Are you a veteran transitioning out of the military and wondering what career path is best for you? Here are five career paths that are hot right now. Search current openings here, and read on to learn more about these hot jobs for vets.
1. IT Specialist
Hardware, software or engineering – veterans can pick just about any Information Technology field and find career success today. The great news for vets is that a traditional four-year degree is typically not a requirement – so if you’re a vet who would rather use your GI bill benefits to obtain the necessary certifications or take on a more unique course load, an IT career is an excellent choice. Vets with IT skills can get a job in just about any region of the country, and can also choose from work directly with the federal government, or with a government contractor. Pay is also extremely competitive – vets with competitive cyber skills may quickly find themselves garnering a six-figure salary and almost absolute job security.
2. PROGRAM MANAGER
Yes, the government and private sector still need qualified program managers. The specific careers are very diverse for this broad career category, and include managing a variety of programs, with a range of budgets and varying staff numbers. Veterans are born for program management careers – they’re excellent leaders, work well under pressure, and are used to the way government works. Program managers are much more than paper pushers (although some desk work is definitely required). They often have a direct hand in providing support for troops and service members, as well as making sure programs run smoothly, on budget and on time.
3. Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner
According to the small business administration, one in seven veterans is self-employed. Veterans typically have the gumption required to set out as a small business owner, as well as the leadership abilities to be their own boss. An active federal security clearance is still an asset for the entrepreneur – veterans can take contract roles with small companies on a self-employed status, or leverage their security clearance as they launch their own business and build a team of professionals.
4. LOGISTICIAN
Logistician careers are typically concentrated on the coasts, but you can find logistics work in surprising locations, from Oklahoma to Arizona. It’s a great career path for veterans, who know how to get goods and people from point A to point B. It can be a high-stress position, and attention to detail is a must. But, compared to leading troops in a deployment, the pressure of most CONUS-based logistics work is very doable.
5. Trainer/Instructor
This is a great career path for veterans who aren’t sure they want to get stuck behind a desk. Whatever your military training, you can probably find a trainer/instructor position to match it. Training positions include everything from field unit support, to intelligence and HUMINT, to IT training functions. The majority of trainer positions are US-based, but there are OCONUS trainer/instruction positions available, as well. Travel is only occasionally required, and for the natural-born military leader, a trainer/instructor position can truly be a perfect fit.
