Hey! Looking to understand what kind of civilian jobs one can pursue after gaining experience in the military. How transferable are military skills to civilian careers, and what fields are the most receptive to military backgrounds?
The military offers an extensive range of training and work experiences, many of which can transition very well into civilian careers. Broadly, the skills and experience that military personnel develop, especially in leadership, discipline, and project management, are highly valued across all sectors of civilian jobs.
Here are some common career fields that tend to align well with military experiences:
1. Project / Program Management: Military training often involves managing resources, logistics, timing, and personnel, making veterans well-suited for project and program management roles in various industries.
2. Information Technology (IT): If you worked in a tech-related role in the military, you would have transferable skills for a job in IT or cybersecurity. Even if you didn't work directly in these roles, the military has a strong emphasis on understanding and utilizing technology, which might gear you toward these fields.
3. Legal Services: If your role involves understanding and enforcing military laws and regulations, you may find good prospects in the civilian legal field. Compliance officers, paralegals, and similar jobs may be suitable.
4. Healthcare: Medics and healthcare practitioners in the military can often find jobs in the civilian healthcare sector. Certifications, such as those for an EMT, can facilitate this transition.
5. Government Services: A military background can lend itself to a government job, partly because veterans may have an easier time navigating the bureaucracy that often comes with government jobs. The federal government also has a preferential hiring protocol for veterans.
6. Law Enforcement: A lot of veterans transition into police work or private security roles due to the nature of their military training and the similarity in the chain of command system.
The best approach for deciding your career path might depend heavily on what your role was within the military. Keep in mind that while the military does provide great transferable skills, additional education or training may be necessary for certain careers. Furthermore, local Veteran Affairs offices or professional Veterans associations can provide guidance and resources to help navigate the civilian job market.
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