Military service teaches people critical thinking skills that translate well into many civilian roles after service. Veterans may take a bit of time to figure out their next steps or use their GI Bill benefits to pursue training or higher education.&nbsp;
Many veterans entered the military because they loved their country and their fellow citizens. They want to do more than clock in and out for eight hours daily. They may want a job where they can make a difference in the community or the world. They are loyal, hard-working and highly skilled at a variety of tasks.
<h2>Do Veterans Need a Degree?</h2>
Those who entered military service out of high school may lack a degree. For those with families or living on their own, going directly into the workforce may be necessary to make enough money to pay expenses. Others may prefer to avoid sitting in a classroom for hours and want something more hands-on.
The good news is that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf">unemployment rate for veterans is at 2.8%</a>, which is 3.6% lower than the rate for nonveterans. Employers understand that veterans <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/9-essential-job-skills-to-help-you-excel">leave their posts with skills</a> that transfer to civilian jobs. Companies also understand that former military members may have delayed their education with plans to utilize the G.I. Bill after their military service obligation ends.
<h2>Top Qualities Veterans Bring to the Workforce</h2>
Regardless of education status, veterans bring incredible strengths into the workplace from their time in the military that provide significant benefit to businesses. Many qualities that veterans learn through valuable lived experience during their time in the military make them a top choice for many career fields.&nbsp;
Some of the most important transferable skills that many veterans bring to the table include:
<ul>
<li>
Leadership and team management
</li>
<li>
Technical and problem-solving skills
</li>
<li>
Communication and interpersonal skills
</li>
<li>
Adaptability and quick learning
</li>
<li>
Stress management
</li>
<li>
Integrity, courage and a sense of duty
</li>
<li>
Organization and discipline
</li>
<li>
Strong work ethic&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<h2>5 Transferable Jobs for Veterans</h2>
Many employers understand former military people develop these vital on-the-job skills they can transfer to civilian jobs. Through these, veterans have a wide range of <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs">options available for job openings</a> that match their skill sets. Here are some interesting options:
<h3>1. IT/Cybersecurity</h3>
With so many people shopping and conducting financial business online, cybercrime incidents are rising dramatically. A hacking attack now occurs every 39 seconds, making a company or person a victim of cybercrime.
Some veterans worked on computers and already have a firm grasp of information technology (IT) services. Getting a certification in IT or cybersecurity may be a quick path to a well-paying career.&nbsp;
<h3>2. Project Manager</h3>
Did you enter the military with a business degree or are you interested in gaining one? Veterans have skills that translate to project management, such as leadership <a href="https://designerly.com/time-management-skills-for-designers-and-creatives/">and excellent time management</a>.&nbsp;
Finding a position may require gaining experience in a particular industry you&rsquo;d like to work in. Consider taking an internship to polish your resume and get your foot in the door of a company you&rsquo;d like to work at.&nbsp;
They also know how to complete paperwork and follow directions. Because they may have taken a leadership role in projects during their military service, they work well as managers who collaborate effectively as part of a team. A job as a department leader could be an excellent fit.
<h3>3. Human Resources</h3>
Human resource (HR) professionals direct administrative functions such as hiring within a business, as well as act as a go-between employees and organizational managers. If you&rsquo;re a veteran with experience in leadership and management throughout your military career, you may feel right at home in an HR-type position.
HR professionals are currently in high demand &mdash; job outlook for the profession is set to grow <a href="https://www.franklin.edu/blog/human-resources-degree-salary">faster than average at 7%</a> from 2021 to 2031. Many HR employees enjoy competitive salaries, though your experience and skills will play a role in your projected income.
Articulating details in the military is crucial to get the troops where they need to go and give them commands. Because of this, many veterans have communication skills that translate well to HR and customer service roles.
<h3>4. Engineering</h3>
Veterans often leave the military with strong technical skills. They've learned how to troubleshoot problems and solve them with few resources. Such knowledge is relevant in engineering roles within factories. Positions such as repair person or supervisor could be a good match.&nbsp;
<h3>5. Consulting and Marketing</h3>
Soldiers never know where they might be called to serve. Veterans can adapt to new environments. They learn new skills rapidly, making them valuable as business consultants or in fields such as marketing and analysis.&nbsp;

With advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, jobs in marketing are changing rapidly. Opportunities to build on key skills and learn new technology abound.
<h2>Finding Veteran-Friendly Jobs</h2>
Once you&rsquo;ve considered your preference for a job type, spend time researching different companies and whether they hire veterans and celebrate service. While you have many options for turning your military knowledge into workable skills, some places are more open to training veterans and appreciating the mindset they bring to the table.
Many companies make a commitment to hiring veterans, so the options for civilian jobs after military service are numerous. If you&rsquo;re looking for a position that&rsquo;s ideal for veterans, browse <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/companies/category/getting-hired-bc1fd430-19a1-49dd-80ea-0f118e9b01da">our partner companies</a> to learn more about businesses with a commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce.
Written by Content Contributor:&nbsp;
This blog was authored by a guest contributor or third party. The views expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CareerCircle. CareerCircle does not endorse any products, services, or claims mentioned. This content is for informational purposes only.
Eleanor Hecks is a business writer and researcher with a passion for bringing awareness to neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace. You can find her work as Editor-in-Chief of&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://designerly.com/">Designerly Magazine</a>&nbsp;or as a staff writer at sites such as HR.com and Clutch.co.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/6dfeyYJZTnOKgwHa65Br" alt="Eleanor Hecks headshot.webp">

Military service teaches people critical thinking skills that translate well into many civilian roles after service.

5 Transferable Civilian Jobs for Veterans After Military Service

Gone are the days when a college degree was the sole gatekeeper to a promising career. Every day, innovative companies are waking up to a profound truth: real skills aren&rsquo;t stamped on a diploma. It&rsquo;s built through life&rsquo;s hands-on experiences. This shift opens doors for many capable individuals who choose not to pursue traditional college paths but are equally skilled and deserving of opportunities. It&rsquo;s a powerful truth: when we choose to value skills and experience over college degrees, we don't just open doors for the overlooked&mdash;we revolutionize our businesses. By prioritizing experience and potential over formal education, businesses can address the systemic barriers keeping brilliant individuals from underserved communities out of the workforce.&nbsp;
<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">Why Move Away from Degree-Dependent Hiring? </h2>
When we cling to college degrees as the primary hiring criterion, we inadvertently sideline a vast pool of talent. Many individuals from underserved communities face significant barriers to higher education, from prohibitive costs to systemic socio-economic challenges. By prioritizing degrees, we perpetuate these inequalities but also deprive our businesses of diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.&nbsp;
 Moreover, the high cost of education and a dynamic job market have prompted many to skip the degree path and directly develop specific skills through alternative routes such as certifications, apprenticeships, and self-directed learning.
 Focusing on what people can do rather than where they studied can build stronger, more diverse teams. Turning our backs on degree-centric hiring can transform workplaces and bring about profound social change.
<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">The Business Case for Skills over Degrees</h2>
Think about the last time you were truly impressed by someone's work. Was it because they listed a prestigious university on their resume? Or was it because they delivered something spectacular, something that demonstrated ingenuity and skill? The world is full of self-taught innovators, tireless achievers, and imaginative thinkers. These are the people who bring fresh perspectives to challenges&mdash;yet, traditional hiring practices often leave them on the sidelines and it&rsquo;s almost always to the detriment of the business. 
According to Robinson, McKinsey research shows that over a several-year timeframe, <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/why-diversity-matters">racially diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts</a>, while from a gender standpoint, companies with strong women representation are 25% more likely to outperform. It&rsquo;s clear&mdash;the future of business is inclusive. 
Surveys and studies increasingly show that <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2023/01/12/survey-finds-recent-grads-emotionally-unprepared-work">many graduates feel underprepared for the workplace</a>, and the skills they acquired in college may not align with what is needed in today's jobs.&nbsp; 
A staggering number of capable individuals from lower-income backgrounds are sidestepped by the degree demand. With the rising costs of education, organizations that are still adhering to this strict requirement are actively contributing to a cycle of inequality.&nbsp; 
 It's time to recalibrate our focus towards skills and actual job performance potential. How to Scout for Skills: Strategies That Work
Sifting through resumes flush with academic accolades tell us little about the person behind the paper. As we embrace a new era of talent discovery, we focus on uncovering the raw, untapped skills that can spark real change.&nbsp; Here&rsquo;s our blueprint for identifying those abilities, ensuring that a team is skilled and every candidate gets the opportunity to showcase their abilities.&nbsp; Zero In on What Really Matters
<a href="https://go.careercircle.com/skills-centric-job-descriptions-visual-roadmap" rel="follow">Before you post that job listing, ask: What skills are absolutely essential for this role?</a> Strip away the fluff about degrees and focus on the real meat of the job. This clarity will help you spot the real performers who can walk the talk. 
Put Them to the Test
Don't just take their word for it&mdash;see them in action. Implement task-based assessments that mimic real job challenges. Whether it&rsquo;s a coding exercise, a sales pitch simulation, or a design challenge, these tests speak louder than any diploma could. 
Recognize the Power of Certifications
In many fields, certifications can be as telling as degrees, if not more. These often require specific skills and a practical understanding of the field, making them a solid indicator of a candidate's readiness and expertise. These qualifications demonstrate a focused mastery of specific skill sets and are frequently more accessible to individuals from underserved communities. 
Dive Into Their Real-World Experience
Portfolios, past projects, freelance gigs&mdash;these are gold mines for assessing a candidate's capabilities. They provide a tangible track record of what the candidate can achieve and are often more relevant than theoretical knowledge. 
Value the Builders
Look for those who&rsquo;ve taken initiative: internships, volunteer work, or community projects. These experiences often build skills that are perfectly transferable to professional settings but are overlooked in traditional resumes. 
Turn Interviews Into Storytelling Sessions 
Invite candidates to share the story of a project they&rsquo;re proud of, a complex problem they solved, or an innovative idea they brought to life. This approach does more than surface their skills&mdash;it brings to light their passion, creativity, and problem-solving prowess. Importantly, it provides a powerful platform for candidates from underserved communities who may not have traditional career paths but have rich experiences and unique perspectives to share. 
These stories allow them to illustrate their resourcefulness and resilience, invaluable qualities often overlooked in standard interviews. By listening to their experiences, we gain insight into how they&rsquo;ve navigated challenges with limited resources, showcasing their potential to contribute meaningfully to our teams. 
Valuing the Roads Less Traveled
Give due credit to the unconventional paths. Freelance projects, volunteer roles, and even personal passions can hone skills just as effectively as formal jobs. These experiences often forge resilience, adaptability, and a drive that can&rsquo;t be taught in a classroom. 
Expand Recruitment Channels
To reach non-degree holders with high potential, broaden your recruitment efforts to include industry forums, <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs">niche job boards,</a> vocational training centers, and online communities where these candidates like to spend their time. 
Investing in People
When you come across a candidate who sparks interest but may lack some skills, consider the potential of on-the-job training. This investment can pay dividends in loyalty and innovation. Stop looking for the &lsquo;unicorn&rsquo; candidate and build the workforce you need by nurturing the talent you find. 
Building a Learning Culture
Finally, foster an environment that values continuous learning. Encourage all employees, regardless of their educational background, to pursue growth through new experiences and ongoing education. This not only enhances their skills but also keeps your team at the cutting edge of industry developments.
<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">The Future is Skills, Not Degrees</h2>
In the near future, the most successful companies will be those that can recognize and harness talent in all its forms. By embracing a skills-first hiring model, businesses can prepare for the future&mdash;equipped with a team that&rsquo;s diverse, dynamic, and driven by more than academic achievements. 
After all, the next industry leader, tech innovator, or creative genius might not come from an Ivy League school but could instead be the self-taught coder who has spent hours every day after school, problem solving and tinkering with complex coding challenges. Or perhaps the future leader in sustainable business isn&rsquo;t coming from a top-tier business school, but from the grassroots environmental activist who has been making changes in their community with little more than sheer determination and a deep passion for the planet. It&rsquo;s time to reassess how we definite qualified human potential and cultivate an environment that acknowledges and advances genuine skill and creativity.

Valuing skills over degrees opens doors for the overlooked—and transforms businesses.

Assessing Skills Without a College Degree

Gone are the days when a college degree was the sole gatekeeper to a promising career. Every day, innovative companies are waking up to a profound truth: real skills aren’t stamped on a diploma. It’s built through life’s hands-on experiences. This shift opens doors for many capable individuals who choose ...

Assessing Skills Without a College Degree: A Practical Guide for Employers

CareerCircle’s webinar shows how to support LGBTQ+ colleagues year-round—not just during Pride Month.

WEBINAR: How to Be an Ally Beyond Pride Month

CareerCircle hosted a webinar on "How to Be an Ally Beyond Pride Month," highlighting the importance of supporting our LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues all year round, not just in June.

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Staff Writer

139 Articles

5 Transferable Civilian Jobs for Veterans After Military Service

Assessing Skills Without a College Degree: A Practical Guide for Employers

WEBINAR: How to Be an Ally Beyond Pride Month

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