I'm considering joining the military, but I'm curious about career paths once I'm out. What are some of the best jobs available after leaving the military? I'm particularly interested in roles that value military experience.
There are many career paths that value military experience across a variety of fields, and these are just a few examples:
1. Federal Government Jobs: Many veterans transition to work for the federal government as civilian employees since their military service can count towards federal retirement. Additionally, the government has a Veterans' Preference program, which gives eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants. Some agencies, like the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, actively aim to hire veterans.
2. Law Enforcement: The discipline, mental toughness, fitness, and respect for procedures developed in the military translate well to careers in law enforcement. Many police departments offer additional points on law enforcement entrance exams for military experience or offer a specific hiring preference for veterans.
3. Defense Contractor: Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Boeing work on high-tech projects for the U.S. military. Veterans who are familiar with this work and who have security clearances often find this to be a smooth transition.
4. Information Technology: The military trains individuals in a variety of tech fields, creating ample opportunities for veterans in the civilian tech market. Companies value the combination of technical skills and the work ethic, discipline, and leadership that comes from military experience.
5. Consultancy: Businesses value the leadership and management experience that veterans bring to the table. Companies like Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group have programs designed to recruit veterans into consulting roles.
6. Entrepreneurship: Many veterans start their own businesses. The leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills honed in the military, coupled with resources such as the SBA's Veteran's Business Outreach Center and various veteran entrepreneurship programs, can help veterans successfully build their own ventures.
Remember, your military experience is not just defined by your military occupational specialty, but also by your leadership experiences, additional training, and developed skill sets. These attributes can make you attractive to many potential employers across various industries.
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