Translating My Future Military Job to Civilian Life

I'm thinking of joining the military but want to understand how military jobs translate to civilian life. What steps can I take now to ensure I can transition smoothly into a civilian career later on?

There are a few strategies that might help with this kind of planning, and it's great that you're thinking about your future endeavors!

First, you can consider pursuing military roles that have direct counterparts in the civilian job market. A number of military jobs — such as logistics officers, intelligence analysts, nurses, doctors, IT specialists, and engineers — possess skills that translate smoothly into many traditional civilian industries. Before choosing a role, you could research potential military jobs and compare their training and responsibilities to those in comparable civilian positions.

Second, you could make use of the certifications and educational opportunities offered by the military. Many roles in the military offer valuable training, certifications, or even degrees that are recognized in the civilian world. For instance, several technical and medical fields within the military offer the chance to gain professional certifications, which would give you additional credibility when transitioning to a civilian job.

Lastly, consider making use of resources designed to assist military personnel with their transition to civilian life. There are programs dedicated to helping veterans translate their military skills to the civilian job market, enhance their resumes, and navigate job interviews. The U.S. Veterans Affairs offers several resources to help with the transition back to civilian life. Additionally, online tools and platforms such as LinkedIn and Appily have features specifically designed for veterans to translate their military experience to the civilian job market, making the application process less daunting.

Remember though, every path is unique and these are guidelines. It may also be helpful to talk with military recruiters or existing personnel who have made the transition themselves to gain their perspectives.