Best Jobs for Military Veterans
Military veterans possess key attributes and skills that make them a valuable addition to any organization’s workforce. Veterans’ disciplined work ethic, cooperative attitude, and specialized training and experience make them well-suited for a variety of jobs after they leave the military.
While federal agencies have long recruited veterans, increasingly private organizations are establishing initiatives to recruit veterans, as well. Former military personnel are a significant segment of the U.S. population and, in addition to being highly qualified, they’re a crucial source of talent in an era of record low unemployment rates and a tight hiring market.
There are a number of occupations that are well-suited to military veterans because they involve the same skill set veterans develop while serving. Normally, many of these jobs would require a college degree, but military veterans’ experience and training are highly valued and often deemed more than sufficient on their own. And, in the event that the job requires additional training, military vets may be able to go to school part time while working, using their military educational benefits under the G.I. Bill. Here are some examples of careers that are a good match for military veterans:
Operations/Logistics Managers
While exact duties vary among organizations, operations and logistics managers oversee production processes which include material acquisition and handling, inventory control, and quality assurance. They’re responsible for managing production costs and the efficient delivery of goods and services to customers. Logistics leaders are also responsible for workplace safety and adhering to all government safety regulations.
Our armed forces excel at operations and logistics management as the efficient movement of troops and supplies to front lines around the world is mission critical. Members of the military understand the importance of establishing and managing highly efficient production and transportation processes, and have germane on-the-job training and experience. In particular, military leadership training lends itself to management roles in logistics and across most industries.
IT/Computer Specialists
Computer technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate, allowing organizations to automate an increasing number and variety of functions. While automation replaces manual labor in some cases, it also creates a need for trained technicians to maintain the technology. The dizzying rate of automation implementation has created a shortage of these skilled workers. Members of the military commonly receive technical training in order to operate and maintain today’s high tech weaponry and systems, which translates well to other systems within the civilian sector.
Similarly, in recent years, cybersecurity has become increasingly important and created a huge demand for specialists. Military veterans with computer training are well-suited for this field because of their experience dealing with threats and enemy combatants. Some military veterans may also have security clearances, which are often important in this field, particularly for jobs with civilian defense contractors.
Skilled Trades
Many military veterans are also well-suited to skilled trades careers, having received technical training during their service. Veterans can help fill the highly publicized skills gap that exists for a variety of jobs, including: electrician, wind energy technician, plumber, diesel mechanic, HVAC technician, welder, solar energy technician, carpenter, and heavy equipment operator.
Healthcare
The aging population in the U.S. has created a growing demand for healthcare workers. This field has many opportunities for military veterans who have training and experience tending to the wounded on the battlefield. Good roles for veterans include nursing, physical therapy, and medical technologists.
Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
A career in law enforcement is a natural fit for military veterans, including roles such as police, federal law enforcement (FBI, DEA, etc.), forensic science, and criminology. During their enlistment, veterans develop many critical skills required for a law enforcement career, such as the ability to remain calm and observant during charged situations, and a deep commitment to public service.
Education
Given their experience and perspective, military veterans can make inspiring teachers, though even veterans with a college degree will require additional education to become certified teachers. The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program, administered by the Department of Defense, helps veterans transition to becoming K-12 certified teachers after military service.
The military provides specialized training to members of the armed forces above and beyond what’s required for the fields listed above. This training, combined with the soft skills instilled by military service, such as dependability, clear communication, strong time management, and a cooperative mindset enables military veterans to be more productive, more quickly, than some of their civilian counterparts.
Contact LINK today for help finding skilled military veterans to add to your workforce.
