After serving in the military, many veterans enter into a second career. While this is especially true for servicemembers who serve just a few years on active duty, it is also possible for retirees who serve 20 years in the military and get out before full retirement age as defined by the Social Security Administration (67 years old). For individuals who are interested in serving and then working after their military careers are over, it can be hard to know where to start looking for a second career. Fortunately, there are many workplaces that value veterans as employees, and many resources that exist to help veterans succeed in their next careers.
Numerous employers provide specific opportunities to veterans in the hiring process, including the federal government. There are also private programs that specifically focus on helping servicemembers transition into a civilian career. Note that some programs may try to charge for their services; there are many free programs that are available and should be your first choice over anything that promises a job in exchange for a fee. Some civilian employers host military or veteran affinity groups within their organizations that provide support and career development opportunities to former servicemembers. If you’re on the hunt for a new career, consider the following online resources:
American Job Centers
These centers aren’t specific to veteran employment – they will help anyone search for open jobs or find training to enhance their resume – but they are still a great resource for veterans who are on the hunt. This is why: Veterans receive priority referrals to some open jobs and available training opportunities. There are over 2,300 centers throughout the United States.
Note: You can locate your nearest American Job Center using this finder.
CareerOneStop Veteran and Military Transition Center
Sponsored by the Department of Labor, CareerOneStop’s Veteran and Military Transition Center provides individuals with the ability to search for open positions by military title, helps match military skills to civilian careers (and translate military duties for a civilian resume), and provides information about benefits that may be available to those who need them (e.g., housing, health care, and financial counseling). Those who are interested can also find information about apprenticeships, vocational education, licenses, and certifications that might help further their career goals.
CareerOneStop provides employment and educational resources to military spouses in addition to veterans.
Hiring Our Heroes
A free program sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that offers fellowships and hiring support to servicemembers and their spouses during their last 180 days on active duty. In addition to hiring events, six- and 12-week fellowship opportunities, and job fairs, they also provide resume building and posting services that can expose veterans’ resumes to hundreds of potential employers. Events are both in person and virtual, giving servicemembers, veterans, and spouses the flexibility to job hunt, update their LinkedIn profiles, and practice interviewing from the location of their choice.
The USO’s Pathfinder Program
The Pathfinder Program is a transition assistance program that provides transition and job search support for both servicemembers and their families. Specialists provide one-on-one support at no cost to the servicemember (or their spouse) and can help veterans visualize their goals and create a plan to reach those goals through a combination of education, mentorship, and connection to local employment resources.
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service
This Department of Labor website provides a number of resources for veterans who are transitioning out of the military and looking for a civilian career and those who’ve already started a civilian career but might be looking for a change. It links out to:
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USAJobs: For job seekers interested in a career with the federal government
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The U.S. Small Business Administration: For those who are thinking about starting their own businesses, specifically connecting them with resources that exist to help veterans
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The National Resource Directory: For those who may need recovery and rehabilitation services
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My Next Move for Veterans: For those who want to learn about civilian job openings and careers and search for jobs that are local and relevant to their skillsets
It also allows veterans to choose their location and learn more about the resources that are available in their specific states.
Veteran Readiness and Employment
The Department of Veterans Affairs offer participation in the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (previously called the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program) to servicemembers going through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) program and veterans with service-connected disabilities. To qualify while on active duty, servicemembers must have a pre-discharge disability rating (memorandum rating) of at least 20% and be waiting to be discharged because of a condition obtained while on active duty. Veterans must have a disability rating of at least 10% and an other-than-dishonorable discharge. Those who are qualified can expect a combination of services including vocational counseling, job training, employment services (including help job hunting and requesting accommodations), apprenticeships, postsecondary education, and/or rehabilitative services.
Transitioning out of the military and into a new civilian career can be both exciting and scary. It helps to have something lined up, and the resources above can help servicemembers, veterans, and – in some cases – spouses find jobs that appeal to their skills and their interests. For more information on VA programs, our Education and Veterans Services team is available at 888-298-4442.