After leaving the military and transitioning to the civilian world, you might be in a situation where you will need to find a job. During your search as a veteran, you will discover some civilian careers that may sound interesting, but almost all of them require a certain level of expertise.
Although jobs for veterans may require continuing education, your teamwork, dedication, and the ability to follow directions will undoubtedly play a significant role in your career development, which you can leverage in adapting to civilian life.
Still, a nonveteran employer may not understand the value of the skills you acquired during your military career. Although being military skilled is highly valuable, continuing education after leaving the service is always a good idea before going job searching. It will help you better understand a specific civilian job and determine the best career path after leaving the military. Speaking of which, here are a few career suggestions that best fit those with military training.
Law enforcement and Security
One of the obvious jobs for veterans would be either related to law enforcement or security. After a successful military career, these options are worth considering for your professional development. You are more than capable of fulfilling the duties required for these two positions. Considering that so many veterans are well-trained in conflict resolution and self-defense, a security guard or police officer position can be described as a military-friendly job. On the other hand, becoming a police officer would require additional education and training, but it is still a fitting career choice for many veterans.
Healthcare
One of the leading career paths for veterans is health care. According to recent research, many veterans chose to utilize their skill sets by helping others. The strong sense of community and teamwork within the healthcare industry are just a few factors that cause veterans to gravitate toward this line of service. Veterans transitioning to civilian life may also expect competitive salaries in health care.
- Dental hygienist—$74,820
- Diagnostic medical sonographer—$72,510
- Registered nurse—$71,730
- Respiratory therapist—$60,280
- Occupational therapy assistant—$60,220
- Radiologic technologist—$59,520
- Physical therapist assistant—$58,040
Information Technology
In recent years, more and more IT companies are hiring veterans. According to data, over 220,000 veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are currently looking for work. Their military skills have proven to be closely related to job descriptions in the IT industry. Some of the most popular choices are Computer Security, SQL, Electronic Troubleshooting, Security Risk Management, Cisco Networking, and Program Management. Transitioning to the private sector can be just as easy as moving on to healthcare because most job openings require teamwork and discipline — skills that military vets have acquired during their time in service.
Thanks to online training programs, you can become a certified IT professional in as little as four months. This is a good fit for veterans who want to start their careers sooner and start earning money. Many hiring managers value certified applicants entering the jobs market, so you should consider having a reputable resume before going for your first job interview in the private sector.
With MyComputerCareer, you can earn up to 13 highly valuable IT Certifications in areas ranging from Operating Systems to Computer Networks and Cyber Security. The effort that is put into the training and education of veterans was recognized by a Military Friendly Designation, which MyComputerCareer gained in 2019.
The benefits of IT Courses and Programs
Unfortunately, you can’t always expect to run into military-friendly employers, the jobs market being what it is. And even if you do, they may not all have suitable jobs for veterans. Many hiring managers tend to overlook the qualities of military vets, so adding a few certifications to your name would be a smart thing to do when looking for civilian jobs, especially in the current competitive state of the jobs market. Becoming a student of an IT program won’t only help with your professional development, but it will also provide you with a chance to interact with teachers who can provide valuable career advice. This can be helpful to you as you continue job searching and making your transition to civilian life.
The IT industry needs veterans
The fast growth of the information technology industry has led to a significant talent shortage, and the existing talent is facing a different challenge. Self-discipline, loyalty, and communication skills aren’t abundant in this field. Today’s civilian workforce in the private sector is facing constant distractions that lead to a decrease in productivity. Military trained personnel tends to be a lot more reliable in these aspects, which is a point of interest to hiring managers.
Maintaining staff members comes at a high cost, so employers are constantly on the lookout for loyal workers that can provide value to the company. This is why many of them are now hiring veterans for civilian jobs. Since many veterans are likely to speak more languages, companies that want to expand globally will happily consider hiring someone with the right attitude and communication skills.
Cybersecurity is lacking qualified personnel
Some 80% of IT departments are understaffed, which makes staying on top of trends harder for the whole company. Apart from the talent gap concern, cybersecurity is in high demand for qualified personnel. The always increasing presence of technology in our own lives creates more opportunities for cybersecurity-related threats. Veterans may find such job openings attractive due to their increased attention to detail and general knowledge on the subject. America’s military relies on advanced computer systems, and communications technologies, so many vets, chose to expand their skill sets and continue to improve their knowledge in this area. Military vets are quickly making strides to ensure their professional development, making it easier to adapt to civilian life.
- Software developer—$103,620 for applications; $110,000 for systems
- Cybersecurity specialist—$98,350
- Database administrator—$90,070
- Computer programmer—$84,280
- Network administrator—$82,050
- Computer support technician—$50,980
Conclusion
It is clear that there are more than enough veteran-friendly positions a vet can occupy, but it is essential to know that your career choice shouldn’t only depend on the income. Finding a suitable environment that will allow for a smooth and painless transition can have a much better long-term impact on your general well being, and that is some of the best career advice we can give you.
Between the few choices that were mentioned in this article, IT seems to stand out. By working in an environment that values loyalty, self-management, and discipline, you will replicate some of the routines you are already used to.
The transition process is also made simple with certified courses and specialized academies like MyComputerCareer. With the help of professionals, you can quickly evaluate your career and discover the most suitable career paths that resonate with your experience. By elevating the level of your education and acquiring certifications that will serve as proof of your expertise, you will increase your chance of employment and be well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Get in touch and kickstart your IT career by becoming a certified student!