Transitioning from Military Jobs to Civilian Careers?

I'm looking into military jobs but also thinking long-term about transitioning back to civilian life. What kinds of military roles offer skills that are transferable to civilian careers, and what fields do people commonly enter after service?

There are actually quite a few military roles that could smoothly transition to civilian careers. The specific job you take in the military can greatly influence the career paths available to you once you leave the service.

For example, if you work in military intelligence, you might transition into a job with a government agency, such as the FBI or CIA, or you might work in private sector security or investigation. On the other hand, if you work in logistics in the military, you might transition into a career in supply chain management, operations, or project management in a variety of industries.

If you serve as a military nurse or medic, you could quite easily transition into a career in healthcare. With additional education and certifications, you could work as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant.

Working in IT in the military could set you up for an IT or cybersecurity career in the civilian workforce. Many companies value the hard-earned expertise and reliable work ethic of a soldier as they transition into civilian roles in the tech world.

People who serve in the military often go into law enforcement or private security after leaving the service, which makes sense given the clear overlap in the skill sets required for military service and police work. You can directly apply your military experience to a career in law enforcement, and many police departments offer preference to veterans in the hiring process.

Lastly, quite a few veterans go into public service or politics after leaving the military. The leadership skills you learn in the military can be highly beneficial in these areas.

The possibilities are quite vast and depend largely on your interests and the specific role you have in the military. Many companies have veteran hiring initiatives, recognizing the invaluable skills and experience that veterans bring to the table, such as leadership, teamwork, and dedication.