Transitioning from the military to civilian life is no easy task, especially when it comes to choosing a new career path. A recent study, conducted by CareerCast.com and published in Forbes magazine, revealed that while many exiting soldiers feel lost and underqualified in their job search during life after service, the skills acquired by people in the military can actually transfer nicely to a number of high-paying jobs. Though some might require additional training, there are many positions out there that are great potential fits for people with armed forces experience. For the report, CareerCast.com used over 100 veteran-friendly criteria to figure out which jobs were best for people leaving the military.
1. Administrative services manager
This position, which typically pays upward of $80,000 annually, is a wonderful option for veterans who excelled in leadership positions during their time as soldiers. Good time management and excellent organizational skills are also crucial qualifications for this job, noted the report.
2. Electrician
According to CareerCast.com, this trade is a union position, so it involves a lot of the camaraderie and teamwork present in military life. For soldiers who enjoyed this aspect of the service, this job, which has a median salary of around $50,000, could be a great fit. Additionally, vets can take advantage of the GI Bill to fund their post-military electrician training.
3. Software engineer
Tech companies are taking off as the world moves toward an increasingly digital lifestyle. Not only are these companies helping to reshape the world and improve the way people are staying connected, but they are also some of the most veteran-friendly employers on today's job market. CareerCast.com noted that for soldiers who were not able to gain tech experience during their time in the military, many companies, like Microsoft, have implemented on-the-job training initiatives. The median salary for this position is just over $85,000 per year.
4. Emergency medical technician
Legislation that passed in February 2013 made it possible for former servicemembers with relevant medical experience gained during their time in the military to apply this training toward becoming an EMT. For veterans that completed applicable programs while in the service, this position, with a median salary of just over $30,000, can be a good transition job. Additionally, for those looking to pursue careers in the medical field, being an EMT is an excellent way to gain experience in the industry.
5. Construction program manager
This position comes highly recommended by CareerCast.com for a number of reasons. In 2014, many construction companies across the U.S. joined an initiative to hire 100,000 veterans by 2020. These jobs are great for veterans because they involve leadership, organization and teamwork skills – all characteristics taught by serving in the armed forces. With a median salary of over $80,000, being a construction program manager is also relatively high-paying.
Forbes noted that many of the positions ranked by CareerCast.com have "manager" in the title, largely because of the inherent leadership skills it takes to be a soldier. Servicemembers should highlight these qualifications in their resumes to give them an edge when it comes to applying for managerial positions. Additionally, the source explained that soldiers who have experience in a legal setting should consider applying for positions like paralegals, which they could thrive in.
CareerCast.com noted that former servicemembers should also investigate positions in the finance industry. Though they may not have gained in-depth industry knowledge during their time as soldiers, many financial organizations have veteran-friendly internship programs that can set former soldiers on the path to a fulfilling career.