Introduction

Thousands of men and women decide to serve in the United States military every year and, when their military service is at an end, they face the challenge of re-integrating into society. For a number of veterans, the transition back into civilian life can be difficult – for a variety of reasons. The structures and routines that you were involved in are very different from the rest of the world. Those with combat experience also may be dealing with physical or emotional difficulties because of what they went through.

One of the most difficult aspects of this transition is finding a career path. Many veterans wonder how their skills and experiences will translate to a new role in American society. The reality is that veterans usually have soft skills that can help them stand out from other applicants, even if their practical experience does not match up with many job descriptions.

In other cases, veterans with physical or emotional difficulties from their service may struggle with the types of opportunities that are available to them. However, your unique skill set and character, developed during your time in the military, can prepare you well for the professional world. Here are some career paths that you may consider.

Start a Business

One option is to start your own company based on an idea. Veterans often have the mindset needed to become successful entrepreneurs. They are ambitious, driven, collaborative, and know how to persevere until an objective is accomplished. If you are not sure what type of position might suit your skills, perhaps it is time to create one for yourself.

There are plenty of great opportunities for veterans with an entrepreneurial mindset. You could become a leadership coach, hosting seminars, group sessions, or one-on-one coaching sessions. Tech-savvy veterans can leverage their skills to run an independent tech services firm. Perhaps you can consider owning a franchise of an already established business. Your military service has prepared you well for the role of an entrepreneur if you have a great idea for a business.

Search For Remote Work

Are you facing a physical limitation that prevents you from being eligible for certain positions? Fortunately, you are living in the perfect time for workers who may not have full mobility or physical capabilities. As a result of the pandemic, many companies now offer remote positions where people can work from anywhere, even in different time zones. Many of these roles have to do with marketing, consulting, coaching, management, technology, and education. If you have an interest in any of these areas, you would make a great candidate for a remote role. Technology gives disabled veterans more professional opportunities, so take advantage by finding remote work that you care about.

Construction

Individuals with military service in their background are used to getting the job done in all conditions, often in physically demanding ways. Construction is an industry that would allow you to use those experiences to your advantage. For example, let’s say you wanted to work in a construction role as a veteran. In the state of Nevada, you would find a booming construction industry with many opportunities, including carpentry, metalwork, masonry, roofing, and more. Pursuing a construction education is very straightforward, as you could attend trade school and or apprentice for an experienced professional. Then you can invest in Nevada contractors’ exam prep and take the test to obtain your license. As a result, you will likely find a job working with your hands and taking advantage of your physical skill set in an industry that continues to grow each year, both in Nevada and across the nation.

Security

Military service involves combat training and conflict resolution practices. It also requires a tremendous amount of discipline and attention to detail. All these skills translate perfectly into a role as a security guard. Whether you are store security for a retail business or involved in guarding valuable assets like cash delivery trucks, your military training has prepared you well for that role. You must be attentive as a security guard to watch for threats or shady individuals. Additionally, you must be able to diffuse situations that could get out of control while demonstrating discipline. If you want to use your combat training and attentiveness for your professional role, then becoming a security guard will allow you to do so.

When in Doubt, Seek Career Counselling

Maybe none of the options in this list sound appealing, or you have no idea what kind of role you are looking for. That is okay. Through the Department of Veterans Affairs, you have access to free educational and career counselling if you are looking for some guidance. This resource could help you talk through your interests and skills to find a career worth pursuing. It is not just about finding a source of income, but about finding purpose in your professional life that makes the transition to civilian life more fulfilling.