How do you go about planning your career? It takes time and thought to decide what you'd like to do or where you'd like to go. Be sure to keep your resume updated with your employment records and skills. Planning your career and career development is for everyone. It is also very personal, because it starts with your career goals. At every stage of your career you should be considering career development.

There are several steps in the career development process:

• Set your career goals.
• Create a career development plan to help you reach these goals.
• Capture this plan on an Individual Development Plan form.
• Discuss your career plans with your mentor.
• Finalize your IDP with your supervisor.

Take some time and really think about what you want to do with your career. Follow the steps in the career development process, and you will be well on your way to the career of your choosing!

China Lake Fleet and Family Support Center Services, provides career services to support you in your career.  Contact the Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) coordinator at 760-939-4553 to set up an appointment today!

There are a variety of contracting companies which offer employment onboard Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The China Lake FFSC offers classes such as:

• Resume Writing: Focusing on resume development, this class teaches you how to solicit letters of recommendation and thank letters to potential employers.
• Winning Interview Techniques: Designed to provide information on how to effectively present yourself before, during and after the interview process.
• Finding Federal Employment: The course provides information on obtaining vacancy announcements, completing federal applications, eligibility and hiring preferences.

Transition Assistance Program

TAP is for military personnel who are within one year of separation. Classes are designed to assist active-duty military in any branch with a smooth transition into civilian life by educating them on benefits and resources available upon exiting the U.S. Armed Forces. Success for that next step requires preparation such as resume strategies, job search tips and interview tactics. Spouses will be invited to attend during certain seminars. Contact Fleet & Family Support to obtain the TAP Calendar to attend 760-939-1018. 

Non-Federal Civil Service Positions (Non-Appropriated Funds)

The Navy Exchange has employment opportunities. Go to navyexchange.jobs or check at the main store. Applicants may apply for positions by contacting the NEX personnel employment office by calling 760-446-6707.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation also employs NAF personnel on base. Applicants interested in employment with recreation, food service, and child care programs may contact the MWR Personnel Office by calling 760-939-3440.

• NAVAIR
• Lockheed Martin Service
• Boeing
• New Directions Technologies Inc.
• Systems Application & Technologies Inc. Sa -TECH
• Tybrin Corporation
• Raytheon Systems
• VSE
• AECOM
• Synectic Solutions
• L-3 Communications
• Arcata
• Wyle Laboratories
• Saalex Solutions
• DCS Corporation
• Computer Science Corporation
• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
• Electronic Warfare Associates, Inc.
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Entron Systems Company
• General Dynamics Information Technology
• Jacobs Naval Systems Group, Inc
• MIL Corporation
• Naval Systems, Inc NSI

For information on My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit the Military OneSource website. For information about Tuition Assistance you may contact the Work and Family Life Specialist at the China Lake Fleet and Family Support Center by calling 760-939-4553.

China Lake employs over 4,000 civilians. Unemployment Rate 4.1%, the US average is 6.0%.  Median Household Income range $62,532. Data provided 2023.

For employment information and opportunities for military spouses and dependents specific to China Lake:

www.navylifesw.com click China Lake, then about, then jobs.

www.usajobs.gov, search China Lake or 93555

For assistance with resumes, interview strategies, or a list of contractors hiring on base contact Fleet and Family Support Center Work and Family Life Specialist at 760-939-4553.