You might find yourself in a position where you need to find work after you have left the military and moved to civilian life. While many civilian jobs may seem appealing to veterans, almost all require some level of expertise.
While jobs for veterans require continued education, your teamwork and dedication will play an important role in your career growth. This can be leveraged to adapt to civilian life.
A non-veteran employer might not appreciate the value of your skills acquired in the military. While military skills are highly valued, it is a good idea to continue education after you leave the service. This will allow you to better understand the civilian job you are applying for and help you choose the right career path. Here are some career options that will best suit those who have completed military training.
Security and Law Enforcement
For veterans, one of the most obvious jobs would be in law enforcement or security. These are great options for professional development after a long and successful military career. These two positions require you to be more than capable. A security guard or officer position in police can be called a military-friendly one, as many veterans have been trained in self-defense and conflict resolution. However, it would take additional training and education to become a police officer, but it is still an appropriate career choice for many veterans.
Healthcare
Health care is one of the most popular career options for veterans. Recent research shows that many veterans choose to use their skills to help others. Veterans gravitate to this career because of the strong sense of community and work ethic within the healthcare sector. Health care professionals can also offer competitive salaries to veterans who are transitioning into civilian life.
- 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
- Assistant for physical therapy–$58,000.
Information Technology
More IT companies have been hiring veterans in recent years. More than 220,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are looking for work, according to data. They have been shown to be very compatible with IT job descriptions due to their military skills. Computer Security, SQL and Electronic Troubleshooting are some of the most sought-after IT jobs. It can be as simple as going to healthcare. Most job openings require teamwork, discipline, and the skills that military veterans have gained during their service.
Online training programs make it possible to become an IT professional within four months. This program is ideal for veterans looking to get started in their career sooner and earn more. Employers value certified applicants who are ready to enter the job market. Before you go for your first interview in the private sector, make sure you have a solid resume.
IT Courses and Programs
You can’t expect to meet military-friendly employers every day, with the current job market. Even if they do exist, not all may have the right jobs for veterans. Employers often overlook the strengths of military veterans. It is a smart idea to add a few certifications when you are looking for civilian jobs in today’s competitive job market. Being a student in an IT program will not only enhance your professional development but also give you the opportunity to meet teachers who can offer valuable career advice. This could be a great way to help you in your job search and transition to civilian life.
IT industry requires veterans
The rapid growth of the IT industry has created a talent shortage. Existing talent faces a new challenge. This field requires self-discipline and loyalty as well as communication skills. The private sector’s civilian workforce is constantly distracted, which can lead to decreased productivity. These aspects are a major point of interest for hiring managers.
Employers are always looking for loyal employees that will add value to their company. Many of these companies are now looking to hire veterans for civilian positions. Companies that wish to expand internationally will be happy to hire someone who is a good communicator and has the right attitude, as many veterans can speak more languages than others.
Cybersecurity lacks qualified personnel
Approximately 80% of IT departments are not adequately staffed. This makes it difficult for companies to keep up with the latest trends. In addition to the talent shortage, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. The always increasing presence of technology in our own lives creates more opportunities for cybersecurity-related threats. These job openings may appeal to veterans due to their greater attention to detail and knowledge of the subject. America’s military depends on sophisticated computer systems and communications technologies. Many vets chose to increase their skills and keep their knowledge up-to-date in this area. It is becoming easier for military vets to transition to civilian life by making rapid strides in their professional development.
- Software developer–$103620 for applications; $110,000 to develop systems
- Cybersecurity specialist – $98,350
- Database administrator–$90,070
- Computer programmer–$84,280
- Network administrator–$82,050
- Computer support technician–$50,980
Conclusion
While it is obvious that there are many veteran-friendly jobs that a vet could hold, it is important to understand that the income doesn’t dictate your career choice. A smooth transition to a new career can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. This is the best career advice that we can offer.
It seems that IT is the most prominent of all the options. You will be able to replicate the routines that you have already learned by working in an environment that values self-management and loyalty.