Career assistance advisor guides Airmen in right direction

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Choosing a career path can be both one of the scariest and most rewarding experiences. Members of the armed forces, however are most usually tasked with the decision to continue their military career, or rejoin the civilian workforce. Luckily, the career assistance advisor here helps help Airmen make informed decisions for all of that and in-between.

"My job exists to help Airmen decide what their next step will be," said Master Sgt. LaTasha Carroway, 4th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "There are many opportunities in the Air Force and I want to ensure that every Airman who wants help gets a chance to explore their options."

As a career medic, Carroway has worked in different sections of her career field that she did not always know were available to her. She credits mentors and NCOs for opening her eyes to the possibilities and she hopes to do the same for Airmen at Seymour Johnson.

"I am looking forward to developing new programs for Airmen here and focusing on the ones already in-place, such as the informed decision briefing for Airmen at their 12-15 month mark, to professional enhancements seminars," Carroway said. "I also need to know what Airmen here want, what they would like to know, so I can have the correct information for them."

The career assistance advisor can offer information and advice about cross-training, special duty assignments or help Airmen learn about the possibilities of one's current career field. While Carroway is here to guide Airmen into exploring their options, she also has a responsibility to be truthful and honest with Airmen about their respective situations.

"While I will do what I can to help any Airman, I have to give them the reality of their current situation. Not everyone is an asset," Carroway said. "Some Airmen have ambitions to do certain jobs or duties, but they may have to wait a few years for various reasons, such as less than stellar enlisted performance reports. For some, a separation may be in their future, but we have several programs to assist in the transition. Every Airman has options."

Being proactive in ones career is highly recommended by Carroway and having an idea of interests and even dislikes can help guide Airmen to where they want to be. For Airmen looking for information, or just to see what is available to them, call the career assistance advisor at (919) 722-5857 to schedule an appointment.