How to Transition from a Military Occupational Specialty to a Civilian Job?

I'm considering enlisting but I'm also worried about what happens after. How does a military occupational specialty translate into civilian employment? Are there resources to help with transitioning skills from military to civilian jobs?

Absolutely, there are numerous resources and methodologies to help service members transition their military skills into civilian jobs. One such strategy is translating your military occupational specialty (MOS) into terms that civilian employers can understand and appreciate.

Most of the skills and experiences in the military are transferrable to a civilian career. For example, leadership, project management, logistics, communication, and team-building skills are all highly sought after in the civilian sector. You may have also gained technical skills related to an MOS, such as maintenance, IT, healthcare, or aviation, which can directly apply to civilian jobs in those fields.

Another valuable tool is the Department of Labor’s ONET Online. This resource provides detailed descriptions of work tasks, skills, education, and other occupational requirements. They have a tool called the Military Crosswalk Search to help you translate military-specific job codes into civilian job titles and roles.

Beyond this, veterans often partake in career coaching and networking as well, which are effective for identifying opportunities and making lasting connections in your desired industry.

Finally, take advantage of any transition assistance programs offered by your branch of service. These programs aim to help military personnel navigate their path to civilian employment through services like job training, resume development, and job search assistance.

Remember, the goal is to make your military experience understandable and relatable to civilian employers—translating your skills, not diminishing them. Show them how what you learned in the military can add value to their organization. And, don't underestimate the soft skills you've gained from military service. Employers value traits like dependability, leadership, and the ability to work under pressure.