It’s not easy to go from a military life to the civilian workforce. A lot of veterans have challenges when adapting to new environments, routines, expectations and opportunities. Most of them find daily life stressful or difficult to endure.
Worry not! With the right resources and a little bit of guidance, veterans can find their place in the world again. Let’s explore some tips, steps and resources to support veterans during their transition into a normal life.
How does the civilian work market work?
When you want to enter the civilian workforce, it can feel absolutely overwhelming. There are new roles, responsibilities and titles. That’s why it’s so important to translate your military skills into civilian terms!
In September 2024, the veteran unemployment rate was 2.8%, down from 3.4% the previous month and down from 3.6% the prior year. This means that more people are putting a clear effort into helping veterans reintegrate society.
What industries value military skills?
Veterans come with a unique skill set, and some industries are even looking for people with military backgrounds. Here are some of them:
- Logistics and Supply Chain: Veterans’ experience with complex logistics makes them extremely valuable in supply chain management. They can solve complex problems in a short amount of time.
- Cybersecurity: IT and cybersecurity roles align well with military training and experience. It’s surveillance, but digital.
- Project Management: Leadership, organization, and problem-solving are critical in fields like construction, IT, and consulting.
If you want to have a smooth transition, pick an industry where your skills as a veteran are valued!
Preparing for the civilian workplace
For veterans rejoining civilian society, adjusting to the work culture and expectations can be a shock. Here’s some advice.
Building a civilian-friendly resume
Create a resume that civilians can relate to. Don’t use military jargon – try to go for simple words without great embellishments. Be straightforward, while still highlighting your skills and experience.
Example: instead of saying “I commanded a unit”, try with “successfully managed a team to achieve project goals”. This change is simple and civilian employers will quickly understand what you mean and what skills you developed.
Practice your interviewing skills.
Yes, interviews are nerve-wracking. A lot of veterans aren’t even familiar with how they work. However, practising responses to the most common questions in job interviews can help a great deal.
Practice with a friend or a mentor, and build confidence with the right feedback!
Networking in the civilian world
In the civilian workforce, networking is a great tool. It feels unfamiliar at first, but give it a couple tries. Veterans can use in-person events to connect with leaders in the industry they’re aiming for.
Join a support network.
Organizations like American Corporate Partners (ACP) offer mentoring and networking opportunities, connecting veterans with corporate leaders who understand their journey. Powerful job connections can start from here!
Focusing on data security in the digital age
Veterans can enter finance, IT and even cybersecurity roles, especially when they understand how data security works. It’s more important than ever to protect personal and professional information, no matter your place in society.
Download a VPN to protect your information from cyber threats. Be aware of data security, and build your skills to better represent this.
Building your skills
You’ve changed careers, so, as with any other career change, you need to learn new skills and become more competitive. This time, you have to do it in the civilian job market.
Skill development programs
A lot of programs have skill-building resources you can take advantage of in your career path. Platforms like Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning and Coursera provide you with informative courses in key areas, such as project management, computer programming, etc.
Many offer discounts as well, and some are completely free on YouTube, for example. Get to learning!
Getting certificates
Certifications in fields like IT, project management or finance can be very valuable. Training programs offer these qualifications as well, since they help veterans progress in new industries.
Conclusion
You need to be patient and plan ahead when you want to transition into civilian life. Research the job market, create a good resume and build connections.
Don’t forget to keep yourself safe, use available resources and take advantage of the skills you already have as a person in the military.
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