About 250,000 Service members transition to civilian life each year. Among the 250,000 unemployed veterans in 2022, 54 percent were ages 25 to 54, 39 percent were age 55 and over, and 7 percent were ages 18 to 24. Veterans transitioning out of the military often have a range of valuable skills and experiences that can be leveraged in the civilian job market. CareerScope has helped thousands of veterans, active service members, and their dependents to enter or return to the workforce.
Our solution provides the foundation for exploring employment options, and education or training needs for service members and spouses as they transition back to civilian life. Our career aptitude test recommendations are also valuable to those with a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work or prevents them from working.
Potential Roles to Consider
Here are a few fields and roles that may be a good fit, although it's worth noting that the best job will ultimately depend on the individual's personal interests, skills, and experiences. Links below show many of the roles in the O*NET Resource Center.
Defense Contracting: Many defense contractors value the direct experience and clearances that veterans often bring to the table. There is a wide range of roles within this sector, including logistics, security, engineering, project management, and more.
Government and Public Sector Jobs: Many veterans find rewarding careers in federal, state, or local government. Veterans are often given preference in government hiring, and these roles can range from public safety to administrative roles.
Law Enforcement and Security: These roles often value the discipline, leadership, and physical conditioning that military service can provide.
Information Technology: The military often provides training in technical roles, and there is a high demand for IT professionals in the civilian sector.
Project Management: Many veterans have had experience managing complex projects and coordinating teams, which are valuable skills in any sector. There are also professional certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) that can help formalize these skills.
Consulting: Veterans with specific skills or experiences may find opportunities in consulting, helping businesses solve complex problems or improve their operations.
Healthcare and Medical Fields: For those with medical training in the military, transitioning into the civilian healthcare sector could be a viable option. Roles could be as varied as nursing, medical technicians, healthcare administration, or emergency medical responders.
Teaching/Education: Veterans often have a wealth of real-world experience and a unique perspective that can be very valuable in the education sector. Teaching, administrative roles, or roles within veteran-focused education programs could all be good options.
Skilled Trades: Veterans with training in specialized, practical skills such as electricians, mechanics, or HVAC technicians can find good opportunities in the civilian job market.
Aerospace and Aviation: Veterans with experience in aviation or related fields could find opportunities in the commercial aviation industry or with space and defense contractors.
Here are several additional resources:
Transition assistance programs (TAPs) can provide valuable resources for transitioning veterans, including job training, resume building, and networking opportunities. Some companies also have specific programs aimed at hiring veterans. It can also be helpful to reach out to veteran-focused employment agencies or job boards.
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a Veterans Employment Toolkit that helps support veterans transitioning to civilian work. https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/supportveterans.asp
The needs of veterans and military families are evolving, not disappearing. Easterseals specializes in identifying the needs of veterans and military families, particularly with employment, job training and family respite opportunities.
Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International collaborates with the VA as well. Learn about VA benefits here. Goodwill also partners with local and national employers to help people find the right career for them. Learn more here.
CareerScope: CareerScope is used throughout the world in programs administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other organizations. CareerScope is utilized by employment and rehabilitation professionals in all 50 states, as well as Veterans programs and military sites throughout the world. CareerScope is the assessment of choice for thousands of professionals serving the Veteran and Military community.
1. “Employment Situation of Veterans - 2022.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21 March 2023, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf. Accessed 30 May 2023.
2. “Veterans and post-military employment.” Pew Research Center, 10 September 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/09/10/the-transition-to-post-military-employment/. Accessed 30 May 2023.
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