Finding a Higher Education that will Work for You

If you’ve ever considered going back to school to complete a bachelor’s degree, professional certification, or master’s degree, this is the perfect time to begin.  You’ll make new friends in your new city and create professional opportunities for yourself.

San Antonio hosts a wide variety of colleges and universities, not to mention online universities.  With so many options, it’s wise to first set career goals for yourself.  Do you need a degree to reach your goals?  Do you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree?  Are professional certifications necessary in your field?  Do employers hire from specific universities?  Are online degrees acceptable in your field?

People often think they cannot afford to return to college.  Websites such as www.salary.com and www.glassceiling.com offer average salary information on virtually every career path.    Before you enroll, find out what your earning potential will be if you complete your degree.  Any amount above your projected earnings without the degree is the return on your investment.  Going back to school makes financial sense if the tuition is less than this return amount and you can make the tuition or student loan payments until that new salary kicks in.

San Antonio is a great place to be when you want to go back to school.  With more than 20 higher-education organizations in the greater San Antonio area, you can select the school that is the best fit for you and your budget.  There are many reputable rankings of colleges and universities.  US News and World Reports (http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges) is one of the most well-known.   It is a good idea to collect information on schools you are considering from a wide variety of sources, and to visit several schools yourself before applying.  Talk to students who go to school and work full-time, if that is your plan, to see how much time is needed to complete homework and class requirements.

Consider entrance exams, academic requirements and prerequisites.  Select a couple of colleges or universities you would really like to attend, as well as a few back-up schools.  Apply early; make sure your application is complete and thoughtful.  Well-written application essays and high entrance exam scores often qualify you for scholarships.  Apply for financial aid and scholarships early, sometimes deadlines are long before you’ve received an acceptance letter.

Going back to school is an investment in yourself.  It shows that you are motivated to continue learning and adapting to your environment.  For active duty military, there’s nothing better you could do to prepare for work in the private sector after retirement.  For civilians, continuing your education makes you more competitive for promotions and shifts to new positions.

Whether you decide to go back to school or not, never stop learning.  It’s an important part of taking care of yourself; it improves your self-esteem and energizes you to try new things.

Colleges and Universities in San Antonio, Texas

Training is provided by the Department of Labor with a special BRAC grant.

Networking and Interviewing for Success Presented by Alan DeBack July 29^th – August 24^th – September 22^nd.

During this workshop you’ll learn effective strategies for both and practice some of the key competencies critical to success. You will walk away from the workshop with a solid overview of how networking and interviewing skills will contribute to your successful job search.

Career Success in the federal Government Presented by Derrick T. Dortch July 15^th – August 12^th – September 16^th.

This workshop will teach you how to: develop a “Federal Career Success Strategy”;  show you how to find the right federal job for you; assist you in developing powerful, persuasive and targeted Federal Resumes, KSAs, ECQs, and Cover Letters that will win interviews; provide you with insight to how the screening and selection process works; teach you about networking on the federal level; provide you advice on interviewing on the federal level; assist you in identifying and developing the skills needed to win the job you wanted and advance; and answer any questions you have about the federal job search. This workshop is designed to open doors, win interviews, and sell yourself to win the federal job you desire.

Developing KSAs & Resumes for the Federal Employment Application Process Presented by Kathryn K. Troutman July 28^th- August 4^th- September 7^th.

The workshop will help you write attention-getting KSAs including an introduction to the CCAR Model for writing outstanding KSAs. Also you will learn how to answer KSAs and essay questions with the best format and content. Also learn how to write Federal Resumes for both USAJOBS and CPOL Resumix format.

For more information on how to register contact Ms. Nell Richardson at nrichardson@arlingtonva.us.

Please contact IMCOMBPA@conus.army.mil or Anne Graham (anne.graham@us.army.mil) if you require any other assistance as you transition due to BRAC.

Come visit the IMCOM BRAC Information Stand located on the 11th floor of the Taylor Building, Crystal City, VA.  The purpose of the IMCOM BRAC Information Stand is to provide a consolidated location for employees to gather the latest transition information.

Information is available for employees as they transition to San Antonio, or seek other imployment. If you are not located in the Crystal City Taylor Building, you can also receive the most up to date information by visiting the IMCOM BRAC Relocation web page located at: http://www.imcom.army.mil/hq/relocation/.

Who:

IMCOM G-1 and Arlington BRAC Transition Office provides opportunities for transitioners to receive the latest information and training on how to develop Federal resumes and use electronic search tools to apply for Federal positions.  One of the opportunities is a 6-hour Resume Workshop.  The workshop, held 12 May and 15 June are designed specifically for IMCOM transitioners with a capacity of 20 participants to allow time for hands-on learning as well as one-on-one instruction. The Arlington BRAC transition office counselors are on site at the workshop to provide insight into the San Antonio job market and information on similar services provided by the state of Texas for BRAC-affected employees. Participants are provided laptop computers for use during the workshop, a resume workbook authored by Kathryn Troutman, a well known trainer and writer on Federal employment strategies and a computer thumb drive to save work completed.

When:

Two workshops are scheduled for 23 and 28 June.  A stand-by list is available due to the tremendous popularity of the workshops.  More workshops are being planned for July.

How:

Contact:  IMCOMBPA@conus.army.mil with Employee and Spouse Resumes Writing and Application Tools (BTC) in the subject of the email for additional information.

HQ IMCOM, FMWRC and AEC are transitioning to Fort Sam Houston, Texas!

The IMCOM G-1 BRAC Employee Career Assistance Office wants to ensure you receive the right transition information, training and support tools.

Completing this survey will assist us in identifying your needs and scheduling applicable events.

Thank you for participating in the Installation Community BRAC Employee Career Assistance needs assessment survey. If you have any questions regarding the completion of this survey, please contact the IMCOM BRAC Placement Assistance.

Purpose of Survey

This needs assessment survey is designed to determine training needs for IMCOM BRAC-impacted employees. The results of this survey will be used to schedule BRAC transition training for IMCOM employees.

Confidentiality

Your responses will be used collectively for research purposes only and will be kept confidential.

Participation

Participation is voluntary but your participation will make a difference in ensuring the right training is available to all employees. Please click on the below link and complete the survey before 30 June. Your input matters as we will pull survey results every couple of days so we can start scheduling training needs based on early responses. Make your opinion count and complete the survey!

Take the Survey HERE.

 I have a New Jersey cousin who gets impatient every time I complain about Texas summers. They’re better than New Jersey winters, she says, and gives me advice that goes something like this:

Buy some red toenail polish. Learn how to make margaritas. Find a pool and a murder mystery, and immerse yourself.

She’s not a dermatologist. If she were, here’s what else she would say about fun in the Texas sun:

1 Use sunscreen. Use it generously. Use it often.

READ more at Surviving the summer sun.

San Antonio Public Schools

We here at the Installation Management Community believe it’s important for our Soldiers, Civilians and Families to get the most from the community where they live.  Sometimes a community is only as good as the schools you’ll find there.  We understand a child’s education is the key to their success in the future.

Finding the right school can be daunting, especially with 19 school districts to choose from in Bexar County and its surrounding area.  This article is designed to help navigate through the chaos and give your Family an inside look at San Antonio’s finest and brightest public elementary, middle and high schools. 

Before making a permanent decision about a home purchase, be sure to research, read reviews and ask questions to confirm the neighborhood schools are right for you and your Family.

“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.”

—     Plato

The San Antonio School District & Public School List

The Installation Management Community will continue to provide services and infrastructure that support resilience, spirited fitness and well-being to enable strong Soldiers, Civilians and Families for a mission-ready Army.

When it comes to people with active lifestyles, Washington, DC, has a tendency to spoil.

Its unique location features a smorgasbord of historical venues and scenic terrain, making it easily accessible and passionately loved by outdoor enthusiasts.  Although DC is strong with its activity scene, San Antonio has much to offer to those with an active lifestyle as well.

Hiking

San Antonio offers about 109 miles worth of scenic and metro-area hiking trails, according to LocalHikes.com.  A hike deep in the heart of San Antonio is the San Antonio River Walk Loop.  It meanders 6.1 miles along the San Antonio River and will take the average walker 2.5 hours to complete.  It’s listed as an easy hike and allows the walker to visit shops, restaurants and historic landmarks, such as the Alamo, along the way.

Bicycle Riding

If you’re looking for a faster pace, San Antonio and its surrounding areas offer more than 1,200 miles of road that bikers frequently pedal. Ranging from 6.8 to 96 miles, the longest route listed on SABikeRides.com begins in Comfort and ends in Fredericksburg.  The site gives viewers detailed maps, places to stop for refreshments, and elevation levels.

If racing is your passion, visit the Cycling section at RunSanAntonio.com to view a list of races in the South Texas region.

As you can probably tell by the scarcity of stops, these are long rides out in the middle of nowhere. These are great if you want to lose yourself in the countryside and not see much city all day long.”

―SABikeRides.com regarding the Comfort to Fredericksburg route

Running

The Army Ten-Miler is one of DC’s most anticipated races. It took just 35 hours for the Army Ten-Miler to fill its 30,000 runner field – shattering last year’s registration record of six days.  If you missed the signup for this year’s race, no worries; Fort Sam Houston has its own Army Ten-Miler in January.  San Antonio hosts a variety of races, from 5Ks to marathons. You and your Family can sign up for these races by visiting the links below or visiting RunSanAnotonio.com.

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• Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon and ½ Marathon
• Chosen: Marathon for Adoption
• Fort Sam Houston Army Ten-Miler
• SARR Bird Lovers 10K
• Military City USA 5K
• 2010 Gruene Turkey Trot
• SARR Carrabba’s Classic Half Marathon Relay/Run
• American Hero 25K Relay

Triathlon

For those with a truly competitive spirit and who enjoy swimming, biking and running all within one race, San Antonio hosts triathlons that fit almost every active skill level.

• Life Time Fitness Kids Triathlon
• Heart of Texas (H-O-T) Triathlon Series
• Heart of Texas Triathlon Championships
• Tall Texan Triathlon 2011

“This was my first half-iron distance [triathlon] and I heard it was not an easy one to start with, but I had a blast and look forward to breaking my time next year.”

―Active.com member I’mTri-Ing! about the 2010 Tall Texan Triathlon

Triathlon, bicycle and running races can be found on Active.com.

Miscellaneous

There are many outdoor activists’ groups available on the Internet. Sites such as Meetup.com offer groups including:

• San Antonio Outdoor Adventurers
• Alamo City Rivermen Canoe and Kayak Club
• Survival Fitness and Racing
• Alamo Running Buddies
• San Antonio Christian Hiking and Adventure Fellowship
• San Antonio Dancing Meetup Group
• The San Antonio Volleyball Players Group
• Life’s a Beach … Wine, Dine & Travel Club

Remember: Safety – First, last, and all the time. Always identify and assess risks involved when planning to run, bike ride or take part in any physical activity. Be aware of your surroundings, and if you decide to join an online activity group, be sure the group is legitimate.

DISCLAIMER: The Installation Management Command does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on external linked websites. The appearance of external links does not constitute endorsement by the Installation Management Command, the Department of the Army, or the Department of Defense of the services or products offered on external sites. Links are provided solely for convenience.

DFAS PDT Travel Page

For all who plan on making the move out west to San Antonio, one thing is essential: finding a place to live.

Deciding whether to buy or rent may be easy to some, but not for all. Whichever you choose, here are some websites to help you and your Family   decide which route is best.

Here’s to your future life in San Antonio!

I don’t want to make the commitment of purchasing something until I become comfortable with the various neighborhoods and find out where I want to live.”

- Tamara Elston, Transition Center Program Manager, U.S. Army Installation Management Command

MSN Money Article

The Basics: Why it’s smarter to buy than rent

Zillow.com

An online real estate site where you can search for homes for sale, find home prices, see home values, view recently sold homes and check mortgage rates.

TexasRealEstate.com

This website serves as a guide for people planning to move to Texas.

[Moving to San Antonio] is a good opportunity for me to own a home.  … I think my quality of life will improve, definitely.  I’ll be able to do something in the afternoons besides go to bed.”

– Andrea Pratt, Human Resources Specialist, U.S. Army Installation Management Command (currently commutes about four hours a day to and from work)

Rent.com

A website allowing you to search apartment listings.

ApartmentRatings.com

This website lists renters’ reviews on apartments.

Rentals.com

A website that lists rental homes and apartments.

Greatschools.org

“Involved parents. Successful kids.” Learn about a school through parent ratings and reviews.

SchoolsK-12.com

This site is designed around the needs of a relocating family with school-age children.  “Finding the right San Antonio schools in the right neighborhood has never been easier.”

San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department

This website lists parks and recreation places around San Antonio.

CrimeSpot.com

This site lists crimes such as robbery, burglary and theft by date, time and place.

Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Database

This website allows searches for risk levels and addresses of sexual offenders in San Antonio and surrounding area neighborhoods.

DISCLAIMER: The Installation Management Command does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on external linked websites. The appearance of external links does not constitute endorsement by the Installation Management Command, the Department of the Army, or the Department of Defense of the services or products offered on external sites. Links are provided solely for convenience.