For veterans, finding work after serving in the military is an important part of transitioning into civilian life. 78% of commissioned officers say that the experience they gained whilst serving helps them find a new career. Being in the military can be demanding and challenging, and veterans acquire a lot of valuable skills along the way including leadership, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure. These skills are easily transferable for veterans that want to retrain for a new career after leaving the military, and many employers are actively seeking veterans for roles through national veteran job fairs. There are many different career options for vets, from law enforcement and security to education, and they can all be extremely rewarding. Many veterans also find that they are eligible for financial benefits whilst they are re-training too, which is a thank you for their service.
The healthcare profession
According to research done by Business Insider, going into the healthcare profession is the most popular choice for veterans, with many choosing to retrain. 73% of veterans receive benefits after service and this income can be used for education. Ex-service members may also be eligible for preferential loan rates for buying a home. Checking VA mortgage qualifications is easy and the money can provide a valuable safety net, especially as house prices are expected to rise by 6% in the next year. The options in the healthcare profession are extremely varied for veterans, and include registered nursing, administration, medical research and hospital logistics. The average annual salary is $66, 413 per year.
Government and public administration
25% of veterans work in government and public administration, and there is an average salary of $45,647 a year. Many government departments also offer flexible hours, which can fit in well with family commitments and offer a good work/life balance. Career options include public affairs, program analysis and administration. A lot of veterans find that they have many transferable skills that are essential when moving into a government role, especially when it comes to team leadership. Good communication skills, a willingness to learn, resilience, problem solving, analytical thinking and having a positive attitude are also attributes that are highly valued when it comes to a career in government and public administration.
Education careers
13% of veterans that leave the military end up working in the education field. This kind of career is particularly suited to veterans that value mission-based work, and it is also a great opportunity to pass on life skills and experience. The majority of education careers require a college degree, but the annual salary averages $41,515 a year. Retraining as a teacher is a popular option, and you can choose to teach junior, or high school. Teaching adults at college is also extremely rewarding and there are a wide range of subjects that can be covered, from mechanics and engineering to I.T. skills.
There are many different transferable skills that come from working in the military. These can open up doors to new and interesting careers for veterans looking for a change in life.
