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
Military Police Officer 31A
Leads subordinate soldiers in protecting lives and property on military basesCivilian Equivalent: First-line supervisor of police and detectives
Related Degree: Criminal justice or law enforcement
Cyber Operations Specialist 17C
Targets offensive operations against enemy and hostile adversaries to protect data and computer networksCivilian Equivalent: Computer information systems manager
Related Degree: Information systems science
Combat Medic 68W
Provides emergency medical treatment on the battlefieldCivilian Equivalent: Registered nurse
Related Degree: Bachelor of science in nursing
Navy Jobs
Civilian Equivalent: Project Engineer
Related Degree: Civil engineering
Electronic Technician
Maintains, adjusts, and repairs electronic equipmentCivilian Equivalent: Computer and information system managers
Related Degree: Computer science or information management
Surface Warfare Officer
Coordinates various shipboard activitiesCivilian Equivalent: Management analyst
Related Degree: Business management with a certified management consultant designation
Logistic Specialist
Orders, inventories, stocks, and issues suppliesCivilian Equivalent: Logistics manager
Related Degree: Supply chain management
Air Force Jobs
Civilian Equivalent: Healthcare administer
Related Degree: Health information management or healthcare administration
Cryptologic Language Analyst
Transcribes and translates communication transmissionsCivilian Equivalent: Information security analyst
Related Degree: Computer science or information assurance
Base Services
Maintains and operates on-base hotels, restaurants, and fitness centersCivilian Equivalent: Personal fitness trainer or hotel manager
Related Degree: Exercise science, kinesiology, or hospitality management
Tactical Air Control Party Specialist
Calls in-air strikes of air-to-ground missiles and munitionsCivilian Equivalent: Forensic science technician
Related Degree: Forensic science
Marine Jobs
Civilian Equivalent: Emergency management director
Related Degree: Emergency management or public administration
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
Locates and renders safe unexploded ordnanceCivilian Equivalent: Criminal investigator
Related Degree: Law enforcement or criminal justice
Personnel Clerk
Performs personnel and administrative duties using manual and automated information systemsCivilian Equivalent: Office manager
Related Degree: Business administration
Recruiter
Locates and processes applicants into the Marine CorpsCivilian Equivalent: Career counselor
Related Degree: School counseling and appropriate license or certification
Coast Guard Jobs
Civilian Equivalent: Aircraft pilot
Related Degree: Aviation
Boatswain's Mate
Performs deck maintenance, operates deck equipment, and navigates small boatsCivilian Equivalent: Ship engineer
Related Degree: Merchant marine with either merchant mariner credential or transportation worker identification credential
Marine Science Technician
Conducts port, harbor, and marina inspections to ensure compliance with federal and other regulations and lawsCivilian Equivalent: Environmental engineer
Related Degree: Environmental engineering technology
Public Affairs Specialist
Writes news and feature articles, shoots still and video imagery, maintains websites, and increases public awareness of Coast Guard issuesCivilian 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.
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.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.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.Connect With an Organization
Veterans can apply for internships or job shadowing programs. They may benefit by connecting with organizations early.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.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.
