How to Start a New Career After Military Service?
Leaving the military and shifting into civilian life brings many changes. One major challenge is finding a new career path. Worry not though, as with some planning and hard work you can take your military skills and turn them into an awesome civilian job. Here’s how:
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Make a Plan
The first step is making a game plan. Sit down and think about what kind of job you want. What did you enjoy doing in the military? What are you good at? Make a list of your interests, values, and skills.
Do Some Research
Once you have an idea of what careers might be a good fit, it’s time to do some digging. Look at job descriptions and see what education or training is needed. The experts at ProTrain say that the military COOL program can tell you if your military skills transfer to civilian credentials or licenses.
Build Your Resume
Your military experience is a tremendous asset for civilian jobs. Build a great resume highlighting all the skills you used in service. Don’t just list your job title; describe the responsibilities and accomplishments behind it. And be sure to include any licenses or certifications.
Network Like Crazy
Networking is key when job searching as a vet. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for work. Check out veteran job fairs. Join veterans’ professional organizations. Alumni associations from your military branch can connect you to others in careers you want.
Rock the Interview
Interviewing for a civilian job is different from the military. Do mock interviews to practice translating your experience into civilian terms that hiring managers understand. Have great examples ready to show you have the skills they need.
Consider an Internship
Internships can be a terrific way to get experience in a new field. Don’t rule them out just because you’re leaving the military. Many companies love to hire veteran interns.
Transitioning Your Military Career
Leaving the military and going civilian is a huge life change. It can feel overwhelming, but staying focused and using all your determination will get you that next great career.
First, think hard about what really motivates you and what kind of environment you thrive in. Then get the credentials and do the networking to make that dream job a reality.
The key is taking your amazing military training and experience and showing how well it all translates to being an outstanding civilian employee.
Heading Back to School?
Many vets decide to use education benefits to prepare for their new career. If that’s your plan, you’ll want to do some homework first.
Research schools and make sure they have programs that are a good fit for your goals. Tour campuses and ask about veteran services and organizations. Get advice from others who used the same benefits.
Going back to school can be a wonderful way to build new skills for your next career. Just make sure you choose the right program.
Conclusion
For many veterans, the hardest part of joining the civilian world is finding something that gives you the same sense of purpose, drive and camaraderie as military service did.
The good news is, there are so many incredible career paths where you can have a huge positive impact in your community or field. You’ll feel that same pride in meaningful work.
Maybe you want to protect people through law enforcement or firefighting. Perhaps a medical career helping others is your calling. Or channeling your skills into expert manufacturing or project management.
The possibilities are endless when you have that unstoppable drive and those solid skills from military training. Think about what lights that fire inside and go after it full force.
