Veterans bring a unique skill set to the world and to the workforce. Your experience in the military can translate into an area of proficiency or expertise in many industries. Meeting with a career counselor may be helpful to you for a number of reasons, including:

• Understanding what you bring to the table as a Veteran - as you consider your military accomplishments, we suggest reviewing them with others as well to consider:
  • What does this mean to civilians?
  • What skills and experiences do I have that best overlap with what employers are seeking?
  • If I want to demonstrate my value to a company or organization, what can or do I highlight from my experience?
  • I did "XYZ" in the military, but I'm not sure an employer will know what it means. 
  • How can I list or describe my experience in a way that will mean something to a civilian company?
  • In the military, I did "ABC" and "XYZ" - are there positions in the civilian world already which do this type of work?
  • How can I make employers care about the important work I have done?
• The option to use assessments to help you identify your values, interests, personality and skills (VIPS) can offer insight in two ways: understanding current strong points and areas for growth, as well as potential perceived barriers and conflicts. 
• Learning how to translate skills you gained and developed in the military to civilian terms, including:  
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Faster learning curve
  • Respect for operations and procedures 
  • Adept with technology and exposure to globalization 
  • Performs effectively under pressure
  • Understanding of facing adversity and stress

It is important to understand how you can match military duties to civilian careers. Knowing the market will be important as well, to have an understanding of companies and organizations deemed “military friendly” as well as industries and jobs in high demand.

Many resources are available to veterans making this transition, and the list we have below is comprehensive but certainly not complete. It is important to educate yourself about the varies occupational policies and resources in place to assist you in this process.

• Meet with a career coach for advice regarding majors and career options, internship and job-search advice, document preparation, and interviewing.
• Review your possible major and career options.
• Network! Connect with other veterans of similar backgrounds who have been successful in their transition to the industry - learn about what they experienced, and the process they followed.
  • You may also want to seek out veterans in hiring roles.
• Determine how you can best showcase your military experience (Career Development can help with this!)
  • Remember: focus on interpersonal, leadership, and technical terms - consider how these accomplishments and responsibilities may read to someone outside of the military.
• Be sure you understand how your tuition benefits work. 

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Be aware - some employers may make assumptions about your life experiences, and potentially hesitate to hire someone with a certain background, such as combat experience, with the unfounded assumption that PTSD will always be connected. It is important for you to know that PTSD is covered by the ADA, making it illegal for an employer to ask you about it, or refuse to hire you because of the knowledge they may have. The amount you choose to share about your military experience is up to you. 
• Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): Employers may express concern about you leaving if you are called to serve. Know that you are protected in this regard as well. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the job rights and benefits for veterans and members of the reserves working in a civilian capacity. Every veteran has a different story, and this is an area where you can likely offer some education to a potential employer to help them understand your situation, and refuse any negative associations they may have.

• How do you see my military experience and skillset fitting into this position/job?
• Tell me about a "day in the life" of this job.
• Tell me about a "year in the life" of this job.
• What can you tell me about someone with a background similar to mine who has succeeded in this role? What did they do to succeed, and what was the outcome of that success?

Many associations and programs are in place to assist veterans in establishing a career. We recommend reviewing the resource, How to Pick A Military or Veteran Association, on Military.com as you consider the organizations that may be a good fit for you. Examples include: 

• Troops to Teachers
• Military Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals
• American Corporate Partners
• Make the Connection
• American Woman Veterans