Are you on active duty or a military veteran looking to transition into a civilian career? The good news is that you have many transferable skills from your military service to a civilian career. There are also many resources and tools that will help you transition. CyberTex is here to help. This article offers some of those resources to start a career and skills you can include on your resume that will catch the eye of employers.
How Can You Transition from Military to Civilian with a Career?
A great way to transition from military service to a civilian career is by working as a trade professional. As a medical assistant, vocational nurse, HVAC technician, or network engineer, you can utilize the skills obtained from your military service in this new civilian career. From communication and adaptability to integrity and discipline, many skills you gained during your service can serve you well in a civilian career.
What Military Skills are Transferable to a Civilian Career?
You gained many skills during your military service, include them on your resume and focus on them during your job interview. These skills are an asset to highlight when you speak with hiring managers.
Skill #1: Leadership
You learned how to be a leader and team player during your time in the military. Whether you were responsible for leading other soldiers or were part of a platoon, highlight your leadership and teamwork skills when applying for a trade professional position. Medical facilities and small businesses are looking for leaders, so be the leader they are looking for.
Skill #2: Communication
As a military veteran, you are a good communicator. Listening and communicating were essential, as the situations you encountered during military service may have been life-threatening. Throughout your military service, you enhanced your communication and active listening skills. Communication will come in handy in your new civilian career.
Skill #3: Adaptability
As a soldier, you must adapt. You never know what to expect; the same goes for a trade professional. A calm and rational demeanor can help you identify a problem, develop the best solution, and adapt.
Skill #4: Problem-Solving
You have developed problem-solving skills in the military. Part of decision-making is understanding all the possible outcomes and quickly deciding on the best solution. As a medical assistant or vocational nurse, you are constantly drawing on your problem-solving skills to offer patients better health outcomes.
Skill #5: Integrity
As a soldier, your commanding officer expected honesty, trustworthiness, and moral decision-making. You acted ethically and honorably every day in the military. These are essential characteristics for a successful trade professional.
Skill #6: Discipline
During your military service, you learned to adhere to rules, regulations, and codes of conduct. You exerted self-control, self-restraint, and the ability to prioritize. These skills are transferable and help everyone stay safe while working as a medical professional, HVAC technician, or network engineer.
Skill #7: Performance Under Pressure
It is crucial to perform under pressure as a soldier. These skills are also necessary as a trade professional. You will have patients and customers who rely on you, and in the case of nursing, it may be a life-threatening action that is needed. Take advantage of this skill and show your potential employer how you can stay calm even during a stressful interview.
Tools and Resources for A Smooth Transition
There are a few tools and resources you can use to transition from a military to a civilian career. They include:
Verification Tools – The Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) offers a copy of your military experience and training skills, knowledge, and experience. It also provides suggestions for civilian equivalent job titles.
Social Media Presence – Employers use social media to learn about candidates. Make sure to translate your military experience and skills on sites like LinkedIn. Include a professional email address and headshot. List any certifications or commendations you received during your military service as employers look for transferable skills when they are hiring new employees.
Utilize CyberTex’s Career Services – As you graduate from CyberTex, we will help you build a resume that includes the skills that translate from military service to a civilian career. We will work with you to prepare for job interviews and offer advice on answers to questions employers may ask. We can also help you find an employment opportunity that takes advantage of your military service.
Access Additional Tools at Military OneSource – the many resources at Military OneSource will help you transition from military service to a civilian career. This database of resources includes directories, tools, external websites, government websites, and Military OneSource Network websites.
What Military Educational Benefits are Available at CyberTex?
Military educational benefits are available for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their dependents. Some of the military education programs CyberTex offers to students include:
Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® helps military veterans pay for technical school training. This can include payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
Benefits are offered to veterans with service-connected disabilities that limit their ability to work. The Veteran Readiness and Employment program helps veterans explore employment options and addresses their educational training needs.
Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (Chapter 30)
The Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty offers benefits for up to 36 months. They can be used for degree and certificate programs. Veterans must be honorably discharged, with a high school diploma or GED, and meet specific requirements.
Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
The Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve is an education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve. Reserve members may use the education benefits for vocational school and work-related training.
Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
The Dependents Educational Assistant program is for the survivors and dependents of military veterans who are disabled or died while on Active Duty. The program offers dependents up to 45 months of educational benefits for degree and certificate programs and other work-related training.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is a program that provides information, resources, and tools to Service members and their families to help them transition from military to civilian life.
Post-Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Program VEAP (Chapter 32)
VEAP is a government-match program for educational assistance that extends benefits to active-duty personnel and veterans who enlisted in the military between January 1, 1977, and July 11, 1985.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in discussing military and veteran benefits, the Montgomery GI Bill®, military grants, or dependents’ educational assistance, a helpful CyberTex admissions representative will guide you and answer any questions you may have about the benefits you may be eligible for.
Want to Learn More?
CyberTex offers short-term technical training programs in the Information Technology, Medical, Healthcare, and Construction Trades. We are a student-centric institute that equips students with workplace skills for initial employment, paving the way for desired and financially stable careers.
Contact us today to learn more about our CyberTex campuses in Austin and Killeen.
