Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a significant step. Recognizing this, the U.S. Air Force offers the Career Skills Program (CSP), a valuable initiative designed to bridge the gap between military expertise and civilian career opportunities. This program empowers Airmen to pursue their aspirations by providing hands-on training and experience in diverse fields during their final months of service.
Senior Airman Lauren Phipps, formerly the 19th Wing Staff Agency unit deployment manager, is a testament to the program’s success. She leveraged the CSP to secure an enriching internship at the prestigious William J. Clinton Presidential Library. In this role, Phipps is contributing to a significant project: developing a comprehensive library system for President Clinton’s personal book collection.
“The chance to contribute to a presidential library and organize a former president’s personal collection is truly exceptional,” Phipps stated. “It’s an unparalleled opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for.”
After dedicating 3 1/2 years to the Air Force, Phipps embraced the Career Skills Program as a strategic pathway to pursue her long-held career ambitions. The CSP is structured to provide Airmen with focused vocational and technical training in their chosen field within the last 180 days of their service commitment, before separation or retirement. Participants can select from three distinct tracks: apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training, tailoring the program to their specific career goals.
Master Sgt. Nicholas Ortiz, the 19th Wing Staff Agency first sergeant, emphasizes the program’s reciprocal value. “The Career Skills Program is a vital way to reinvest in our Airmen,” Ortiz explained. “Given the extensive investment we make in their development, offering a robust transition pathway to the civilian sector is not only appropriate but essential.”
Phipps reflects positively on her Air Force tenure, affirming her decision to serve. “I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities the Air Force has afforded me,” Phipps shared. “It has been the catalyst for me to aggressively pursue my dreams and career aspirations. The Air Force provided essential support – from housing and sustenance to educational advancement and even leading me to my husband. I am profoundly thankful for their comprehensive care.”
Building upon a foundation of a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a minor in leadership acquired before enlisting, Phipps further enhanced her qualifications during her service. She earned an associate’s degree in financial management from the Community College of the Air Force, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Ortiz expressed enthusiastic support for Phipps’ participation in the CSP. “Senior Airman Phipps has consistently been an outstanding performer throughout her time here. Her exceptional work in the UDM section speaks volumes. I have no doubt she will excel in this internship and beyond.”
Prior to her role as a UDM, Phipps honed her skills as a financial budget analyst and unit fitness program manager, showcasing her adaptability and diverse capabilities within the Air Force structure.
Looking ahead, Phipps plans to capitalize on the Post-9/11 GI Bill upon completing the CSP, pursuing a master’s degree in library science full-time. “Thanks to my military service, the Air Force continues to invest in my future education, enabling me to pursue my academic goals,” Phipps noted. Her ultimate aspiration is to contribute her expertise to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., a testament to her ambition and dedication to her chosen field.
Phipps recounts a lifelong passion for libraries, recalling, “Libraries have always held a special place for me since childhood. While a career as a librarian once seemed unattainable, this opportunity has illuminated a clear path to achieving my dreams through focused effort.”
She recognizes the evolving role of librarians in the digital age. “Librarians today are increasingly becoming crucial guides in navigating vast databases and research resources,” Phipps explained. “It extends beyond just books; it’s about facilitating research and ensuring access to critical knowledge. Librarians have profoundly impacted my life, serving as mentors and offering invaluable guidance. I aspire to provide that same supportive environment for others, creating a space where learning thrives. And where better to foster such an environment than in a library?”
For Airmen interested in exploring the Career Skills Program and its potential benefits, the education center is available for further information at (501) 987-3417. This program represents a significant investment in the future success of Air Force personnel as they transition to civilian careers.
