For Marines

Who is eligible for the Marine Civilian Development Program?

Marines, Officer and Enlisted, Active and Reserve who meet the following requirements may apply:

• High school graduates completing four to six years of service
• College graduates completing four to ten years of service
• Within six months of EAS at time of participation
• Seeking a career in the private sector
• High potential for success

Are there any special eligibility requirements for Reserve Marines?

MCDP is a Total Force program and may be useful for:

• First term Reserve Marines completing a college degree program and transitioning from an educational environment into the private sector
• Officers completing a post-graduate degree program and seeking private sector employment opportunities
• Junior Officers and Enlisted Marines who have served on extended periods of active duty with the Reserve component in support of the Global War on Terror

The program is not, however, designed to serve as a mid-career transition program for more senior Reserve Marines. MCDP will interview all Reserve Marines who meet the above criteria and have an interest in the program.

Are there any other Marines who are ineligible for the program?

Yes. Marines who are furthering their education, seeking part-time employment, or seeking positions in the public sector (police, government, education) are also ineligible for the program. As the Program expands, we hope to include these Marines in the program as well.

What is the process for application and selection?

Applications are submitted online. As part of the application process, Marines provide an e-mail address for their Commander or Sergeant Major. Upon application submission, an e-mail to the Commander or Sergeant Major is automatically generated requesting a recommendation for the program. After receipt of the recommendation, the application is reviewed by MCDP staff. Each eligible applicant will then be interviewed by MCDP in person or by phone. Applicants will be notified of their selection or non-acceptance within one to three weeks of the interview.

How many programs will be held in 2008?

We are targeting 10 programs for 2008, four in North Carolina, four in Southern California, one in Hawaii and one in Japan.

How many Marines will participate in the Marine Civilian Development Program in 2008?

The program can accommodate up to 200 high school graduates and 100 college graduates in 2008.

I’m scheduled to attend a mandatory Pre-Separation Counseling and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshop. Won’t that provide me with everything that I need for a successful transition?

The Marine Corps Pre-Separation Counseling and TAP workshop are designed to provide separating Marines with information about benefits, entitlements and available services as well as the basic knowledge and skills necessary to plan and execute a successful job search. Topics include relocation assistance, education / training, health and life insurance, Reserve affiliation and disabled veterans benefits. Other assistance includes a skills assessment, resume development, basic interviewing strategies and interview preparation. Pre-Separation Counseling and the TAP Workshop provide a solid foundation for transition, but they are generally delivered to large audiences of Marines who have diverse backgrounds, needs and career goals.
The Marine Civilian Development Program is singularly focused on first term Marines and officers who are seeking employment in the private sector. Our curriculum is designed to help Marines translate their military skills, and provide the tools and techniques that will ensure participants are able to adapt quickly and effectively to the corporate environment. The Program includes topics such as effective communications, relationship building, time management, Marine strengths and weaknesses, corporate culture, globalization, project management and more. Because of the small class size and low facilitator/student ratio (generally 1:10), the Marine Civilian Development Program has the opportunity to involve each participant in “hands on” learning activities that simply cannot be conducted in a larger forum. Every component of the Marine Civilian Development Program gives Marines the opportunity to learn by doing – and to benefit from the feedback of their peers and facilitation staff. Upon completion of the Program, Marines can take advantage of our job match service that provides an introduction to one or more companies in our nationwide network of employers.

I am an officer separating after six years of service and am currently working with a Junior Military Officer (JMO) placement firm. Why should I attend the Marine Civilian Development Program?

JMO placement firms are an excellent resource, among others, that we encourage you to explore. However, it’s important to remember that these firms are “for profit” entities that generate revenue only when a job candidate is hired.
The Marine Civilian Development Program is a non-profit operation whose mission is to help Marines successfully adapt to working in the private sector. The assistance provided by the Program includes two distinct components: an intense, five and a half day educational experience targeted at adapting and a job matching service that leads to a referral to one or more Fortune 500 companies in our network. Our employers pay no fees for the access that we provide to highly qualified candidates.

Are participants guaranteed an offer of employment?

Marines are referred to MCDP's national network of participating employers, each of which has expressed a strong interest in hiring quality Marines. After the program, MCDP provides each Marine an introduction to one or more company representative(s), based on the Marine’s job preferences, background and geographic availability, and current opportunities with our participating employers. There are no guarantees of an offer of employment, but our objective is to help every participant find a good job, with fair compensation and a solid benefits package.

Will MCDP help me to negotiate a salary?

The program provides Marines with tools and techniques for successfully navigating the hiring process, including company research, skill matching, interview preparations, addressing salary questions and interview follow-up activities. Employment offers and salary negotiations are strictly between prospective employers and the Marine participants.

Will the Marine be able to select a specific job location?

We believe that our expanding network of corporate partners will provide us with the geographical flexibility to meet the preferences of most Marines. We encourage participants to remain open in considering geographic possibilities, to provide a greater range of employment opportunities.

What is the cost to participate in the program?

The program is provided at no cost to selected participants. Lodging and meals at an off-base location are included as part of the program. In addition, transportation will be provided, as needed, for Marines outside of the immediate geographic area.

Can a Marine “fail” the program?

This is an education program without graded events or exams. The only way a Marine could be viewed as not completing the program would be through lack of interest or commitment. In the unlikely event that occurs, the program would not refer the Marine to one of our companies for employment.

What is the purpose of the Spouse Orientation?

The more a spouse knows and understands about the transition experience, the better he/she can support their Marine. As in any time of change, transitioning from active duty can be daunting. We want the Marine to have all the tools available at this time of change and adaptation, including the support of their spouse.

How long is the Spouse Orientation?

The Spouse Orientation includes participation in the welcome event on the first evening of the program and a full day of scheduled classes and activities the following day.

Will there be any cost for the Spouse Orientation?

Any expense involved with a spouse attending the orientation, to include child care, will be paid by MCDP, Inc.

Why are you conducting the program over a weekend?

The weekend format reduces the amount of leave a Marine must take to participate in the program. In addition, the Spouse Orientation occurs on the weekend to better accommodate the schedule of working spouses.

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