I'm an aspiring optometrist interested in working abroad, particularly in Japan. Does anyone have advice on how to secure optometry positions on military bases over there?
Sure, you might consider one or more of the following approaches.
Firstly, a direct application to the military's civil service department could be your first attempt. For U.S. bases, the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS) manages the hiring of civilian healthcare providers, including optometrists, for the army, navy, and air force bases. Positions are typically listed on USAJobs.gov, the official employment site of the U.S. federal government. It's good practice to frequently check available job postings for optometry positions overseas.
Secondly, contracting firms that work with the military could be a valuable resource. These firms fill positions for both clinical and non-clinical staff on military bases domestically and abroad. Two of the largest ones are Luke and Associates and Loyal Source. Regularly monitoring career section of their websites or job boards could yield opportunities.
Lastly, networking and connections are often key in situations like this. Your optometry school likely has a career counselor who can assist with job placement or provide valuable contacts. You could also reach out to any contacts you might have within the military or healthcare community to explore opportunities.
Just remember that working at a military base overseas may require additional paperwork, background checks, and possibly a security clearance. It can be a bit of a process, but it can also be a rewarding career opportunity with a unique blend of patient bases and experiences.
I hope this helps you in your search!
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