Every year thousands of military veterans retire and make the transition from military life to civilian life. Transitioning can be intimidating at times, and veterans often have many questions about what to do after the military, what job opportunities are available, and which jobs are the best jobs for veterans. In this post, we will explore the best jobs for veterans after the military.
1. Law Enforcement
Many retired military personnel find law enforcement to be one of the best post-military careers. Many ex-military prefer this career path because it is a fairly natural fit for their experience and training. For example, many veterans already have the specialized firearms training required by law enforcement, the physical fitness requirements met, and some even have martial arts training. This background and experience make ex-military particularly attractive to law enforcement hiring managers. In addition, law enforcement usually provides excellent benefits.
2. Private Investigator
Similar to law enforcement, becoming a private investigator is also an excellent career path for veterans. Private investigators provide investigative services for a wide variety of clients, such as insurance companies, attorney offices, and private individuals. A day in the life of a Private Investigator could find you investigating an insurance fraud case, interviewing witnesses for a workplace harassment incident, or conducting surveillance for a private individual. And the results of your investigations may even be used by law enforcement to apprehend a criminal or by the courts as evidence in a civil case.
NITA has a wide variety of self-guided online courses for Private Investigators. These courses are designed to help you fulfill pre-licensing requirements, earn continuing education credits, or simply learn more about the investigative industry.
Learn more: How to Become a Private Investigator | How Much Does a Private Investigator Make
3. Security Professional
The security profession also has a number of good jobs for veterans, and the industry continues to grow. Becoming a security guard is just one career path within the security profession. But did you know that there are many other types of security career opportunities available? For example, these opportunities range from providing private security for a VIP or organization, becoming a bodyguard, managing a neighborhood watch program, functioning as event security, and much, much more. In addition to being a good match for many veterans’ skill sets, many security companies are pro-military and value military experience in their new hires.
NITA offers a wide variety of online courses for security professionals to meet pre-certification requirements, earn continuing education credits, or learn more about what security professionals do.
Learn more: How to Become a Security Guard | What are the Physical Requirements of a Security Guard
4. Defense Contracting
Defense contracting is an appealing job after the Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, or another military service. This career path allows you to stay connected to the military world and provide vital services and support, all while using your already-developed skill sets in a commercial capacity. Defense contracts vary widely as well, from developing and servicing military equipment to providing armed combat and security services and more, making them exciting opportunities for many veterans.
5. Emergency Services
As mentioned previously, social media is easily manipulatable, and it’s critical that you validate the evidence that you find. It’s often best to try to validate certain findings from multiple angles. For example, multiple photos from multiple people could help to establish a particular fact beyond a reasonable doubt.
6. Logistics
Anyone with experience in the military understands the importance of logistics in a military context. In fact, many veterans have direct experience in military roles related to providing logistical support. The great news is that the commercial sector also has a huge need for people with logistics experience. For example, transportation companies, manufacturers, and service providers all rely on properly functioning logistical operations to meet their day-to-day business needs. This is one of the reasons why ex-military personnel are great candidates for these types of jobs.
7. Manufacturing
Manufacturing is thriving in many parts of the country, and there are countless opportunities for veterans to land a well-paying job in a manufacturing plant. These jobs range from working on an automotive assembly line to fabricating steel construction materials to assembling common household appliances and more. Many manufacturing companies also offer exciting career paths that start in manufacturing but eventually lead to careers in sales, R&D, or marketing to name a few. Depending on the company, many manufacturing businesses proudly support veterans and have special hiring programs for ex-military.
8. Financial Services
If you have a knack for helping people manage and grow their money, then financial services is another exciting career path for veterans. Many former military personnel have found well-paying roles as financial advisors, coaches, and in providing other financial services. There are also a number of opportunities to start your own financial advising practice or work with one of the many individual financial advisors already in the industry. Some larger businesses even offer entry-level positions in financial services if you lack the necessary education and training to go directly to a more advanced role.
9. Transportation Specialist
Businesses need to transport goods, services, and people regularly. In recent years, the need for qualified drivers has increased dramatically. Whether you are looking to earn your CTL or simply drive local last-mile routes, there are plenty of opportunities in the transportation segment for ex-military. The great news is that, due to the hiring shortages, many of these jobs are now paying more than ever, making them some of the best paying jobs for ex-military.
10. Software Developer
Are you a problem solver? If so, then becoming a developer is an excellent post-military job. A job in software development is one of the highest-paying job opportunities for veterans with nearly unlimited growth potential. Businesses everywhere are looking for quality developers to work on their legacy systems or create new software. There are also a large number of development crash course programs that can teach you how to develop and place you in your very first development job at the same time. In addition, the internet is full of excellent online learning resources to help you learn development and get your feet wet programming.
As you exit the military and enter the civilian workforce, it can be daunting and stressful as you try to make the right career decisions. Don’t be discouraged if you do not land the absolutely perfect job the very first time. What matters is that you take active steps towards your long-term career ambitions.
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a private investigator or security professional? If so, be sure to check out NITA’s self-guided online courses for security professionals and private investigators to see if either of these careers are the right fit for you. We wish you the best in this exciting new chapter of your life, and here’s to your ongoing success!
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