Veterans Wanted | 6 Trades Veterans Can Excel In

After serving your country as a veteran, transitioning to civilian life and finding meaningful employment can be challenging. But being a veteran makes you uniquely qualified for certain types of jobs. Your skills, work ethic, and dedication make you perfect for many trades and businesses.

In this post, we’re going to highlight six trades or businesses any veteran can excel in. These industries capitalize on your experience, discipline, and dedication to serve—both in the military and in civilian life. So, whether you’re a recent veteran or have been out of the service for a few years, read on to find a career path that suits you. Let’s get started!

Emergency Services

Emergency services, like EMT and fire service, are military-style operations. They require teamwork, quick thinking, and tremendous attention to detail. Veterans who can think on their feet and thrive in high-pressure environments make excellent first responders. You can quickly transition to a career in emergency services as both careers require a sense of service and require that you put the good of the community over the good of yourself.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emergency services, there are several steps you can take to make yourself more competitive for the job. First, ensure that your resume highlights any relevant experience or skills from your time in the military such as first aid training, combat lifesaver certification, or leadership roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $36,680 in May 2022. while the median annual wage for paramedics was $49,090. The median annual wage for firefighters was $51,680. and for F ire Inspe ctors was $65,800.

You may also consider obtaining certifications specific to the field such as CPR, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Firefighter I and II certifications. Networking with current or former emergency service personnel can also provide valuable insight and potential job opportunities, so don’t hesitate to get out there and connect.

Construction

Construction work requires a soldier’s mindset, including attention to detail, hard work, and discipline. Veterans can apply the leadership skills they learned during their military career and bring them to construction sites where teamwork is a core component. Whether on a building site or in maintenance, veterans’ physical stamina and attention to detail are huge assets to any construction team.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Military service members are trained to maintain inventory and manage resources efficiently. Veterans can transition to a career in logistics and supply chain management—areas that offer stable employment and career growth opportunities. They can work in various areas, including transportation companies, commercial shipping, manufacturing and warehousing, and several others. According to the BLS: The median annual wage for logisticians was $77,520 in May 2022. The median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents was $67,620 and the median annual wage for purchasing managers was $131,350 in May 2022.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in logistics or supply chains, there are several places to look for job opportunities. Many companies have dedicated programs or initiatives aimed at hiring veterans, so be sure to research and reach out to these organizations directly. Additionally, attending job fairs or networking events focused on logistics can also provide valuable connections and leads for potential employment.

Cyber Security

In today’s digital age, cyber security is one of the fastest-growing fields. Veterans have the discipline, endurance, and technical skills to succeed in this field. With their data management and analytical skills, they thrive in environments dealing with sensitive data. Additionally, they have a sense of duty, understanding the importance of keeping critical information secure.

If you are interested in a career in cyber security but have limited experience or knowledge in the field, there are several options for obtaining training and certifications. Many universities offer degree programs specifically in cyber security, which can provide a strong foundation for a career. Online courses and bootcamps are also available for individuals looking to gain specific skills and knowledge in this field. Be sure to consult with your veteran admissions advisors at a university for proper placement. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $112,000 in May 2022.

Law Enforcement

Veterans who have transitioned to law enforcement careers highlight the similarities between military life and law enforcement. Both involve public service, teamwork, and a sense of dedication to the mission. The skills veterans gained during deployments make them perfect for law enforcement. This career path also offers serving the community and contributing to the greater good of society.

To make a law enforcement job a happy one, it’s important to prioritize self-care and mental health. This can include maintaining a healthy work-life balance, seeking support from colleagues and supervisors, and engaging in stress-management techniques such as exercise or therapy. It’s also crucial to continually develop and improve skills related to the job, whether through ongoing training or pursuing advanced education opportunities. Building strong relationships with teammates and actively contributing to the community can also contribute to a sense of fulfillment and happiness in a law enforcement career. The median annual wage for police and detectives was $69,160 in May 2022. Correctional Officers and Bailiffs $49,610, Private Detectives and Investigators $52,120.

Teaching

Teaching is a vital career path that requires veterans to share their skills and experience with students. Veterans can teach subjects that correspond to their military skills sets, including leadership, ethics, and combat tactics. They can also teach several other subjects, including science, math, and special education.

To be a great teacher, veterans can draw on their military experience and apply it to the classroom. This includes having strong leadership skills, maintaining discipline, and effectively communicating with others.

Additionally, having a passion for teaching and a desire to make a positive impact in students’ lives is essential. It’s also important for teachers to continuously seek out opportunities for professional development and stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and technologies. Building a rapport with students and creating a supportive learning environment can also greatly contribute to being a great teacher. The median annual wage for high school teachers was $62,360 in May 2022.

Transitioning from military life can be hard. Finding a career path that aligns with your skills, experiences and passions, however, can make the transition seamless. As a veteran, you bring unique experience and skills to the table, and the ones shared in this blog post are just a few of the career paths that you can take. With hard work, dedication, and persistence, any veteran can excel and make a meaningful contribution to society.

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