Training Received in the Military for Civilian Jobs

For anyone who's received training in the military that applied to civilian jobs, how transferable are those skills? I'm interested in how military training sets you up for future employment opportunities.

The transferability of skills from military training to civilian occupations really depends on the type of training you've received and the job field you're interested in once you transition to civilian life.

Skills such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and communication that you gain from the military are highly transferable and valuable in the civilian workforce. For instance, if you've held leadership roles in the military, managing teams and projects in a civilian job could be a natural transition.

On the tech side, there's quite a few military occupations that can translate well into civilian careers. For example, if you've been trained in IT or cybersecurity in the military, there is a high demand for those skills in the civilian sector. Similarly, mechanical or engineering training can be directly applicable to jobs in manufacturing, transportation, or construction.

That being said, translating the skills and experiences from a military context to a civilian one can sometimes be a challenge, largely because military jargon and job titles might not directly correlate with civilian job titles. This often requires some strategic wording on your resume and in interviews to help potential employers understand the relevance of your military experience.

In addition, you may also need to obtain civilian certifications or additional training in some fields even if you've received similar training in the military. Often times, the military provides resources to help with this transition such as job search assistance, career counseling, and educational benefits for additional training or coursework.

Lastly, some companies highly value the unique perspectives and experiences that veterans bring to their organizations, and actively recruit individuals with military backgrounds. So, there are certainly many opportunities for employment after serving in the military.

But of course, individual experiences may vary, and it's helpful to connect with others who've made the transition from military to civilian jobs for personalized advice.