What are some of the best career choices for Army Officers after the military?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 20:44:40 -0500

I've always wanted to be in the Army and I don't know what I would be doing if I had to get out. I am an Armor Officer, which probably transfers less easily into a civilian career than some other branches. I know leadership/management skills are a big seller for post-Command Officers. What are some good career fields that would be easily transitioned to from the Army?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 29 at 2016 8:47 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 20:47:39 -0500

What is your degree in?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 9:17 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 21:17:24 -0500

Sir, with a B.A. in History and Anthropology, have you considered a position at a Museum or teaching at a high school or college?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 9:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 21:59:30 -0500

State or Federal Law Enforcement would be a possibility. A Highway Patrolman in my state starts out around $40K a year. I was able to apply to the academy without any law enforcement training as a military Veteran. While not comparable to CPT's pay, it is a relatively secure career that would take advantage of some of your combat arms skills. There's also a pension and state benefits to consider. I'm less familiar with federal law enforcement, but most federal jobs give a Veteran's preference. I expect the pay for federal law enforcement is also considerably higher.

Response by SGT Aaron Dumbrow made Jan 29 at 2016 10:15 PM

SGT Aaron Dumbrow — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 22:15:18 -0500

What is going to make you happy and make your family a good living? Spend some time thinking through your interests and talents. Law enforcement, project management, leadership, you have the advantage of being a veteran so make this something that you are going to enjoy. Network like crazy and keep asking questions about different fields. If your interested in tech it is a great place to be.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 30 at 2016 1:12 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 01:12:04 -0500

Apply at Westinghouse.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 8:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 08:02:57 -0500

There are several organizations that assist with placing transitioning military into "well-paying" positions in the civilian sector. It is zero cost to the veteran because the hiring company pays the head hunter for you, after hire.

Companies like Orion International, Bradley Morris and Luca Group are few of these type of company but there are many more. You contact them and they have you complete a questionnaire and then forward them your resume. They will coach you on resume specs and then place you in interviews with companies that they believe you would be a good fit with. At that point it is up to you and your charisma to earn the job. Most of the jobs, I have interviewed in the past start at $70k plus with the opportunity to bonus and other benefits.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 9:28 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 09:28:10 -0500

I think Business Management would be a good fit. Especially if you get an MBA during your broadening time.

Response by MAJ David Wallace made Jan 30 at 2016 11:49 AM

MAJ David Wallace — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 11:49:07 -0500

Good question, CPT Jordan. Are you planning to leave the Army after your command time, or post-command broadening experiences? There are plenty of opportunities out there if you are willing to relocate, travel, and possibly take a lower salary. Consider your own family's dynamics...if your wife is a teacher, how important will it be to stabilize your family in an area where she can continue to pursue her career goals? Any kids? Do you want to resettle near your extended family to strengthen your familial bonds? What are your personal goals and ambitions? Do you want to pursue a higher education, or find a job where you can use the skills learned and honed in the Army? Can you find a job that you're passionate about that you can stay excited about? Many things to consider........

I went the law enforcement route when I left active duty and came back to my hometown. The job market absolutely sucked so I took a job doing whatever I could to support my young family. I delivered Dominos Pizza and had a paper route. I went into business with my father and totally enjoyed being a small business owner. I kept looking for jobs within my area and had some luck with a headhunter company that catered to company grade military officers. I had an opportunity to work for Cargill as a junior plant manager in Baltimore making a respectable sum of money. There were also opportunities in large transportation companies and logistical operations throughout the U.S. There are opportunities out there; it just comes down to the question: "What do I want to do with my life?"

Your military skills will give you an advantage in the civilian market that does not understand a strong work ethic and leadership. Your training and experiences may intimidate potential civilian employers. You just have to find the right fit for you and your life, and chart your next course. You can also find guard and reserve positions that will enhance your life after active duty. Explore the opportunities out there, plan, and make the best decisions for you and your family.

I wish you the best of luck, no matter what you do.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 30 at 2016 5:22 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:22:35 -0500

CPT Mitchell Jordan,

One point for your to consider is what are the career fields in your target city/state that have shown growth or decline. This will give you an outlook of what is available and where is the need in the community. Also to give you realistic expectations.

Don't focus too much in your degrees because It come down to cultural fit, skills and abilities that you display. Unless you are a doctor, dentist, or engineer then working in the field of the degree makes sense. If you really love the subject of your degree(s) then explore that.

My retirement date is tomorrow. My BS is in Spanish with a Master in Distance Education. I'm following a lead into the financial sector for a position as a Financial Planner. I'm also perusing a PMP certification. Mission = Project. I mention these to highlight options. Also, we should not limit ourselves to what we know.

The best advice I give transitioning soldiers is to go outside the base and have informational interviews with executives/managers from different industries. To discover a new field, learn what opportunities exist and network.

Good luck Mitchell.