Tips to Choose a Career Path in North Carolina After Military Service

Serving in the Armed Forces of the United States is a unique experience that most civilians would never understand. The routines you participate in are very different, and if you were ever involved in combat scenarios, there is another level of emotional challenges to handle.

One of the biggest struggles for a veteran returning to civilian life is finding a career path. Often, former military service members are uncertain about how their skills and experiences would translate to another field of work. Perhaps you have a lot of concerns about your ability to fit in with a team of people who do not understand your experiences.

No matter where your mindset is, finding a career is an important step to help you re-integrate into society. As a resident of North Carolina, there are plenty of professional opportunities for you to take advantage of. Here are a few tips to help you figure out your professional career after military service.

Take Advantage of Free Counseling

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers many resources to current and former military service members. One of those resources is free educational and career counseling. If you are not sure what path to take, you can speak with someone who can discuss your goals and skills with you while offering advice. Having someone to bounce ideas off could be incredibly helpful as you determine what your future will look like. This service has helped thousands of veterans choose a field of study or career path based on their interests and skills.

Optimize Your Resume

A resume is a key component in the job search process. It offers a cursory glimpse into who you are and what your professional/educational history is. Military service likely taught you some important skills that will translate well to the business world, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and drive. You can write a very effective veteran resume by leaning on these skills and highlighting the experiences that you had during military service. Many employers are excited to hire veterans because they know how driven and collaborative these individuals can be.

Discover What You Are Passionate About

Finding a job that interests you is so important to develop a long-lasting career. The right position will let you lean on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses, and doing something you are passionate about has a direct impact on your ability to succeed. For example, perhaps you discovered that you loved to work with your hands in the military. This state is always in need of contractors, so you could leverage your interests into a reliable career by preparing for the North Carolina plumbing contractor license exam. You could also seek out a license to be an electrician, carpenter, or even solar installer. Pursuing a career that involves your interests is the key to longevity.

Connect With Other Veterans

Are you worried about fitting in with others who have had no military service in the past? Then maybe you should look into working for a veteran-owned business. There are thousands of veterans who have returned home and started their own businesses. Often, these entrepreneurs have the discipline and drive needed to build a small business successfully. Reaching out to these owners in search of job opportunities could be the advantage you need to find a comfortable environment, and veteran business owners often seek to help out their fellow veterans with job opportunities.

Consider Roles That Leverage Your Combat Skills

There are many skills you learn in the military that can translate to other types of jobs. One that is a little harder to translate is combat experience. Fortunately, there are careers you can find at home where your combat skills will be applicable. Becoming a security guard is a common path for veterans who have combat training. You could even become a self-defense trainer to help civilians learn how to protect themselves. Although combat training is a hard skill that may not have many direct applications, veterans are uniquely positioned to apply to the few job opportunities where combat training is a huge bonus.

Try These Strategies To Enhance Your Job Search

Being a veteran in North Carolina or across the country is not always easy. Many people may not understand the sacrifices you made in service of the United States, nor will they be able to relate to your experiences. However, despite the challenges, you can still carve out a successful career path after military service. Lean into free counseling resources, spruce up your resume, figure out what your passions are, connect with other veterans, and consider combat-centric roles to build a solid future as a new civilian.