Careers For Veterans

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be scary yet exciting. Our guide provides resources and tips to help veterans land a civilian job.

Updated October 11, 2024

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to find your fit?

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

Infantryman 11B

Civilian Equivalent: Training and development managers
Related Degree: Human resources

Military Police Officer 31A

Civilian Equivalent: First-line supervisor of police and detectives
Related Degree: Criminal justice or law enforcement

Cyber Operations Specialist 17C

Civilian Equivalent: Computer information systems manager
Related Degree: Information systems science

Combat Medic 68W

Civilian Equivalent: Registered nurse
Related Degree: Bachelor of science in nursing

Navy Jobs

Seabee Construction Worker

Civilian Equivalent: Project Engineer
Related Degree: Civil engineering

Electronic Technician

Civilian Equivalent: Computer and information system managers
Related Degree: Computer science or information management

Surface Warfare Officer

Civilian Equivalent: Management analyst
Related Degree: Business management with a certified management consultant designation

Logistic Specialist

Civilian Equivalent: Logistics manager
Related Degree: Supply chain management

Air Force Jobs

Health Services Manager

Civilian Equivalent: Healthcare administer
Related Degree: Health information management or healthcare administration

Cryptologic Language Analyst

Civilian Equivalent: Information security analyst
Related Degree: Computer science or information assurance

Base Services

Civilian Equivalent: Personal fitness trainer or hotel manager
Related Degree: Exercise science, kinesiology, or hospitality management

Tactical Air Control Party Specialist

Civilian Equivalent: Forensic science technician
Related Degree: Forensic science

Marine Jobs

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialist

Civilian Equivalent: Emergency management director
Related Degree: Emergency management or public administration

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

Civilian Equivalent: Criminal investigator
Related Degree: Law enforcement or criminal justice

Personnel Clerk

Civilian Equivalent: Office manager
Related Degree: Business administration

Recruiter

Civilian Equivalent: Career counselor
Related Degree: School counseling and appropriate license or certification

Coast Guard Jobs

Aviation Maintenance Technician

Civilian Equivalent: Aircraft pilot
Related Degree: Aviation

Boatswain's Mate

Civilian Equivalent: Ship engineer
Related Degree: Merchant marine with either merchant mariner credential or transportation worker identification credential

Marine Science Technician

Civilian Equivalent: Environmental engineer
Related Degree: Environmental engineering technology

Public Affairs Specialist

Civilian Equivalent: Public relations specialist
Related Degree: Public relations, journalism, or mass communications

How 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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

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.

The service matches veterans with employers. Veterans can access job boards, periodicals, and job fairs.

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

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.

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.

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.

Veteran College Success

Higher Education for Military Veterans

Veterans Pursuing an MBA

Veterans' Guide to Careers After the Military

Keep up with the latest

Never miss a detail on the news, trends, and policies that could directly impact your educational path.