Making the transition from military life to civilian life is a big adjustment and can be frightening. Most military persons experience some degree of difficulty and especially since they are forced to get out of the normal routine they were used to. They now have to find a new career and begin job searching, which is very challenging for someone who has spent almost their entire life serving in the military. Some of the common difficulties they face include learning how to look for jobs considering this is something some of them may have never done before. Developing a good resume and adjusting to opportunities presented in the society may be overwhelming. However, these challenges should not worry you Discussed below, are solutions to help one transition from military to civilian life.
Attend Transition Assistance Programs.
Most governments offer transitioning officers great transition program that seeks to inform them of the various opportunities available to them, considering the skills they have gained from military life. These programs give employment and training information to the armed force members before they retire. Some even organize workshops that focus on issues such as career exploration and offer job search strategies. Such forums help these individuals get confidence even as they look to venture into civilian life.
Identify your Strengths And Interests.
Employers will only be willing to employ you if you have skills and you can exercise them for the benefit of their organization. It is important that you take time to assess your skill set deeply. Understand which skills you like performing and where you derive the most satisfaction. This will enable you to specialize in a particular area and produce great results. Some of the skills which you acquire from working in the military including, natural leadership, accountability and high level of discipline, may give you an upper hand than your competitors that are non-military. Leverage on these skills that you possess that non-military candidate may lack, to excel in that job interview. Other skills that are non-military will also give you an added advantage and so it is essential that you include them as well.
Research Civilian Jobs.
Putting in mind your strengths, weaknesses, and interest, go ahead and research the various career options available for you. There is nothing as devastating as falling into a job then you realize that you are unsatisfied and unfulfilled with the job. That is why it is essential to take time to find careers that match with your personality and character. This will make you happier and more fulfilled because you get to do a job that you like. Once you find a career that matches your personality, you may go further and research on which additional courses you may need to do, to make you more competitive in the market.
Research Employers.
The one thing you need to do when job hunting is to research the employers you are interested in working with. This will give you more insight into their hiring criteria, corporate culture and some of the skills that they consider important. You will find that some employers appreciate the skills and experiences ex-military personnel brings to the table. You may have a higher chance of joining their organization as opposed to someone that is non-military. Working with military-friendly organizations is great because you may find co-workers that formerly served in the military and they can mentor you as you try to fit into your new working environment.
Employers see value in hiring transitioning military personnel in their organizations. As much as the transition stage might be challenging for you, you just need the right resources and tools to enable you to shift to civilian life quickly. Purpose to employ the tips given above. It will be worth it.
