5 Transferable Civilian Jobs for Veterans After Military Service

Military service teaches people critical thinking skills that translate well into many civilian roles after service. Veterans may take a bit of time to figure out their next steps or use their GI Bill benefits to pursue training or higher education. 

Many veterans entered the military because they loved their country and their fellow citizens. They want to do more than clock in and out for eight hours daily. They may want a job where they can make a difference in the community or the world. They are loyal, hard-working and highly skilled at a variety of tasks.

Do Veterans Need a Degree?

Those who entered military service out of high school may lack a degree. For those with families or living on their own, going directly into the workforce may be necessary to make enough money to pay expenses. Others may prefer to avoid sitting in a classroom for hours and want something more hands-on.

The good news is that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the unemployment rate for veterans is at 2.8%, which is 3.6% lower than the rate for nonveterans. Employers understand that veterans leave their posts with skills that transfer to civilian jobs. Companies also understand that former military members may have delayed their education with plans to utilize the G.I. Bill after their military service obligation ends.

Top Qualities Veterans Bring to the Workforce

Regardless of education status, veterans bring incredible strengths into the workplace from their time in the military that provide significant benefit to businesses. Many qualities that veterans learn through valuable lived experience during their time in the military make them a top choice for many career fields. 

Some of the most important transferable skills that many veterans bring to the table include:

• Leadership and team management

• Technical and problem-solving skills

• Communication and interpersonal skills

• Adaptability and quick learning

• Stress management

• Integrity, courage and a sense of duty

• Organization and discipline

• Strong work ethic 

5 Transferable Jobs for Veterans

Many employers understand former military people develop these vital on-the-job skills they can transfer to civilian jobs. Through these, veterans have a wide range of options available for job openings that match their skill sets. Here are some interesting options:

1. IT/Cybersecurity

With so many people shopping and conducting financial business online, cybercrime incidents are rising dramatically. A hacking attack now occurs every 39 seconds, making a company or person a victim of cybercrime.

Some veterans worked on computers and already have a firm grasp of information technology (IT) services. Getting a certification in IT or cybersecurity may be a quick path to a well-paying career. 

2. Project Manager

Did you enter the military with a business degree or are you interested in gaining one? Veterans have skills that translate to project management, such as leadership and excellent time management. 

Finding a position may require gaining experience in a particular industry you’d like to work in. Consider taking an internship to polish your resume and get your foot in the door of a company you’d like to work at. 

They also know how to complete paperwork and follow directions. Because they may have taken a leadership role in projects during their military service, they work well as managers who collaborate effectively as part of a team. A job as a department leader could be an excellent fit.

3. Human Resources

Human resource (HR) professionals direct administrative functions such as hiring within a business, as well as act as a go-between employees and organizational managers. If you’re a veteran with experience in leadership and management throughout your military career, you may feel right at home in an HR-type position.

HR professionals are currently in high demand — job outlook for the profession is set to grow faster than average at 7% from 2021 to 2031. Many HR employees enjoy competitive salaries, though your experience and skills will play a role in your projected income.

Articulating details in the military is crucial to get the troops where they need to go and give them commands. Because of this, many veterans have communication skills that translate well to HR and customer service roles.

4. Engineering

Veterans often leave the military with strong technical skills. They've learned how to troubleshoot problems and solve them with few resources. Such knowledge is relevant in engineering roles within factories. Positions such as repair person or supervisor could be a good match. 

5. Consulting and Marketing

Soldiers never know where they might be called to serve. Veterans can adapt to new environments. They learn new skills rapidly, making them valuable as business consultants or in fields such as marketing and analysis. 

With advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, jobs in marketing are changing rapidly. Opportunities to build on key skills and learn new technology abound.

Finding Veteran-Friendly Jobs

Once you’ve considered your preference for a job type, spend time researching different companies and whether they hire veterans and celebrate service. While you have many options for turning your military knowledge into workable skills, some places are more open to training veterans and appreciating the mindset they bring to the table.

Many companies make a commitment to hiring veterans, so the options for civilian jobs after military service are numerous. If you’re looking for a position that’s ideal for veterans, browse our partner companies to learn more about businesses with a commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce.

Written by Content Contributor: 

Eleanor Hecks is a business writer and researcher with a passion for bringing awareness to neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace. You can find her work as Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine or as a staff writer at sites such as HR.com and Clutch.co.