10 Best Military Jobs That Transfer To Civilian Life

Embarking on a new career after serving in the armed forces can be a challenging prospect, but there are a number of jobs that closely match common military skills and interests. Depending on what job you held in the military, you can likely count on a smooth transition back to civilian life when you finish your service.

This article will look at 10 military jobs that translate well to your future civilian career.

Top 10 Military To Civilian Jobs 

While your US military experience may seem a far cry from what your civilian friends are up to in their jobs, there is overlap across many careers. Plus, companies today understand the many benefits of hiring veterans: You’re hardworking, punctual, understand the importance of teamwork, and know how to work quickly and efficiently.

Here are several tech jobs for veterans that will help set you up for career success as you’re transitioning back to civilian life. 

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer hardware engineers are responsible for researching, designing, developing, or testing computers for commercial, military, industrial, or scientific uses. People in this field would need to keep up with rapid advances in computer technology and know how to build, test, and modify product prototypes. 

This job is very similar in both a military service setting and a civilian setting, making former service members who work in computer engineering highly employable in the civilian workforce.

Systems Analyst

This military career takes on the role of analyzing and helping rethink computer needs to enhance processes, thus increasing organizational efficiency and overall effectiveness. This role is great for someone who is a natural problem solver. Beyond problem-solving, a systems analyst will also continuously improve existing computer systems and improve workflow. 

A military systems analyst would find a seamless transition into filling this role in the civilian world. Systems analysts are vital components of companies in a variety of industries such as engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and tech.

Army Technical Engineer

Army technical engineers are responsible for supervising and executing construction site development. People in this role will conduct technical investigations, surveys, and drafts using digital equipment and software to prepare construction project plans. 

Some common skills for people in this role include an ability to convert ideas into drawings, an interest in maps and charts, and an interest in subjects such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. 

Technical engineers have a place in almost any industry. Depending on what you choose, you could be involved in setting up or building equipment, conducting experiments, or helping design and develop new products.

IT Consultant

Working as an IT consultant in the military would be a great stepping stone to working in information technology back in the real world. IT consultants help evaluate business’s or organization’s IT systems to help them meet their unique objectives. They’ll help clients reach their business goals through an optimized IT infrastructure, helping design and implement technology solutions. 

IT consultants are in high demand in the civilian workforce, and veterans would likely find an easy transition from military to civilian life in this role.

Network Engineer

Network engineers are useful in several industries. Their primary role is to maintain connectivity of networks to ensure seamless data and wireless systems. Maintaining a strong network infrastructure is a key part of a network engineers’ daily life, along with improving security and performance over time. 

Filling this role as a service member is a great stepping stone to finding a career in network engineering in the civilian workforce.

Computer Information Systems Manager

This role, also referred to as IT manager, is responsible for analyzing their organization’s computer needs and recommending areas for improvement. IT managers will continuously maintain and install computer hardware and software for their organization. Skills for this role include a strong attention to detail, great communication skills, and an interest in computer science.

IT managers are vital for virtually any company in the real world. Any organization with an online presence needs IT help, and your experience in the military is a great background for finding job search success in this field in civilian life. 

Computer Network Architect

Similar to a network engineer, a network architect is responsible for managing data communication networks. Network architects take this a step further, working beyond the confines of a singular business or organization. A network architect might work with local area networks, or multinational or globally integrated communications systems.

Similar to many information technology roles, network architects will have their pick of jobs in civilian life, whether it’s working for a large tech company or a growing healthcare organization.

Software Application Developer

As military personnel, software developers will create programs that are applicable to functions of the army, whether that’s designing applications to organize and display intelligence data or helping streamline mission planning. Strong organizational and management skills and an ability to understand and apply math concepts are vital skills for software developers.

In the real world, software developers can find success in a number of different industries. Tech companies are the most common industry for software developers, and the career field is growing each year.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity remains a concern for all industries. Working as a cybersecurity analyst in the military will leave you highly trained to detect abnormalities and fight cybercrime efficiently and effectively. People working in this field must have strong attention to detail and be able to quickly respond to stressful situations.

Cybersecurity careers are vital for many civilian employers in various industries from healthcare to finance and manufacturing. Your career transition will be seamless, as many responsibilities overlap between the private and public sector.

Project Management

Working in project management requires planning, initiation, and execution of a project. Project management is a crucial part of military functions, no matter whether you’re working in the Coast Guard or Marine Corps. Recruiters will look for a strong ability to lead, ability to manage different groups of people, and resolve conflicts. Creative and resourceful problem-solving skills are a must, as is great communication.

Project management is a role that many companies have, from tech to manufacturing and engineering. Working in project management in the military will put you in a great position to take your skills into the real world and seek out job opportunities.

Get Your Start in the Tech Industry With Eleven Fifty Academy 

Eleven Fifty Academy is a great way to gain the skills you need to land a job in the tech industry. We have IT training programs for veterans to suit a number of career interests, whether it’s pursuing a career as a software developer or cybersecurity analyst. Our certification training bootcamps are fast-paced and are a great option for returning service members. 

Military veterans can use GI Bill® benefits to enroll at Eleven Fifty Academy, opening up the door for learning how to become a coder or work in cybersecurity. You can use your education benefits to pay for tuition, housing, and books and supplies. We have several free coding classes that can help prospective students learn how to apply and fill out an application. 

We want to make training for veterans a seamless and enjoyable process to help set you up for success as soon as you’re ready to return to civilian life.

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