Jobs after military service

Putting experience on a resume

By J.M. Simpson on June 28, 2022

In a 2019 Pew Research Center study, 95 percent of veteran respondents sought employment after serving in the military.

The good news for service members and veterans is that their time spent in the armed forces has prepared them for success in the civilian workforce. The goal now is to create a resume that utilizes their skills to gain employment.

Their skills are the importance of teamwork, preparation, focus, leadership skills, and accepting diversity.

"Depending on your role in the military, your transferable skills could actually land you successfully in just about any industry," said Katy Curameng, Director of Career Planning and Development at University of Massachusetts Global.

A private non-profit affiliate of University of Massachusetts, UMass Global offers expanded online educational opportunities to adult learners across the nation and around the globe.

Curameng, who works with students trying to pursue a career after serving in the military, went on to say that "the more service members and veterans can describe experiences that demonstrates their skills and opportunities they have had to apply them the more attractive they are to civilian employers."

To do this, a resume is generally required. Making the transition from the military to the civilian work force can be a daunting task.  When faced with this challenge, a successful transition of experience to a resume occurs when service members recall that they are accustomed to overcoming obstacles.  

To make the transition easier, UMass Global awards academic credit for military experience; provides tuition assistance for military and veteran students; offers specialized support for service members and veterans; promotes military spouse and dependent programs; and provides flexible learning options.

Curameng also pointed out that service members are well trained individuals with a solid work ethic and the ability to work within a team.

"These are the skills that are difficult, if not impossible to teach," she explained to highlight the value of military veterans' skill sets on a resume to potential employers and get that first civilian job," she added.

As transitioning service members and veterans move forward with their resumes in their quests to find post-military employment, they can utilize the Career Services for Military and Veterans page found at https://www.umassglobal.edu/military-and-veterans/military-and-veterans?source=XOBBLP&BUrecruiter=W

The resources they find there will help them to translate their military skills onto a civilian resume.  Transitioning service members can receive support from UMass Global on everything from writing a quality cover letter to finding the right job prospects.

Service members and veterans have proven commitment, discipline, and resourcefulness.  

UMass Global can help.

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