3 Great Career Options for Veterans

Transitioning from military service into a civilian career can be challenging to say the least. Veterans often feel uncomfortable in once-familiar surroundings, may miss the adrenaline rush of military service and often find the lack of structure and goals in the civilian world disconcerting.

While the road back to civilian life can be rocky at best, veterans are uniquely positioned for success in the civilian workforce. Many of the same skills that meant survival in the military translate beautifully into the workplace and are in high demand by employers.

For example, veterans often set a high bar for self-performance, driving themselves toward perfection.

What Makes Veterans Stand Out

Aside from an often innate desire to perform at peak levels, veterans often hold a number of other traits that employers find attractive. When highlighted in resumes and put into action in the workplace, veterans will find some of these skills they learned in service help them shine in new careers:

Strong leadership abilities. Many veterans possess finely-tuned leadership abilities that enable them to inspire others to succeed.

Efficiency. Veterans are often masters at working efficiently and effectively in fast-paced, changing environments.

Adaptability. Veterans are often solutions-based thinkers who know how to overcome adversity.

Communication. Veterans often possess a strong ability to interpret instructions while possessing the confidence to clearly communicate with others around them.

3 Career Options that Make Great Fits

There are many career fields veterans will find fit their strengths. While some may require additional training beyond what the military provided, these in-demand fields often make excellent choices for veterans seeking to make a transition back into the civilian workforce.

Here are just three of them.

Mental Health Counselor
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry determined that out of nearly 5,500 active-duty, non-deployed Army personnel, some 25% suffered from a mental illness. With this in mind, the demand for mental health counselors with military background is high. Overall, the career field offers veterans:

A faster than average job growth rate. In its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 edition, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated a 29% growth rate for this field through 2022.

A solid salary. In a 2012 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) national survey, it was determined the median annual salary for mental health counselors was $41,500.

Application for GI Bill benefits. While some entry-level posts might be available to those with bachelor’s degrees, a master’s is traditionally required in psychology, social work or a related field. Workers may also require state licensing.

Police Officer
While this career field is growing slower than average at an estimated 5% rate, veterans who do find employment in this arena will often discover the transition is simple to make. Overall, the field offers veterans:

An easy transition. A high school diploma or equivalent, along with brief academy training, are the main entry requirements. Many officers find that bachelor’s and advanced degrees open the door for promotions.

A strong salary expectation. In its 2012 survey, BLS found the median wage for law enforcement officers was $56,980 annually.

IT Specialists
This field often draws heavily on the training that computer and communications specialists gain in the military. Educational requirements can vary, but a bachelor’s or master’s in computer science or a related field can be especially helpful. This field offers:

A strong salary potential. BLS’ 2012 survey revealed a median salary of $48,900 annually.

Demand. The field is growing at a 17% rate.

The path back into the civilian world can be challenging, but veterans will find their skills often position them for success. With a little additional training, a number of career fields provide opportunity. It is recommended that students do their own research into career fields as salary and job availability can vary based on location.