Military to Civilian Job Skills: What’s Transferable?

For those who've been in the military, what skills are most transferable to civilian jobs? I’m thinking about enlisting but want to know which skills I could highlight when applying for civilian roles later.

Military personnel often develop a range of valuable skills that are highly transferable to civilian jobs. Here are some examples:

1. Leadership: Many positions in the military require leading and mobilizing teams, often under stressful circumstances. These leadership skills translate directly to the civilian world, where companies need individuals capable of managing, guiding, and motivating teams.

2. Technical Skills: Depending on your military role, you may acquire in-depth technical skills in areas such as communications, electronics, information technology, or logistics. Often, the military provides advanced training in these fields, and these abilities are highly sought after in the civilian job market.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Military personnel are trained to assess situations speedily, think critically, and solve problems on the spot—all essential skills in civilian jobs, especially in areas like project management, operations, strategy, and consulting.

4. Discipline and Work Ethic: Serving in the military involves following rigorous rules and schedules, which tend to instill discipline and a strong work ethic. Employers appreciate these traits as they tend to enhance productivity and efficiency.

5. Interpersonal Skills: Serving in the military often involves working with diverse teams and dealing with challenging interpersonal situations. This experience can be beneficial in many civilian roles that involve teamwork or customer service.

6. Ability to Work Under Pressure: The military environment often calls for effective work under high-stress conditions. This ability can be a strong asset in many civilian careers, where deadlines and pressure are common features.

7. Adaptability: Military life demands adaptability—you might be required to change locations, roles, or responsibilities frequently, or work in unpredictable situations. This adaptability can be invaluable in civilian workplaces, which often value flexibility and agility.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples. You can acquire many other skills in the military that are transferable to civilian jobs. And remember, how you present these skills on your resume and in job interviews can make a significant difference in showcasing the value you could bring to potential employers.