I'm considering enlisting but want to ensure the job I choose will help me gain work experience that's transferable to civilian life. What roles should I consider?
There are many military jobs that offer valuable work experience for civilian life. Essentially, every branch of the armed forces provides a wide range of occupations that mirror those in the civilian world. When making your decision, it would be beneficial to consider what your interests and future career goals are.
1. Healthcare: If you're interested in medicine or healthcare, consider roles as a combat medic, nurse, or even a military physician. These roles can transition smoothly into civilian healthcare professions.
2. Information Technology: The military heavily relies on sophisticated technology and cybersecurity. Roles such as a Information Systems Technician or Cyber Operations Specialist can provide highly valued skills that are transferable to civilian IT roles.
3. Engineering and Technical Roles : The Armed Forces have a variety of engineering roles like Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, etc. These roles provide practical experience which can be directly transferred into civilian roles.
4. Aviation: Both piloting and maintaining aircraft in roles like Avionics Technician or Aircraft Maintainer can lead to lucrative civilian careers in the aviation industry.
5. Logistics and Supply Chain: If you're interested in operations, supply chain, or logistics, consider roles involving inventory control, logistics planning, or supply chain management. These roles can smoothly transition to the corporate world.
6. Public Affairs: The military also offers jobs similar to those in the media or public relations industry such as a Public Affairs Specialist.
7. Law Enforcement/Security: Roles such as Military Police or Security Forces can offer great experience for those considering a career in law enforcement or private security.
Most importantly, alongside the specialised experience, the military can also provide you with versatile skills such as leadership, discipline, teamwork and problem-solving that are highly sought after in all civilian careers. Be sure to take advantage of the various educational benefits offered by the military, as this can further enhance your employability after your term of service.
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.