For military veterans like myself, what kinds of overseas job opportunities exist? I'm interested in knowing which skills from military service are most transferable to these roles.
Several opportunities exist for overseas jobs for military veterans, thanks to the vast range of skills many veterans acquire from their service. Here are a few potential avenues to consider:
1. Security Contracting: Security contractor jobs are often posted overseas. Your military training can be beneficial for these roles. For instance, companies like Academi, which was formerly known as Blackwater, often seek individuals with military experience to serve as private contractors. These jobs range from providing VIP security to working in hostile zones, much like the military.
2. Consultant or Analyst: Your military experience and knowledge about security issues can be effectively utilized by organizations focusing on global safety, conflict resolution, and geopolitical risks. Many consulting firms offer jobs internationally and value the in-depth national security knowledge of military veterans.
3. Government Roles: The U.S. Department of State or Defense offers a variety of overseas roles that you could qualify for, such as security officers, strategists, or liaisons. These roles leverage the tactical and strategic skills developed in the military.
4. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): If you're interested in humanitarian work, many NGOs operate overseas and look for the type of leadership and problem-solving skills military veterans typically have. For example, roles in managing logistics in disaster relief can directly apply military experience.
Regarding transferable skills, skills such as leadership, strategic planning, teamwork, problem-solving, crisis management, and communication are highly valuable in the civilian workforce and can significantly bolster your application for overseas roles.
Remember to present these skills effectively in your resume and articulate your experiences during interviews. Leverage these transferable skills along with the discipline and resilience you acquired from your military service to appeal to potential employers.
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