26. March 2008 | Show Originial
I grew up in a military family. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II in different branches and capacities. My father was in the Air Force, and my brother is currently in the Navy. I'm pretty much the norm here in Hampton Roads. We're home to just about every major branch of the US Military, and are known for our large military population due to the number of bases we host.
Just like my father and my brother, many people aren't quite sure what to do when they're able to let their hair down (literally) after leaving the military. You could be like my dad and grow a moustache* immediately. (That one didn't last long...) Or you could assimilate into the masses. Your time in the military is sure to have given you many skills that employers look for in new recruits - including higher management positions.
Here are some tips for veterans entering the workforce:
1. Lead the attack. You've been taught the values of reliability, ethics and leadership during your time in the military. Use that to your advantage by stressing your teamwork experience and your ability to lead.
2. Search and destroy. Your time in the military undoubtedly gave you unparalleled experience in many different fields. Many of those experiences can be translated into civilian jobs. Took a recruiting course? Use that experience to search job boards for HR positions.
3. Let your hair down. Literally. The military is super strict (and a bit behind the times) fashion-wise. The business world is a little more relaxed. Grow your hair out. Invest in some more comfortable pants.
Once you've settled in, start your job search. Here are some ideas from Military.com.
Top 25 Jobs for Veterans in 2008:
1) Network systems and data communications analyst
2) Personal and home care aides
3) Home health aides
4) Computer software engineers, applications
5) Veterinary technologists and technicians
6) Personal financial advisors
7) Medical assistants
8) Veterinarians
9) Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
10) Financial analysts
11) Social and human service assistants
12) Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators
13) Physical therapist assistants
14) Forensic science technicians
15) Dental hygienists
16) Mental health counselors
17) Mental health and substance abuse social workers
18) Dental assistants
19) Computer systems analysts
20) Database administrators
21) Computer software engineers, systems software
22) Gaming and Sports book writers and runners
23) Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
24) Physical therapists
25) Physician assistants
*Tom Selleck is not my father; but if he were, that'd be really, really cool.
Just like my father and my brother, many people aren't quite sure what to do when they're able to let their hair down (literally) after leaving the military. You could be like my dad and grow a moustache* immediately. (That one didn't last long...) Or you could assimilate into the masses. Your time in the military is sure to have given you many skills that employers look for in new recruits - including higher management positions.
Here are some tips for veterans entering the workforce:
1. Lead the attack. You've been taught the values of reliability, ethics and leadership during your time in the military. Use that to your advantage by stressing your teamwork experience and your ability to lead.
2. Search and destroy. Your time in the military undoubtedly gave you unparalleled experience in many different fields. Many of those experiences can be translated into civilian jobs. Took a recruiting course? Use that experience to search job boards for HR positions.
3. Let your hair down. Literally. The military is super strict (and a bit behind the times) fashion-wise. The business world is a little more relaxed. Grow your hair out. Invest in some more comfortable pants.
Once you've settled in, start your job search. Here are some ideas from Military.com.
1) Network systems and data communications analyst
2) Personal and home care aides
3) Home health aides
4) Computer software engineers, applications
5) Veterinary technologists and technicians
6) Personal financial advisors
7) Medical assistants
8) Veterinarians
9) Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
10) Financial analysts
11) Social and human service assistants
12) Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators
13) Physical therapist assistants
14) Forensic science technicians
15) Dental hygienists
16) Mental health counselors
17) Mental health and substance abuse social workers
18) Dental assistants
19) Computer systems analysts
20) Database administrators
21) Computer software engineers, systems software
22) Gaming and Sports book writers and runners
23) Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
24) Physical therapists
25) Physician assistants
*Tom Selleck is not my father; but if he were, that'd be really, really cool.