If you’re unsure where to start, it’s best to consider working with someone who offers veteran career coaching. They can help you navigate which career path may be best suited for your previous experience.

Let’s take a look at these nine jobs for ex-military members.

1. Federal or Government Jobs

One of the best places to start when searching for a job post-military is through the government. 

A great resource for these types of jobs is FedsHireVets.gov. It’s run directly through The U.S. Office of Personnel Management which helps not only veterans but their families as well.

2. Health Care

Many ex-military members have previous experience in healthcare. Hospitals are always in search of people who can work in high-stress or demanding work environments.

Many military members can find opportunities in health care such as nursing, dentistry, administration, or even optometry. 

3. IT

There is always a need for Information Technology. Those who have worked in IT during their time in the military can very easily translate this experience into the corporate world.

It’s a high-paying field that offers extensive benefits.

4. Security

An industry that offers jobs for veterans that isn’t usually marketed as well is security.

Ex-military members have a leg up over other applicants in this field due to their training and experience. These jobs can be found through the federal government or the private sector.

The client link will be used when discussing career coaching to find the right job after the military.

5. Manual Labor

Most manual labor jobs don’t require extensive education or background. They need people to be able to do physical work.

While some general manual labor jobs require certain certifications or licenses to complete, many of them don’t. Construction or landscaping, for instance, are two jobs that are in high demand and easy to start.

6. Defense Contracting

A defense contractor is anyone who is hired by the Department of Defense to work for the U.S. government. These contracted positions can range from accountants to doctors to security personnel.

The main difference between these jobs and working in the military is that you’re working as a legal non-federal entity. Defense contractors work alongside businesses outside of the government to provide those supplies or services back to the government or active military.

7. Law Enforcement

The closest job in the civilian world to life in the military is law enforcement. Your work is specifically mission-driven as you work alongside a team.

Because it’s such a familiar lifestyle and culture, it’s a great stepping stone to enter a police academy after finishing your contract with the military.

8. EMT or Paramedic

Actively working in the field requires a different set of skills. You have to think quickly on your feet and focus in high-stress environments. These skills in the military are similar to those that you experience as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic.

EMTs only require one semester of schooling to begin working in the field. Parademics will require a total of two years.

9. Manufacturing

There is nothing more important about life after the military than finding consistency. Most manufacturing jobs offer consistent hours, steady pay, and opportunities for growth.

There is also the added benefit that it doesn’t require additional education to begin working in manufacturing.

Conclusion

Starting a new career after leaving the military can be a lot to navigate. But it’s not impossible. There are plenty of career opportunities out there for veterans entering civilian life.

Start by working with a career coach to help you narrow down the best jobs that suit your experience. They’ll be able to help prepare resumes and teach interview skills that could land you a job as an ex-military member.