What's the best way to transition from military to civilian jobs?

I'm thinking about joining the military after high school, but I'm also curious about the process of transitioning back to civilian jobs later. What should I expect, and how can I prepare myself while still in high school?

Transitioning from a military to a civilian career can certainly be challenging, but preparing in advance can make it smoother. Here's how you can prepare and what to expect:

1. Understand Your Skills: Identify the transferrable skills that you can acquire in the military. For example, leadership, teamwork, discipline, and strategic planning are some valuable skills that military personnel bring to civilian jobs.

2. Research Your Future Career: Think about what kind of civilian job you may like to transition into. This will help guide your military career choices so you pick up the most transferable skills possible.

3. Gain Experience: Consider choosing a military occupational specialty that aligns with your desired civilian career. This way, you're not only learning useful skills but also gaining relevant experience.

4. Education: Pursue further education while in service, or plan to do so afterward. The military provides many opportunities for you to obtain undergraduate or graduate degrees. These will greatly benefit you when you transition to civilian employment.

5. Networking: Establish a professional network that includes both military and civilian contacts. These relationships will be invaluable during your transition.

6. Translate Your Resume: When it's time to start job-hunting in the civilian world, it's important to present your military skills and experiences in a way that civilian recruiters can understand. Avoid using military jargon and acronyms.

7. Use Resources: Currently, several programs, such as the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), exist to assist military personnel transitioning to civilian jobs. TAP for example provides employment workshops, individual counseling, and job placement advice. Utilize these resources to your advantage.

Remember that patience is key. Transitioning to a civilian career may take some time and adjustment. Each transition is unique, so remain open-minded and stay determined throughout the process.