What do you think the hottest careers are for transitioning veterans right now?

MAJ Dick Blair — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:25:12 -0400

Response by Erin Nelson made Aug 8 at 2017 10:31 PM

Erin Nelson — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:31:46 -0400

Anything that individually allows them to work to their greatest capacity, feel useful, and cover all the bills with hopefully a little Surplus left over.

Response by Marie Meyers made Aug 8 at 2017 10:38 PM

Marie Meyers — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:38:27 -0400

Programming and Coding; CYBER SECURITY, Data Analytics . The DOD has TONS OF positions for Software Engineers who program . Basic coding for cleared candidates is a real need in the DOD space.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 9 at 2017 9:05 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 09:05:24 -0400

There's always a place for IT, especially for ones with certifications.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 9 at 2017 9:42 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 09:42:48 -0400

MAJ Dick Blair I think Marie Meyers pretty well nailed it. Especially cyber security, it is growing now, and as out reliance on technology increases so too will the need for cyber security.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 12:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:03:19 -0400

I remember going through the transition workshops as I was approaching my ETS date. And speaking in broad terms, I think we can categorize the folks transitioning as either continuing on in their trained skill set, or those that plan to do school or something like going into business for themselves, and those that have no clue what they might do. A lot of the combat arms folks feel they are relegated to something like state troopers, police, security guards, and we even joked about landscaping due to all the area beautification duties they have because when they're not training to fight, or actually fighting, they didn't get much training in anything else for a "civilian" job.

I agree that the hot careers are in Cyber defense (penetration testers, etc), IT, intelligence, and logistics. For those that didn't work in these areas as their MOS, I know many who used their TA to take courses for it. Or plan to use their GI Bill for it after getting out. I think any job that can utilize a security clearance helps in the job market because you compete against a smaller field even if it is doing administrative work for example, that slot that needs clearance cannot be competed for by the majority of the population.

We learn a lot of leadership skills in the military that can be leveraged in many careers as well. Fields that need people now like teachers can benefit.

Response by Genevieve Walters made Aug 9 at 2017 12:41 PM

Genevieve Walters — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:41:43 -0400

A lot of that depends on the experience you have amassed while serving. You stand a better chance of being hired into a relatable field. That said a few of the commenters are spot on with their comments on the tech field and if you plan to get straight to work or further your education first.

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Aug 9 at 2017 1:20 PM

MSgt Richard Randall — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:20:43 -0400

As an IT director, the hardest position for me to fill was that of a large system Unix administrator. By Sys Admin, I mean someone who is not only familiar with maintaining hardware and software on big box (Solaris, HP-UX, AIX) machines, but could also configure and maintain everything from Oracle components to networks, system security (physical and virtual), application layers, storage, web components, business continuity (disaster prep), and a myriad of other devices, processes, etc. Being an open-minded politician also helps. A serious, experienced and seasoned senior sysadmin can make well into the six-figure range.