How to Decide What to Do for Your Career After the Military

Whether you’re coming to the end of your military career or you’re just planning for your future, it’s important to think about what you want to do once you leave the Armed Forces. You’ll still need to make an income to support yourself once you’re out of the military, and unless you’re medically disabled or receiving retirement pay, you won’t have a steady paycheck to rely on each month. Instead, you’ll need a career to help you pay your bills and prepare for your future. In this blog, we’ll provide you with some actionable tips to help you decide what career you should pursue after the military. 

5 Tips for Figuring Out Your Career After the Military

It can be hard to determine what career is the right one for you, especially if you’ve spent your entire adult career in the military performing one role. Below, we’ll provide you with some tips to help you pick a career after you transition out of the military.

1. Think About Your Options

During your time in the military, you’ve developed some valuable experience and skills that have made you proficient in your role. Many roles in the military can be translated to a civilian career, and your experience in the military can help you find a similar career after your transition if you want to stay in the same field.

However, you don’t have to stay in the same industry or position just because that’s what you know. You can also go after a new career and participate in additional education and training to help you prepare. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try something, or maybe you just want to see what sparks your interest. As you’re transitioning out of the military, it’s the best time to figure out what you want to do for your future career and carefully consider your options. 

2. Assess Your Interests and Skills

While you’re in the military, you’ve developed plenty of skills that can translate to a future career. Make a list of these skills, such as leadership abilities, problem-solving, communication, time management, and other valuable skills. You should also write down your specific experience for your role in the military since it will help you determine what jobs you’re eligible for and what gaps you may have in your knowledge. 

After you’ve assessed your skills, consider your interests. Maybe they don’t align with your current skill set or job, which may indicate that you want to do something different once you make it to the civilian workforce. Working in something you’re passionate about will help narrow down your options and will also make your career more enjoyable, even after years in the same industry. 

3. Research Different Career Paths

You may have several options or passions and aren’t sure what to pick. Maybe the industry you’re in is very widespread and there are a lot of roles to fill. You’ll want to conduct some research so you can properly understand the roles and responsibilities of different jobs you’re interested in. You’ll also want to look at the eligibility requirements for these roles to determine if you’ve got the experience and education needed, or if you will need to develop your skills further to be ready for this role.

You should also try networking with professionals in the industries you’re interested in. Having these connections can help you find work in your desired field, but you can also talk with these people about their roles and responsibilities so you can get a better sense if it’s the right fit for you. Job fairs are an excellent way to connect with these professionals and even find career opportunities you hadn’t considered before.

4. Think About Your Lifestyle and Goals

Your lifestyle may have a big impact on what career you choose. For example, maybe you like being active and don’t want to sit behind a desk every day. Your desire to stay active at work will help you narrow down your options when choosing a future career since it will rule out a lot of administrative positions you could take. If you have kids, you may want a career that lets you spend more time with your children, which would also narrow down some of your options.

Also, your goals should be considered when deciding on a career. Think about your desired income, work-life balance, and lifestyle when you’re picking what you want to do after the military. Your goals should play a big factor in what you do for your work so you enjoy your career outside of the military.

5. Take Advantage of Transition Programs

The military helps their troops with their transition by offering them programs to help with various aspects of their transition. Some of these programs through the Transition Assistance Office help with building a resume, performing mock interviews, and assisting with finding work once you leave the military. Use these programs to your advantage when you want to start preparing for your future career. You can ensure you’re ready for the job hunt so you can find work in an industry you love and enjoy. 

Get the Gear You Need for Your Career Here at MLC

Whether you’re still in the military and need tactical gear for your operations or you’re entering the civilian workforce and need ways to carry your supplies, Military Luggage Company has you covered. We offer an impressive selection of bags, packs, and cases for nearly every application, whether you’re out in the field, going into the office, or traveling to a new destination. Our bags are personally vetted to ensure their quality, meaning you can trust our gear to support you in your applications. Get started by browsing our complete selection, or contact us today if you have any questions.