Vets to Civilians: Skills That Click for Success

The transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging, but countless veterans are proving that their skills and experience translate into remarkable success. We’ll explore profiles of veterans succeeding in civilian life, and we’ll also feature stories about veteran-owned businesses, veterans carving out unique paths, and how they’re making a difference. Are you ready to discover how their service translates to success?

1. Identifying Your Transferable Skills

The first step is recognizing that the skills you honed in the military are valuable in the civilian world. Don’t underestimate them. Think about your responsibilities, training, and experiences. Military skills often translate directly into highly sought-after civilian skills.

For example, someone who managed logistics in the Army likely possesses excellent organizational, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. A former Navy technician probably has strong technical expertise and troubleshooting skills. These are assets. Think about how your specific role translates to a civilian setting.

Pro Tip: Don’t just list skills. Quantify them. Instead of saying “managed personnel,” say “managed a team of 15 personnel, responsible for their training and performance evaluations.”

2. Crafting a Civilian-Friendly Resume

Now, let’s translate those skills into a resume that resonates with civilian employers. This means avoiding military jargon and focusing on accomplishments.

1. Translate Military Titles: Don’t assume civilian employers understand military ranks or job titles. Use a resource like CareerOneStop’s Military to Civilian Occupation Translator to find equivalent civilian titles.
2. Highlight Accomplishments: Instead of listing duties, focus on what you achieved. Use action verbs and quantify your results whenever possible. Example: “Improved team efficiency by 15% through implementation of a new workflow process.”
3. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Review the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that align with the employer’s needs.

We had a client last year, a former Marine sergeant, struggling to get interviews. His resume was filled with military acronyms and jargon that made it difficult for civilian employers to understand his qualifications. Once we helped him translate his experience and focus on his accomplishments (managing a team, maintaining equipment, and adhering to strict deadlines), he started landing interviews within weeks.

3. Networking and Building Connections

Networking is crucial. It’s about building relationships and leveraging your connections to find opportunities. Start by informing your existing network (family, friends, former colleagues) about your job search. Attend industry events, job fairs, and networking events specifically for veterans.

Consider joining professional organizations related to your field of interest. Many organizations offer mentorship programs and career resources for veterans. Check out organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for networking resources.

Common Mistake: Only reaching out when you need something. Networking is about building relationships. Offer to help others, share your expertise, and stay in touch with your contacts even when you’re not actively job searching.

4. Leveraging Veteran-Specific Resources

Numerous organizations and programs are dedicated to helping veterans transition to civilian careers. Take advantage of these resources.

• The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS): Offers a range of programs and services to help veterans find employment, including job training, career counseling, and job placement assistance. Find them at dol.gov/agencies/vets.
• The Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides resources and support for veteran entrepreneurs, including access to capital, training, and mentorship.
• Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offer career counseling, networking opportunities, and other support services.

Here’s what nobody tells you: these resources are often underutilized. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. They are there to serve you.

5. Starting Your Own Veteran-Owned Business

Many veterans find success in entrepreneurship. The skills and experience gained in the military – leadership, discipline, problem-solving – are highly valuable in running a business. The SBA offers specific programs to assist veteran entrepreneurs. They can help with everything from writing a business plan to securing funding.

Consider the story of Sarah Jones, a former Army medic who started a successful medical supply company in Atlanta, GA. She leveraged her medical background and leadership skills to build a business that now serves hospitals and clinics throughout the Southeast. She initially struggled with marketing, so she took advantage of the SBA’s SCORE program, which paired her with a seasoned marketing executive. That mentorship proved invaluable.

6. Continuing Education and Skill Development

The job market is constantly evolving. Continuing education and skill development are crucial for staying competitive. Consider pursuing certifications, licenses, or degrees that align with your career goals. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be a valuable resource for funding your education.

Online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of courses that can help you develop new skills or enhance existing ones. For example, if you’re interested in a career in IT, consider pursuing certifications in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, or data science. You can explore IT-specific training at CompTIA.

7. Mental Health and Well-being

The transition to civilian life can be stressful. Prioritizing your mental health and well-being is essential. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. The VA offers a range of mental health services for veterans. Many private therapists also specialize in working with veterans.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking care of your mental health will improve your overall well-being and increase your chances of success in all areas of your life. The Atlanta VA Medical Center provides a wide array of services. (I’ve heard good things about their PTSD program, though I have no first-hand experience.)

8. Understanding Legal Protections for Veterans in the Workplace

Veterans have specific legal protections in the workplace. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the employment rights of individuals who serve in the uniformed services. It ensures that veterans are not discriminated against based on their military service and have the right to be reemployed after returning from service. The Georgia Department of Labor can provide guidance on USERRA and other employment laws. You can learn more about USERRA at dol.gov.

Common Mistake: Not knowing your rights. Familiarize yourself with USERRA and other relevant laws to protect yourself from discrimination.

9. Case Study: From Military Police to Project Manager

Let’s look at a concrete example. Mark Thompson, a former Military Police officer, transitioned to a career as a project manager in the construction industry. He initially struggled to find a job because his resume focused on his military experience, which didn’t seem relevant to construction. He then realized that the skills he developed as an MP – leadership, organization, problem-solving, and communication – were highly valuable in project management. He rewrote his resume to highlight these transferable skills and obtained a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Within a few months, Mark landed a job as an assistant project manager for a large construction company in downtown Atlanta, near the intersection of Peachtree and North Avenue. Over the next three years, he worked his way up to project manager, overseeing multi-million dollar projects. He attributes his success to his military training, his PMP certification, and his ability to translate his military skills into civilian terms. After 5 years, he was managing $10 million dollar projects, earning $120,000 per year, and leading a team of 10 people. Not bad, right?

10. Paying It Forward: Mentoring Other Veterans

Once you’ve achieved success in your civilian career, consider paying it forward by mentoring other veterans. Share your experiences, offer advice, and help them navigate the transition process. Mentoring can be incredibly rewarding and can make a significant difference in the lives of other veterans. Many organizations, including the aforementioned VSOs, have formal mentorship programs you can join.

Veterans possess a unique blend of skills, experience, and resilience that makes them valuable assets in the civilian workforce. By recognizing your transferable skills, leveraging veteran-specific resources, and prioritizing your well-being, you can achieve success in your chosen career path. The transition won’t always be easy, but with perseverance and the right support, you can thrive. So, take that first step, connect with your network, and start building your successful civilian future today.

Many vets find that overcoming underemployment is a key step to thriving. It’s also important to bridge the civilian skills gap through continued learning.