resources.

What steps should transitioning Service members or recently discharged vets take to start their civilian career?

Obtain and read resources, pertinent regulations and installation procedures that you must follow to transition. Estimate your monthly living expenses and build 3-6 months of savings to support yourself and your family. Create a timeline by outlining major decisions you will need to make to stay on course for your transition. Where will you live? What do you want to do after you retire? Will your spouse work? These are all questions you should ask yourself before transitioning. Service members should also take advantage of the Tuition Assistance (TA) and Credential Assistance (CA) Program before leaving service. Ultimately, I urge you to invest in yourself and take advantage of the programs you have earned during your tenure of service to position yourself for success.