A military to civilian transition can be challenging. And whether you’re trying to navigate the civilian job market, translating military skills to match civilian job roles, or expanding your professional network, many universities offer resources tailored to ensure you not only succeed but excel in your new career path.
How to successfully transition from the military
If you are determined to transform your career after serving your country, successfully transitioning from the military to a civilian career involves several strategic steps.
First, it’s crucial to understand the civilian job market and identify industries that value military experience. Veterans should focus on translating their military skills into civilian terms, highlighting leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in their resumés and interviews. Networking also plays a vital role; connecting with other veterans and professionals in desired industries can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
Along with finding civilian careers, veterans can also take advantage of resources such as career counseling and benefits that can provide guidance and support throughout this significant transition. With careful planning and the right support, veterans can successfully navigate the path from military service to fulfilling civilian careers.
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Advice for veterans transitioning from military to civilian career
There’s a difference between military occupation and your true vocation
Many veterans face a common misunderstanding after they leave the military. When they enlist, the military assigns them a specific job that requires a lot of training and experience. However, being good at this military job does not always mean it matches their personal interests or long-term career goals.
Think about what you enjoy and what you are good at. Many people are creative and enjoy writing, coming up with new ideas, and developing programs. When looking for a job, it is important to find one that allows the use of these strengths. Without this, job satisfaction is likely to suffer.
Plan your career transition wisely
Every mission or trip requires careful planning. This approach is similar to military training, which stresses the importance of thinking things through before acting. Using this strategic mindset during a career transition will help you stay informed and prepared for the road ahead.
When you’ve narrowed your career interests to certain fields or industries, test your ideas. Are there areas of the country or world where those industries are thriving? Are you open to moving, or set on a particular location?
If you know where you plan to live, perform a job market assessment. Are there many positions available in that area? What is the standard pay rate? What education and experience are required for job candidates? If you don’t have those credentials, how do you go about obtaining them? Do you need a degree, or would a certain certificate or license suffice? If additional education is required, do you have veteran education benefits that can help cover the cost?
When researching schools, be sure to speak with the individual who processes benefits, such as the GI Bill® or VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. How knowledgeable is that person, and can he or she recommend alternative funding methods if your benefits won’t cover the full cost of the program?
Finally, be realistic about the salary you’re looking for. If you expect a six-figure income, you’ll need to make a strong case to the hiring manager regarding how you plan to bring in at least six-figures worth of revenue into the company. They’ll also be looking to see if you have the education and experience that warrants that salary.
Let your network propel your career
You’ve probably been told that networking is important. It is, and not something you only do while on the job hunt. Never stop networking. Your network is a safety net, as well as a launchpad. Businesses close. Companies go bankrupt. Positions get eliminated. These are terrible experiences to go through when you, and possibly your family, depend on that income. Worse still, these things can happen without any warning. If a situation like that occurs, you’ll want a strong network that can help you land on your feet.
Networking is a way to help others. People can connect with those in industries they may not plan to join, which allows them to help veterans find jobs. A strong network within the veteran community can also help companies find the talent they need. Networking is not just about personal opportunities; it is often about helping others. When someone supports another, there’s a chance that support will be returned in the future.
If you are looking for a new career opportunity and you’ve identified an organization you’d like to work for, see if you can identify veteran employees who already work there. I’ve found that veterans like helping other veterans. They might not be able to get you a job, but they can offer valuable insight. They may even be able to mention your name to the hiring manager. Also, research whether or not the company has a veteran hiring initiative. If that’s a pathway they’ve created, by all means, use it.
Craft your resumé
Invest time and effort into your resumé; this isn’t the place to cut corners. You can’t assume you’ll have a chance to expand on things during an interview, because if your resumé is weak, you may never get invited to one.
There are a number of online skills translators for servicemembers. Some are good; some are bad. Have a civilian who isn’t familiar with the military review your resumé. Are they confused by any of the language you used? Respect the honest feedback you receive and make the necessary changes.
Life after the job offer
Congratulations! You did it. You landed a job. Now what?
How is the veteran culture in the organization? Is there one? Does the company have a veteran employee resource group (ERG)? If not, consider starting one. This could be a way for you to continue serving others. And don’t let the door close behind you. Offer to help your human resources department evaluate other veteran candidates. Make yourself accessible to the next veteran who’s interested in working there.
There’s no perfect set of instructions for making a seamless transition from military to civilian life. Luckily, there is also no shortage of organizations and efforts dedicated to helping veterans through the process. The more engaged you are in the process and the stronger your network, the easier it will be to land on your feet and hit the ground running.
Starting a successful civilian career path
As you navigate the transition from military service to the civilian workforce, it’s essential to leverage the robust skills and rich experiences you’ve accumulated. Facing the challenges of entering a new job market, remember that your military background provides a unique advantage.
Northeastern University is dedicated to supporting veteran transitions with targeted resources and an understanding community ready to assist. With our help, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for substantial career development. Step into your civilian career with the confidence that your military skills are valuable, versatile, and in demand, preparing you for success in a competitive job environment.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.