For some current military personnel, service is not a profession or career but a lifestyle. Some serve for the majority of their adult lives, while others choose to pursue different career paths after leaving the military. For the latter, selecting a civilian occupation doesn’t have to mean starting at square one. Being in the military instills many transferable skills, such as problem-solving, which can help veterans succeed in almost any field.

Getting Started

According to the National Association of Veteran Serving Organizations, veterans make up about 20 percent of the private sector workforce and one-third of the government workforce. Many employers seek former servicemen and women because of their discipline, organizational capabilities, and leadership skills.

Making the transition into the workforce can still be daunting for veterans. Many fear they can’t compete with college graduates their age. However, vocational training or online schools for veterans can help close these gaps.

Online education can break down many of the barriers that keep veterans from pursuing their dream careers. Remote learning allows students to work through classes at their own pace and even complete them while still in the military. To receive greater benefits and avoid a long stretch of unemployment after discharge, many members of the military choose to take courses while still serving.

Ideal Career Paths for Veterans

After completing their service, military men and women are poised for success in various fields. Common career paths for veteran include:

• Police – After serving in the military, many veterans consider jobs within law enforcement. Because of the similarities between service and police work, former servicemen and women are often well-positioned for this career. In order to start off in a mid-tier position, veterans can take courses in criminology and investigation techniques.
• Human Resources – The military is known for instilling high-level organization and managerial skills in its members. These skills go hand-in-hand with HR jobs that focus on managing employees. With some online coursework, veterans can climb their way up the corporate ladder and have long, well-paying careers in HR.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Veterans know how to handle high-pressure and high-stakes situations. In the medical field, employers look for candidates who can keep a level head during stressful and emergency situations. Becoming an EMT requires certifications that can be earned online. Once certified, many veterans excel as EMTs.
• Mechanic – Veterans of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in particular, do well as mechanics after their service. They often have specialized skills that allow them to work in high-paying industries. To give themselves a more competitive edge, veterans can pursue advanced online certifications based on their specialization.

Members of the military are accustomed to hard work, and this attitude serves them well in their post-service careers. With some coursework under their belts, veterans can succeed and find fulfillment in any field they chose to pursue after their years of dedicated service.