I'm a high school junior considering the military after graduation, but I'm also thinking about how my career might look if I return to Utah. What kind of job opportunities do military veterans generally find in Utah? Any advice from veterans?
That's a very thoughtful question and it's great to see you thinking ahead about various career paths post-military service. As for the state of Utah, it is known for its robust job market and has opportunities in a variety of areas where veterans can find meaningful employment.
Many veterans find employment in sectors where their military experiences can be directly translated into civilian skills. These include:
- Government and Public Administration: Veterans are often successful in roles within the local, state, or federal government. Their background in structured, protocol-driven environments can be very beneficial here.
- Aerospace and Defense: With military experience, veterans often transition into roles in Utah's booming aerospace industry. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have operations in the state and often seek out veterans.
- Health Care: If you were in a medical role in the military or are interested in healthcare, Utah has a strong healthcare sector with many job opportunities.
- Information Technology (IT): If your military duties included IT work, there are many tech companies in Utah that could use your technical skills and disciplined approach.
- Law Enforcement: Many veterans transition well into law enforcement and similar roles, as these positions often value the discipline, structure, and commitment that military service instills.
- Skilled Trades: Skills that you can learn in the military like electrical, HVAC, construction, and others, are in high demand in places like Utah.
Aside from these, you also have access to the GI Bill which can fund your education if you wish to pursue a degree or certification after your service. It's best to check the current benefits as they can change.
Can't stress enough how important networking is too. Utah has a strong veteran community and many local organizations that can offer job search assistance, mentoring and advice. Also, job fairs can be great opportunities to meet employers interested in hiring veterans.
Hope this provides some insights for you!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.