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What are common jobs that veterans looking to transition into the corporate world pursue ?

Background: Engineering, officer in the Navy.

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David’s Answer

Many veterans entering the private sector work for DOD private contractors. Finding DOD contractors is simple if you live in the DC area.
Remote work is definitely a possibility with larger firms such as Institute for Defense Analysis, Raytheon, and Northrop Gruman. There is a wide variety of Career options within the field. Take a look at their websites for employment opportunities, that can range from high level technical editing, to security staff. Having a DOD clearance is a definite plus, but most companies will give you several months and help you obtain required security clearance.
Good Luck
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Kai
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Brandon’s Answer

Depends on the skillset and how your resume aligns. I spent time in the Recruiting BN in the Army and transitioned out into a Recruiter role at a tech company. The transition was natural and easy, however, I realized after joining that my experiences were in line with the work of a Program Manager as well. That is a very common role I see veterans transitioning to - Program Managers or possibly Technical Program Managers (TPM) if you have engineering expertise.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! Kai
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Scott’s Answer

Kai, you mentioned in your experiences that you are an officer. Find what commonalities your branch (sector, field, job whatever its called in the Navy) align in the civilian sector. I was a supply and logistics guy. Then what I did was built a very strong LinkedIn profile and connected with as many people as I could in logistics. Your LinkedIn feed will start alerting you to jobs that may be in your field or interests. I cannot emphasize how strong of a tool LinkedIn really is. Despite what the military tells you, recruiters will NOT be blowing up your inbox because you have military experience alone. You need to network within the fields you are interested in, then the job openings will start to appear.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Kai
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Atul’s Answer

You mentioned Engineering, but didn't clarify the specific area.
Whether it's Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, you're in luck! There's a whole world of opportunities waiting for you in both high tech and biomedical fields.
Remember, lots of companies out there are specifically looking for individuals like you, who have served in the armed forces.
This is a huge plus for you! The discipline and dedication you honed in the Navy can be a game-changer in the corporate world. Employers will truly appreciate and value this unique quality of yours.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Kai
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Emma’s Answer

Veterans transitioning into the corporate world from backgrounds in engineering and military leadership, particularly in the Navy, commonly pursue roles such as project managers, operations managers, engineering managers, supply chain managers, IT managers, consultants, quality assurance managers, HR managers, financial analysts or managers, manufacturing managers, sales or business development managers, healthcare administrators, energy or environmental managers, and cybersecurity analysts or managers. Their military-honed skills in leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and discipline, coupled with their commitment to mission accomplishment, make them valuable assets in various corporate settings. Transitioning veterans can benefit from veteran-specific job placement services and networking opportunities to facilitate a smooth transition into civilian career paths.
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Rorique’s Answer

You are a gold mine right now. All I'm seeing at Boeing and Northrop Grumman right now are engineering jobs. Pair that with a military background, and you'll likely do well. The "easy" things we did while in are appreciated on the outside, plus a current security clearance is quite helpful if you choose to go that route. I've seen a few internships around (Skillbridge) which lead right into paying jobs, if they like your work ethic.

Approaching DD214 land is very nerve wracking without a lear way forward, but I can tell you you'll be okay when you land. Just start looking for those types of jobs in an area you'd like to live in.
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Brendan’s Answer

Hi Kai, after college I spent 5 years as a submarine officer in the Navy and had my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. When I got out, I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship to a top-tier business school to get my MBA. This was an amazing two years to both discover different fields I could go into but also build a generalist skill set that allowed me to go into some really cool jobs in startups and then big tech. There are opportunities to more directly apply your military skillset into jobs right out of the Navy but this really opened the door to allow me to pursue a much broader field of options than I had immediately coming out of the Navy. I recognize without a scholarship or GI Bill benefits a 2-year MBA program can be very expensive to do and not everyone can but it is worth exploring scholarships to see if it is possible. I'm very grateful I had that opportunity and was fortunate to have mentors to push me to explore scholarship opportunities.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Kai,

Here are some ideal career paths for veterans making the shift into the corporate sphere:

1. Project Manager: Veterans often bring a wealth of leadership experience from their military service, which can be effectively utilized in project management roles. Their adeptness at leading teams, managing resources, and executing tasks efficiently makes them a perfect fit for this position.

2. Operations Manager: Veterans with a foundation in engineering or military operations frequently gravitate towards roles as operations managers in corporations. Their proficiency in supervising intricate operations and ensuring seamless execution can be invaluable in this role.

3. Supply Chain Manager: Veterans with logistics experience from their military service can naturally transition into supply chain management roles in the corporate sector. Their knack for coordinating and enhancing supply chain processes can significantly benefit companies.

4. Business Development Manager: Veterans with robust communication and negotiation skills often thrive in business development roles. Their capacity to forge relationships, pinpoint opportunities, and stimulate growth aligns seamlessly with the demands of this position.

5. Information Technology Specialist: Veterans with a technical background, such as engineering, may opt for careers as information technology specialists in the corporate world. Their problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail are key strengths in this field.

6. Human Resources Manager: Veterans with experience in personnel management and nurturing a positive work environment can easily transition into human resources roles. Their comprehension of teamwork, discipline, and leadership can be instrumental in fostering a productive workforce.

7. Financial Analyst: Veterans with a keen analytical mind and attention to detail may contemplate becoming financial analysts in the corporate world. Their ability to decipher data, make informed decisions, and assess risks can be advantageous in this role.

8. Sales Manager: Veterans with superior communication skills and a results-oriented mindset may pursue careers as sales managers. Their ability to establish goals, inspire teams, and boost revenue aligns perfectly with the expectations of sales management positions.

9. Consultant: Veterans with a broad range of skills and experiences from their military service may opt to become consultants in various fields such as management, strategy, or operations. Their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and leadership traits make them invaluable assets as consultants.

10. Entrepreneur: Some veterans choose to apply their leadership skills, determination, and risk-taking abilities to launch their own businesses or ventures in the corporate world. Their resilience, strategic thinking, and dedication, honed during their military service, can contribute to entrepreneurial success.

By transitioning into these prevalent roles in the corporate world, veterans can effectively utilize their unique skills, experiences, and values acquired from their military service to thrive in civilian careers.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

U.S. Department of Labor - Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS): This source offers valuable insights into programs and resources available for veterans transitioning into civilian employment, including information on job opportunities, training initiatives, and support services.

Military.com - Transitioning Veterans: Military.com provides comprehensive guidance on transitioning from military service to civilian careers, including tips on resume writing, job search strategies, networking opportunities, and career development resources tailored for veterans.

Forbes - Careers for Veterans: Forbes publishes articles highlighting career options suitable for veterans transitioning into the corporate world, offering insights into industries that value military experience and skills that are transferable to civilian jobs.

Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
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