Military Veterans using certifications to find jobs

military veterans marching

Transitioning from a career in the military to the civilian workforce can be a daunting task.  Military veterans bring a wealth of skills and experiences to the table, but translating these qualifications into a language that civilian employers understand can be challenging.  One powerful tool veterans increasingly use to bridge this gap is certifications.

These credentials validate their military training and open doors to various job opportunities in the civilian sector.  This article will explore how military veterans harness certifications to find meaningful employment in the civilian world.

In an article on Military.com, they highlight 5 reasons why getting a job after leaving the military can be tough.  The number one reason is “skills translation”.  Military jobs don’t easily convert into civilian terms.  If hiring managers or HR interviewers aren’t veterans themselves, they may not fully understand how military experience can translate into a civilian role.

The Value of Military Experience

Military service is a crucible of training, discipline, and character-building, which endows veterans with a multifaceted skill set that is impressive and highly adaptable to civilian employment.  Understanding the profound value of military experience is crucial to appreciating why certifications serve as a vital bridge between veterans and civilian job opportunities.

  1. Leadership Skills: One of the most prominent attributes developed during military service is leadership. Veterans often find themselves in positions of significant responsibility early in their careers, which fosters the ability to make critical decisions under pressure, inspire teams, and manage complex operations.  These leadership skills are highly transferable to civilian leadership roles across industries.

  2. Discipline and Work Ethic: Military life instills a strong work ethic and discipline that is unmatched. Veterans are accustomed to adhering to strict schedules, meeting high-performance standards, and demonstrating unwavering dedication to their duties.  Civilian employers highly value this level of discipline and can be a differentiator in job interviews.

  3. Teamwork and Collaboration: The military places a premium on teamwork and collaboration. Veterans are adept at working within diverse teams and understanding the importance of cooperation to achieve common goals.  These skills are invaluable in any civilian workplace, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

  4. Problem-Solving Abilities: Military personnel often encounter complex challenges that demand innovative problem-solving. Veterans are skilled at assessing situations, making quick decisions, and adapting to changing circumstances.  These problem-solving abilities are transferrable to a wide range of civilian roles, from project management to customer service.

  5. Adaptability and Resilience: Military veterans have repeatedly faced adversity during their service. They have learned to adapt to new environments, overcome obstacles, and remain resilient in the face of adversity.  This adaptability and resilience are assets in navigating the challenges of civilian careers.

  6. Technical and Specialized Skills: Many veterans acquire technical and specialized skills during their military service, ranging from electronics and aviation maintenance to healthcare and engineering. These skills are directly applicable in civilian sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing.

  7. Global Perspective: Military veterans often have a broader global perspective due to their international deployments and interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.  This global outlook can be a significant asset in industries with a strong international focus, including international business, diplomacy, and global marketing.

While the military experience undoubtedly equips veterans with these valuable skills and qualities, the challenge lies in conveying their significance to civilian employers.  This is where certifications play a pivotal role.  Certifications prove that veterans possess the skills and knowledge needed for specific civilian roles, validating their military experience in a language employers understand.

The value of military experience cannot be overstated.  Veterans bring a unique combination of leadership, discipline, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and technical expertise to the civilian workforce.  Certifications serve as the bridge that allows veterans to communicate and leverage these skills, making them highly competitive candidates in the civilian job market.  Recognizing and harnessing the value of military experience, supplemented by relevant certifications, positions veterans for success and meaningful careers in the civilian world.

Certifications Translate Military Skills

One significant challenge veterans face when transitioning to civilian jobs is the lack of direct translation of their military roles to civilian positions.  Many military occupational specialties (MOS) have no direct civilian equivalents, which can leave veterans struggling to communicate their qualifications to potential employers.  Certifications provide a standardized way to communicate skills and knowledge, making it easier for employers to understand what a veteran brings to the table.

For example, a veteran with experience as a combat medic might pursue certifications such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to demonstrate their healthcare skills to civilian employers.  Similarly, a logistics specialist can earn supply chain or project management certifications to showcase their organizational and planning abilities.

Certifications Show Commitment to Learning

One of the key attributes that certifications demonstrate is a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.  Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about expanding their skill set and staying up-to-date with industry trends.  Veterans who invest time and effort into obtaining certifications signal to potential employers that they are motivated to excel in their chosen field.

Certifications also allow veterans to specialize in specific areas, demonstrating their expertise and dedication to their chosen career path.  This can be particularly beneficial when competing for jobs in industries where specialization is highly valued, such as IT, healthcare, or manufacturing.

The GI Bill and Certification Opportunities

Many military veterans are eligible for educational benefits under the GI Bill, which can be used to cover the costs of certification programs.  This financial support makes it more accessible for veterans to pursue certifications in their chosen fields, further enhancing their qualifications and employability.

Additionally, numerous organizations and initiatives are dedicated to helping veterans access certification programs and find employment.  These resources provide guidance, mentorship, and financial assistance, creating a supportive ecosystem for veterans seeking civilian careers.

Recommended Certifications

Various certification programs are available for veterans, depending on their interests and career goals.  Here are some popular certification programs that veterans can consider:

  1. CompTIA A+: This certification is ideal for veterans interested in entering the IT field. It covers essential IT skills and is highly regarded by employers.

  2. Project Management Professional (PMP): The PMP certification is valuable for veterans with leadership experience. It’s recognized globally and is well-suited for those interested in project management roles.

  3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Veterans with healthcare experience can pursue CNA or LPN certifications, leading to nursing or patient care roles.

  4. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): For veterans who have experience with military vehicles or logistics, obtaining a CDL can open doors to careers in trucking and transportation.

  5. Certified Welder (AWS): Welding certifications are valuable for veterans interested in careers in welding and fabrication.

  6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): CISSP is a respected certification in the cybersecurity field, making it a great choice for veterans with IT security or intelligence backgrounds.

  7. Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Veterans interested in financial planning and advising can pursue CFP certification to work in the financial services industry.

  8. Certified ScrumMaster (SM-LCC): Scrum Master certification is suitable for veterans looking to enter the field of agile project management and software development.

  9. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (LBBP): LBBP certification is for veterans with business or management experience who want to work in corporate America, focusing on issues like quality management and process improvement.

  10. Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMT certification is ideal for veterans with medical training and experience, preparing them for roles in emergency medical services.

  11. Certified Human Resources Professional (SHRM-CP or HRCI): Veterans interested in HR roles can pursue certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

  12. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): CCNA certification is well-suited for veterans with networking experience, as it validates their network administration and troubleshooting skills.

  13. Certified Automotive Technician (ASE): ASE certifications are valuable for veterans interested in automotive repair and maintenance careers.

  14. Change Management Specialist (CMS): Change Management certification is suitable for veterans with logistics, supply chain, or general business experience, opening doors to management roles.

  15. Certified Personal Trainer (NASM or ACE): Veterans with a passion for fitness and wellness can become certified personal trainers through organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

These are just a few examples of certification programs veterans can pursue to enhance their career prospects.  Veterans must research and choose certifications that align with their interests, skills, and career goals.  Additionally, veterans should explore opportunities for financial assistance through the GI Bill or veteran-focused organizations to help cover the costs of certification programs.

Conclusion

Military veterans possess a unique blend of skills and experiences that are highly valuable in the civilian workforce.  However, to effectively leverage these assets, veterans often turn to certifications.  Certifications provide a standardized way to showcase their qualifications, translating military experience into terms that civilian employers can understand.  These credentials validate their skills and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

With the support of the GI Bill and various veteran-focused programs, transitioning military personnel have access to a wide range of certification opportunities.  As more veterans recognize the power of certifications in securing civilian employment, they are better equipped to embark on successful post-military careers, contributing their skills and expertise to various industries nationwide.  Certifications are not just pieces of paper; they are the keys that open doors to new and fulfilling career opportunities for our military veterans.

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