February 03, 2015 – While serving in the military provides a family and soldier with plenty to worry about, some still worry about what will happen when the military service ends. It is normal to worry about how you or a loved one will fare in a constantly shifting job landscape once they’ve ended their service in the military. It is true that the world is rapidly changing, but the set of skills learned and earned in service to one’s country are always in demand. It’s simply a matter of matching these skills to the right career. The following are six viable careers one might consider pursuing after ending his or her military service, in order to enjoy many years in the workforce as they put their skills to good use.
Logistician
Men and women in the armed services breathe every breath in an extremely fast-paced environment perfectly suiting themselves mentally to the work of a logistician. Logisticians manage the life cycle of their given products from how it’s acquired to how it’s distributed to how it is delivered. Their responsibility lies in ensuring the operations of their business’ supply chain run efficiently and productively. Due to their ability to problem solve, work under pressure, and keep to a strict schedule, those with a military background can be very successful in this field.
Telecommunications Tech
Technicians in the military work with the most sophisticated telecommunications technology known to man, and thus are more than qualified to work with the latest commercial equipment out there. Whether you’ve worked with IT, equipment and machinery, or have a basic background in telecommunications, there are plenty of jobs for a qualified individual who has worked with the most sophisticated equipment and software out there.
Skilled Tradesman
The mental skills are numerous, but many employers are looking for the physical attributes commonly present in veterans. This is why a skilled tradesman job – may it be carpentry or oil rigging, bricklaying or welding – with its specialized labor functions is a good line of work for those seeking a growing industry. Attending a trade school will allow you to get the training necessary, typically followed by an apprenticeship in your chosen field. For those who are looking to start work right away, this route is often faster than attending a four-year college and then finding a job.
Operations Manager
Of course, there is usually someone in charge of the tradesmen working in plants and warehouses and with many veterans already experienced in supervising troops, they are perfectly equipped with being an operations manager and ensuring the efficiency of their facility’s production. Also, there is noticeable growth in the employment of operations management with the heaviest gains in military-heavy states like Ohio and Michigan. And fortunately for those who weren’t able to acquire their degree while serving, many industrial operations management positions don’t require degrees.
Ship Engineer
Veterans often find employment in ship production appealing due to the relationships ship manufacturers have with the United States Navy. In that way, they can continue a professional relationship with Armed Forces and continue to serve in their own way while still making a living and spending time with their family.
Train Operator and/or Engineer
With varied experience with heavy machinery in Armed Forces, veterans have a head start over many attempting to break into such a unique field as train operations. And with great compensation available for most of this positions, this is an extremely attractive option for anyone, let alone those transitioning back into civilian life.
For many, thinking about life after the military is difficult due to the stark change to their lifestyle. Although many worry about finding a viable job, it is easy to see that those who serve in the military gain invaluable skills that are in high demand for employers. The information for this article was provided by professionals who offer an online history degree at Norwich University, a university that has been recognized as a military-friendly school by the Military Friendly Schools Academic Advisory Board.
AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, careers, and education. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.