What are some of the most popular careers that former military members transition into? I'm planning my future and wondering what options are commonly pursued by those who have served.
Transitioning from military service to civilian life often involves selecting a new career path. A few popular options that capitalize on skills and experiences gained in the military include the following:
Corporate/Information Security: Many former military members transition to the security sector, where skills like risk assessment, strategic planning, and information protection are highly sought after. This could involve roles in private security or IT security where people safeguard a company's data and system integrity.
Government Services/Civil Service: Working for local, state, or federal governments is a common path. Many choose to serve in law enforcement or fire/emergency services or in administrative roles within government agencies. Additionally, there are preferences in federal hiring for veterans.
Defense Contracting: Companies that contract with the Department of Defense often seek out veterans because of their military service and clearances. Positions might range from logistics and operations to strategic consulting or technical roles.
Healthcare Professions: Some former military medics or corpsmen transition into healthcare roles such as nursing, emergency medical technicians, or even medical doctors.
Education/Training: Many former military members find themselves well-suited to roles in education or corporate training, where leadership, discipline, and explaining complex ideas clearly are major assets.
Entrepreneurship: Some military veterans opt to start their own businesses. They apply their leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and the discipline honed during their service to the entrepreneurship path.
Information Technology: The military often provides robust training in IT and communication systems, fitting veterans to roles in network administration, programming, and system analysis.
These are just a few of many possibilities! While many ex-military personnel pursue these paths, the right career for you will depend on your own interests, skills, and experiences. Be sure to leverage available military transition resources to help determine the best next steps for your individual career goals.
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