As a veteran, transitioning from active duty to the civilian workforce can be a daunting task. A common question that many veterans ask is, “what jobs are good for ex-military personnel?” Fortunately, there are various career options available for veterans, ranging from the government to the private sector.
One of the most comfortable career paths for veterans is law enforcement. This is because the military shares a similar structure and discipline as law enforcement, making it an easy transition. Additionally, police departments often prioritize veterans in their hiring process, providing a sense of job security.
Another career option that is ideal for veterans is the tech sector. Companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, prioritize veteran employees due to their ability to follow procedures and think critically. Additionally, the tech sector provides veterans with opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology, allowing them to continue developing their skills and knowledge.
High Demand Career Fields for Ex-Military Personnel
Transitioning back into civilian life can be a challenging process for many military veterans. Finding a job that allows them to utilize their skills, experience, and work ethic can be a daunting task. However, there are several high demand career fields where ex-military personnel can thrive and make a successful transition into civilian life.
Top High Demand Career Fields for Ex-Military Personnel:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Transportation and Logistics
- Healthcare
One of the fastest-growing industries today is Information Technology (IT). Military veterans often have valuable IT experience from their time in the service, making them a great fit for the industry. IT jobs are in high demand, and they offer excellent compensation and benefit packages. Some of the top IT jobs for ex-military personnel include cybersecurity, network engineering, computer programming, technical support, and systems administration.
Another high demand career field for military veterans is transportation and logistics. Many ex-military personnel have experience driving and operating heavy equipment, making them valuable assets to the industry. The demand for transportation and logistics professionals is on the rise due to the growth of e-commerce and global trade. Some of the top jobs within the industry include truck driving, logistics coordination, supply chain management, and warehouse management.
Healthcare is also a high demand career field for ex-military personnel. Veterans have often received extensive medical training during their service, making them well-suited for the healthcare industry. Healthcare jobs are expected to grow tremendously in the coming years, with an increased demand for healthcare professionals due to an aging population and increased access to healthcare. Some of the top healthcare jobs for ex-military personnel include nursing, medical coding, medical assisting, and medical equipment repair.
In conclusion, ex-military personnel have a lot to offer in the civilian job market. By highlighting their valuable skills and experience, they can make a successful transition into high demand career fields such as IT, transportation and logistics, and healthcare. These industries offer excellent opportunities for growth, and they are great options for military veterans looking for a successful career in civilian life.
Skills typically acquired during military service that translate to civilian jobs
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a challenging process, but fortunately, the experience and skills gained during military service can make ex-military personnel highly desirable job candidates in the civilian workforce. Here are some of the skills typically acquired during military service that can translate to civilian jobs:
- Leadership: Military personnel are trained to make quick, informed decisions under pressure and lead others effectively. These skills can be applied in a variety of civilian jobs, including management positions.
- Teamwork: Military personnel often work in teams to accomplish tasks, and can bring this skillset to civilian jobs that require collaboration and communication among team members.
- Problem-solving: The military encourages its personnel to be resourceful and find innovative solutions to problems. This skillset can be applied to many civilian jobs that require critical thinking and adaptability.
Here are some examples of civilian jobs that would be a good fit for ex-military personnel based on the skills typically acquired during military service:
Law enforcement: Military personnel with experience in security, law enforcement, and combat operations can transition to careers in law enforcement or private security.
Engineering: Military personnel with background in engineering and mechanics can bring this expertise to civilian jobs in construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries.
Logistics: Military personnel with experience in supply chain management and logistics can transition to jobs in shipping, transportation, and warehouse management.
Customer service: Military personnel with exceptional communication skills can utilize this expertise in customer service and hospitality roles, as they can offer a level of professionalism and attention to detail that often exceeds the norm.
| Military Skillset | Civilian Jobs |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Management positions |
| Teamwork | Collaborative jobs |
| Problem-solving | Critical thinking jobs |
In summary, the skills acquired during military service can be easily transferable to civilian jobs in a variety of industries. Military personnel should play to their strengths when seeking out employment, showcasing their abilities in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in order to stand out to potential employers.
Industries with a High Number of Ex-Military Employees
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenging process, especially when it comes to finding a job that suits your skills and interests. Fortunately, there are many industries that highly value the experience, leadership, and dedication that ex-military personnel bring to the table. In fact, veterans are often sought after by employers in a variety of fields, and companies across the country are actively recruiting them for their teams.
- Government: It should come as no surprise that the government is one of the biggest employers of veterans. Federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security are just a few examples of agencies that value military experience. Additionally, state and local governments often have positions that are ideal for ex-military personnel, such as law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency management.
- Logistics and Transportation: The skills that veterans acquire during their service often translate well to the logistics and transportation industry. Companies in this field require employees who can manage complex logistics, follow strict regulations, and remain calm under pressure. The trucking industry, in particular, is known for its ability to absorb and employ large numbers of veterans.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing is another industry that values the discipline, attention to detail, and technical expertise that ex-military personnel possess. Manufacturers of all sorts require employees who can work with precision, follow safety guidelines, and troubleshoot complex problems. Aerospace and defense manufacturers are particularly keen on hiring veterans due to their experience in these sectors.
Of course, these industries are just a few examples of the many options available to ex-military personnel. Depending on their interests and skill sets, veterans may also find success in healthcare, education, technology, and other fields. The key is to identify the areas where military experience is highly valued and build on those strengths to find a career that aligns with one’s goals.
Opportunities for veterans to start their own businesses
Transitioning back to civilian life can be challenging, but starting your own business can be a great opportunity for veterans. Here are some resources and ideas for starting a successful business:
- Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): Funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA), VBOCs offer assistance with starting and growing a business. They provide training, counseling, and access to resources for veterans looking to start their own businesses.
- Franchising: Many franchise companies offer discounts or financial assistance to veterans who want to invest in their businesses. Franchising can be a great option for veterans who want to start a business but aren’t sure where to begin.
- Government contracting: The federal government has set a goal to award 3% of all federal contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. To qualify, you must be a service-disabled veteran and own at least 51% of the business.
Resources for starting a business
Starting a business can be overwhelming, but the following resources can help:
- SCORE: A nonprofit organization that offers free business advice and mentoring from experienced professionals.
- Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers free business counseling, training, and assistance with financing.
- Veteran Entrepreneur Portal: A website that provides access to a variety of resources for veterans who want to start and grow their own businesses.
Business ideas for veterans
Here are some business ideas that may be a good fit for veterans:
- Security consulting: Many veterans have experience in security and law enforcement, which can translate well into a consulting business.
- Personal training: Veterans often have a strong commitment to physical fitness, and starting a personal training business can leverage that passion.
- Landscaping: Landscaping and lawn care can be a great business for veterans who enjoy working outdoors.
Success stories
There are many examples of successful veteran-owned businesses. Here is a table with some of the most inspiring:
| Company name | Industry | Description |
| Triple Canopy | Security | Provides security services to government agencies and private corporations. |
| Rubicon Global | Waste management | Offers sustainable waste management solutions to businesses and individuals. |
| Battle Grounds Coffee | Food and beverage | Serves high-quality coffee to military personnel and civilians. |
These success stories demonstrate that starting your own business can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for veterans.
Benefits available to help veterans transition to civilian careers
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a daunting challenge. Fortunately, there are several benefits available to veterans that can make this transition a smoother process. Let’s take a look at five of the most important benefits:
- GI Bill: The GI Bill is a valuable benefit that provides financial assistance to veterans for education and training purposes. It can be used to pay for tuition, books, and other education-related expenses. With the help of the GI Bill, veterans can gain new skills and qualifications that will make them more competitive in the civilian job market.
- Transitional Assistance Program (TAP): The TAP provides service members with pre-separation counseling, employment assistance, and other support services to help them successfully transition from military to civilian life. Through TAP, veterans can receive training on resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search techniques.
- Veterans’ Preference: Veterans’ Preference is a program that gives eligible veterans preference in hiring for federal jobs. This program can be a valuable asset for veterans who are seeking employment in the public sector.
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program: The VR&E Program provides a range of services to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment. This program can include training, counseling, and financial assistance for education and training.
- Employer Incentives: Some employers offer incentives to veterans, such as signing bonuses or tuition reimbursement. These incentives can be a valuable asset for veterans who are looking for work in the private sector.
It’s important for veterans to take advantage of these benefits to help make their transition to civilian life a success. With the right support and resources, veterans can find fulfilling careers and thrive in their new civilian lives.
Companies that prioritize hiring veterans
Many companies recognize the unique skill sets and work ethic that military veterans possess and actively prioritize their hiring. These companies not only want to support our deserving veterans but also understand the value they bring to the table. Below are some of the top companies that prioritize hiring veterans.
- Amazon: This e-commerce giant has pledged to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses by 2021 and has already hired over 17,500 as of 2020.
- AT&T: This telecommunications company has a long-standing commitment to hiring veterans and aims to hire 20,000 veterans by 2021.
- Booz Allen Hamilton: Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm serving the federal government that provides a number of programs aimed at hiring veterans and their families. They have hired over 5,000 veterans since 2013.
Other companies that prioritize hiring veterans include Lockheed Martin, JPMorgan Chase, Verizon, and many more.
These companies recognize the immense value that military veterans bring to their workforce. Veterans are trained to be adaptable, detail-oriented, and thrive in high-pressure situations – all qualities that can benefit any organization. Not only that, hiring veterans is also good for business. A study conducted by LinkedIn found that veterans stay in jobs longer and have lower turnover rates than their non-veteran counterparts, ultimately leading to cost savings for the company.
| Company | Number of Veterans Hired (as of 2020) | Hiring Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 17,500 | 25,000 by 2021 |
| AT&T | N/A | 20,000 by 2021 |
| Booz Allen Hamilton | 5,000+ | N/A |
If you’re a military veteran looking for a career outside of the military, consider looking into these companies and their various veterans hiring initiatives. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of working for a reputable company, but you’ll also be joining a workforce that values the unique skills and experiences that you bring to the table.
Challenges Veterans May Face During the Job Search Process
Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce can be a difficult and overwhelming process for many veterans. Here are some common challenges they may face during the job search process:
- Lack of civilian job experience – Many veterans often struggle to translate their military experience into meaningful civilian job skills. They may feel that their experience is not relevant to the civilian job market, making it difficult to find a job.
- Difficulty networking – Veterans may not have established professional networks outside of the military, which can make it challenging to get their foot in the door with potential employers.
- Need for job flexibility – Veterans with service-related disabilities may require accommodations or flexibility in their work schedule, which can limit their job options and make the job search process more challenging.
Employers can help veterans overcome these challenges by providing job training programs, mentorship opportunities, and flexible work arrangements.
Additionally, there are a number of programs and resources available to veterans to provide assistance during their job search. These may include:
- The Department of Veterans Affairs offers vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Many companies offer veteran-specific hiring initiatives and programs, such as organizations like Hiring Our Heroes and the Veterans Job Mission.
- Veterans service organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars can provide job search assistance and other resources to help veterans during the transition process.
To further assist veterans in their job search, here is a table detailing some potential job opportunities that may align with their military experience:
| Job Title | Skills Required |
|---|---|
| Information Security Analyst | Experience with cybersecurity and risk management |
| Operations Manager | Leadership and logistics experience |
| Project Manager | Ability to lead and manage projects |
| Mechanical Engineer | Experience with mechanics, computer-aided design, and quality assurance |
With the right resources and support, veterans can overcome the challenges of the job search process and find rewarding careers that utilize their valuable skills and experiences.
FAQs: What jobs are good for ex military?
1. What jobs are good for ex military with combat experience?
Answer: Security, law enforcement, private military contracting, and positions in the defense industry could be suitable options for ex military personnel with combat experience.
2. What jobs are good for ex military with technical skills?
Answer: Technical skills acquired in the military, such as programming or electronic systems maintenance, could make ex military personnel ideal candidates for roles in the information technology, engineering, or manufacturing industries.
3. What jobs are good for ex military with leadership experience?
Answer: Leadership skills learned in the military, such as strategic planning and people management, could be useful in managerial positions across various industries.
4. What jobs are good for ex military with medical training?
Answer: Ex military personnel with medical training could consider roles in healthcare or emergency services.
5. What jobs are good for ex military with logistical expertise?
Answer: Transport and logistics companies, supply chain management organizations, and manufacturing companies could all benefit from the logistics expertise gained from military experience.
6. What jobs are good for ex military with language skills?
Answer: Ex military personnel with language skills could consider roles in translation, interpretation, or intelligence agencies.
7. What jobs are good for ex military with construction experience?
Answer: Construction companies, engineering firms, and civil service organizations often seek employees with experience in construction, making it a potentially good fit for ex military personnel with experience in the field.
Closing Thoughts:
Thank you for taking the time to read about the various job options available for ex military personnel. We hope this article has provided some valuable insights into potential careers. Please visit again for more informative articles.