Transitioning from military to civilian Life: 10 ex-military careers to consider

For many veterans, making the shift from military service to a civilian career represents both a significant transition and an exciting new chapter. While this change may feel daunting, military experience is a huge asset to civilian employers. Many ex-military careers utilise skills gained through service and open doors to fulfilling new roles across various industries. Whether you're looking to leverage your leadership abilities, organisational strengths, or technical expertise, there are numerous job options that can align with your career aspirations.

Ex-military personnel bring a wealth of skills to the civilian workplace. These skills are invaluable across a variety of industries, as they demonstrate discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Here are a few key skills and attributes that employers look for:

Military training emphasises both individual responsibility and working within a team. Veterans often excel in leadership roles and understand how to motivate others towards a common goal.

Veterans are skilled at meeting deadlines and prioritising tasks effectively. Their experience with structure and routine makes them ideal candidates for jobs that require strong organisational skills.

Transitioning to various roles and environments during service prepares veterans to adapt quickly to new settings, making them well-suited for dynamic and fast-paced industries.

Military service often involves making decisions in high-stakes situations. Veterans are well-equipped to handle pressure, a skill highly valuable in civilian careers that demand critical thinking and a calm approach.

Many military jobs involve technical training and certifications, whether in mechanics, IT, or logistics. These skills can often be transferred directly to civilian roles.

Veterans have experience and skills that fit well into many civilian industries. Here are a few sectors where ex-military skills are particularly in demand:

Veterans with a technical background, particularly in cybersecurity, communications, and systems management, can find lucrative opportunities in IT.

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With military experience in organising and distributing resources, veterans are well-suited for roles in logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management.

Many veterans enter healthcare due to its structured environment and team-based approach. There’s high demand for nursing, emergency medical services, and administrative positions.

Find out more about our online healthcare degrees and HE certificates.

Veterans often excel in roles requiring project oversight, from industry analysis to execution, especially in construction, finance, and IT.

Our online business and leadership degrees include Project Management MSc.

Government jobs or positions in security, law enforcement, and public administration are also well-aligned with military training.

With the surge in cyber threats, cybersecurity has become critical for many businesses. Veterans with backgrounds in military IT, intelligence, or communications often have the experience needed for this role. Salaries for cybersecurity specialists are competitive, often exceeding £40,000 in the UK.

Organising resources is second nature to many veterans. As a logistics manager, you can use your skills to oversee operations, supply chains, and distribution networks. Salaries start around £30,000, with potential for growth as you gain experience.

Many veterans naturally fit into project management roles, thanks to their ability to manage resources and meet deadlines under pressure. This career spans industries from construction to finance and comes with an average starting salary of £35,000.

Operations management is a natural fit for veterans with experience in leadership and logistics. In this job, you would oversee company processes, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Operations managers typically earn around £40,000-£60,000 annually.

If you’re interested in healthcare, EMT roles are rewarding and allow veterans to continue serving the public. The structured environment and critical thinking required in EMT jobs align well with military training. Salaries range from £20,000-£35,000. More about EMT roles within the NHS.

Many veterans transition into law enforcement, finding purpose in protecting communities. Police officers use military skills in observation, discipline, and quick decision-making. Starting salaries are generally around £25,000 or more than £35K for the Met.

Veterans with excellent people skills and an understanding of organisational dynamics often excel in HR roles. As an HR specialist, you’ll handle recruitment, training, and employee relations. Starting salaries are generally around £30,000. The CIPD has more information about accredited courses.

For veterans with mechanical skills or technical certifications, trades like plumbing and electrical work are great options. After completing any necessary certifications, these jobs offer salaries ranging from £30,000 to £50,000.

Veterans who have overseen projects or managed teams in the field are well-suited for construction management roles. More about working as a construction manager.

Find out more about Online Construction and Civil Engineering Management MSc

For those with a passion for physical fitness, a career in personal training or coaching could be fulfilling. Many veterans find joy in helping others reach their fitness goals, and these roles offer flexibility with potential for entrepreneurship.

Transitioning into a civilian career can seem complex, but by following a few key steps, veterans can make this journey smoother and more successful.

Begin by considering your interests and skills. What kind of job would give you purpose? Aligning your goals with your military experience can help pinpoint suitable industries and roles.

Some roles may require additional certifications or education. Programs like vocational training or online courses can help bridge any gaps, especially in highly technical fields like IT or healthcare.

You may be able to use your ELCAS credits to completely fund or help fund your course, including for ARU distance learning courses. We're an approved provider for the Ministry of Defence Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS), meaning you can use your ELCAS credits towards the course fees on our wide range of flexible distance learning courses. We also offer three specifically-designed courses for both serving military personnel or ex-military – Armed Forces MBA, Healthcare Management MSc (Armed Forces) and Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care BSc (top-up), which take into consideration any eligibility for certain advantages such as the APL (Accredited Prior Learning) scheme. More about our distancing learning courses for armed forces.