Finding a Civilian Job with Military Experience?

Looking ahead, I'm curious about the process of finding civilian jobs that value military experience. What steps can I take now, while still in high school, to prepare for this transition in the future?

Great question! Even in high school, there are many valuable steps you can take to set yourself up for a successful transition from the military to civilian career. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Understand transferable skills: Even before joining the military, understand how several skills you learn there (like leadership, problem-solving, discipline, and teamwork) are highly transferable to many civilian industries. Try to gain a wide range of experiences and skills during your time in service that you could later highlight in your resume.

2. Keep your long-term goals in mind: As you consider your military career, try to opt for roles or assignments that would give you experience in your areas of interest. For example, if you're interested in a technology-related civilian job, consider military roles related to IT or communications.

3. Gain relevant education: Once you decide what industry or professional field you're interested in, consider getting education in that domain. For instance, if you want to transition into project management, you might think about earning a degree in business or management while serving in the military. Remember that the military often has educational stipends or programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill to assist with this.

4. Network: Start building your professional network early. Connect with others in the military who've transitioned successfully to civilian roles or with professionals in industries of your interest. You could use platforms like LinkedIn for this.

5. Utilize transition programs: The military offers various programs to assist with transition into civilian careers, such as the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). These programs usually provide resources on job searching, resume writing, interview skills, and more.

Remember, these steps are just a starting point. The journey from military to civilian career can be unique for each individual, but with proper planning and preparations, the transition can become smoother. Hope this helps!