Careers For Veterans
- How to Choose Your Path
- Translating Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- How to Land a Job
- Companies That Hire Vets
- Job Placement Programs
- Additional Resources
- Career Resources
Moving from military to civilian life can be challenging. Luckily, many organizations help veterans start careers after the military. When researching careers for veterans, individuals should consider factors such as desired pay and interests.
This guide can help veterans form a career plan. Read on to learn how to select the right college and how to land a civilian job.
Choosing a Degree Path After the Military
Veterans should first consider their desired major. Not every school offers every major type. Some veterans may choose a major similar to their military specialty. Others may pursue unrelated majors. Veterans who pursue a degree in fields like criminal justice or nursing can apply the technical knowledge and leadership skills they gained during their time in the military.
Before selecting a college, veterans should consider learning formats. Students who want flexibility should explore online programs. Online learners can attend schools without relocating.
Military members, both past and present, can access GI Bill® benefits to help pay for their education. Individuals who complete their military service honorably can receive free or reduced tuition at many accredited schools. Veterans should contact a prospective school’s admissions department for details.
Veterans can refer to their Military Occupational Specialty Code to determine what types of careers for veterans align with their military job duties. We’ve created a quick list for military members below to see how their military job can translate to civilian life.
Translating Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
Veterans develop many skills during their active duty. They can apply these skills directly to specific jobs. This section explains which military jobs align with civilian positions. Keep in mind these careers and degrees are suggestions. Veterans can pursue nearly any type of degree and career.
Army Jobs
- Civilian Equivalent: Training and development managers
- Related Degree: Human resources
- Civilian Equivalent: First-line supervisor of police and detectives
- Related Degree: Criminal justice or law enforcement
- Civilian Equivalent: Computer information systems manager
- Related Degree: Information systems science
- Civilian Equivalent: Registered nurse
- Related Degree: Bachelor of science in nursing
Infantryman 11B
Captures, repels, and destroys enemy forcesMilitary Police Officer 31A
Leads subordinate soldiers in protecting lives and property on military basesCyber Operations Specialist 17C
Targets offensive operations against enemy and hostile adversaries to protect data and computer networksCombat Medic 68W
Provides emergency medical treatment on the battlefieldNavy Jobs
- Civilian Equivalent: Project Engineer
- Related Degree: Civil engineering
- Civilian Equivalent: Computer and information system managers
- Related Degree: Computer science or information management
- Civilian Equivalent: Management analyst
- Related Degree: Business management with a certified management consultant designation
- Civilian Equivalent: Logistics manager
- Related Degree: Supply chain management
Seabee Construction Worker
Performs various construction work on runways, harbors, and buildingsElectronic Technician
Maintains, adjusts, and repairs electronic equipmentSurface Warfare Officer
Coordinates various shipboard activitiesLogistic Specialist
Orders, inventories, stocks, and issues suppliesAir Force Jobs
- Civilian Equivalent: Healthcare administer
- Related Degree: Health information management or healthcare administration
- Civilian Equivalent: Information security analyst
- Related Degree: Computer science or information assurance
- Civilian Equivalent: Personal fitness trainer or hotel manager
- Related Degree: Exercise science, kinesiology, or hospitality management
- Civilian Equivalent: Forensic science technician
- Related Degree: Forensic science
Health Services Manager
Provides administrative support to clinics, hospitals, and patientsCryptologic Language Analyst
Transcribes and translates communication transmissionsBase Services
Maintains and operates on-base hotels, restaurants, and fitness centersTactical Air Control Party Specialist
Calls in-air strikes of air-to-ground missiles and munitionsMarine Jobs
- Civilian Equivalent: Emergency management director
- Related Degree: Emergency management or public administration
- Civilian Equivalent: Criminal investigator
- Related Degree: Law enforcement or criminal justice
- Civilian Equivalent: Office manager
- Related Degree: Business administration
- Civilian Equivalent: Career counselor
- Related Degree: School counseling and appropriate license or certification
Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialist
Employs firefighting equipment to rescue victims involved in aircraft crashesExplosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
Locates and renders safe unexploded ordnancePersonnel Clerk
Performs personnel and administrative duties using manual and automated information systemsRecruiter
Locates and processes applicants into the Marine CorpsCoast Guard Jobs
- Civilian Equivalent: Aircraft pilot
- Related Degree: Aviation
- Civilian Equivalent: Ship engineer
- Related Degree: Merchant marine with either merchant mariner credential or transportation worker identification credential
- Civilian Equivalent: Environmental engineer
- Related Degree: Environmental engineering technology
- Civilian Equivalent: Public relations specialist
- Related Degree: Public relations, journalism, or mass communications
Aviation Maintenance Technician
Inspects, services, repairs, and maintains aircraft systemsBoatswain’s Mate
Performs deck maintenance, operates deck equipment, and navigates small boatsMarine Science Technician
Conducts port, harbor, and marina inspections to ensure compliance with federal and other regulations and lawsPublic Affairs Specialist
Writes news and feature articles, shoots still and video imagery, maintains websites, and increases public awareness of Coast Guard issuesHow to Land a Civilian Job
Veterans can take steps to position themselves for success in the job market. This section offers some suggestions on how to earn a civilian job.
- 1
Verify Your Experience
All veterans should apply for Verification of Military Experience. This document outlines veterans’ reported training. It also translates their service occupations to civilian terms. Each military branch runs a Credentialing Opportunities Online site. This site outlines how to fill any gaps between military training and civilian credentialing requirements. - 2
Get a Career Assessment
Some colleges offer quizzes or questionnaires to help connect veterans with a career path. Students with undecided majors can also request an academic advisor. Advisors suggest possible majors so learners can make decisions with confidence. - 3
Connect With a Transitions Team
Veterans can receive help through transition and care management teams. Case managers coordinate care activities and help veterans navigate the Veteran Assistance System. - 4
Connect With an Organization
Veterans can apply for internships or job shadowing programs. They may benefit by connecting with organizations early. - 5
Gain New Skills
Veterans should develop skills beyond their military skills. For example, most civilian jobs require computer knowledge. Veterans may consider learning how to use software such as Adobe Suite. - 6
Update Your Resume and Interviewing Skills
Veterans may benefit by updating their interviewing and resume-writing skills. Many schools, local libraries, and career centers offer help with resume creation. They also conduct mock interviews.
Companies That Hire Vets
The Veteran Jobs Mission connects veterans with companies that want to hire people who have served the U.S. The mission began with 11 companies that committed to hiring 100,000 veterans. The site now lists 200 companies committed to hiring one million veterans. See below for three businesses that hire vets.
BAE Systems
This multinational company aims to hire as many veterans as possible to defend freedom and ensure world safety. BAE Systems attends several military outreach and recruitment events each year.
Boeing
Veterans comprise nearly 15% of Boeing’s workforce. Since 2010, the company has hired more than 13,500 veterans. Military professionals with secret or top-secret security clearance receive opportunities for even more positions. This business also donates to veteran recovery and rehabilitation programs.
Lockheed Martin
This global security and aerospace company offers careers for veterans. Former military professionals can apply for positions in areas such as aeronautics and missiles. Lockheed Martin also publishes articles and discussions to help veterans get jobs.
Job Placement Programs for Veterans
The four programs below help veterans find fulfilling careers after the military.
Helmets to Hardhats
The organization helps veterans find jobs in the construction industry. Veterans can explore federally approved apprenticeship training programs. These programs cost nothing for veterans. Active-duty service members hoping to transition back to civilian life can also apply for assistance.
VA Careers
The government-run website lists hiring programs for veterans. The site includes information about the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act. Veterans can also enroll in a VA training program. Veterans with disabilities or individuals who want to enter the healthcare field may qualify for additional assistance.
Return to Work
The organization hosts weekly intake and career exploration workshops for veterans. The group aims to connect injured military service members and disabled civilians with jobs. Veterans submit an application to receive help from a career counselor.
Warriors to Work
Warriors to Work is part of the Wounded Warrior Project. The program offers career transition and development resources for individuals who become injured on active duty. Veterans can receive career counseling and job placement assistance. They can also receive tips on salary negotiation and the interview process.
Additional Resources for Veterans
College Campus Resources
VetSuccess on Campus
The VSOC program works with 104 schools across the U.S. The program provides outreach resources and benefits for veterans and qualified dependents to transition from military to college life.
Transfer Course Equivalent Search
SUNY Oneonta provides this tool detailing how course credits transfer from one New York institution to another. Students can use this tool to make informed decisions when planning their degrees.
Veterans Resources Center
Most states offer some form of veteran resource center. The Community College of Philadelphia‘s program provides resources such as peer group discussions and transitional workshops.
Career Resources
VA.gov
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers employment programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Participants can take tracks to learn new skills. They can also learn how to return to a previous job or find a new job. Resources also exist for small-business owners and dependent family members.
Recruit Military
The service matches veterans with employers. Veterans can access job boards, periodicals, and job fairs.
Veterans Job Matcher
The site connects veterans with relevant careers. Veterans can browse information such as job outlook and typical wages. They can also review recommended education.
Programs and Organizations for Veterans
Hiring Our Heroes
Military members, military spouses, and veterans can access HOH tools to find jobs. The organization hosts in-person and online networking events and workshops. The group also offers fellowship programs.
United Service Organizations
The USO serves over 4.9 million service members. The group provides transitional resources for those ending their service, allowing them to begin their next chapter.
Veterans Advnatage
The group helps veterans with its Trusted Military Organizations list. Veterans Advantage holds these organizations in high regard and guarantees that they take care of veterans seeking careers after the military.
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