Leaving the military can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but veterans possess unique skills and experiences that make them invaluable in the civilian workforce.
Whether you’re looking to continue serving your community or leverage the technical expertise and leadership abilities honed in the military, there are several career paths that align with your strengths.
Veterans often find fulfillment in roles that allow them to give back, work in team environments and tackle challenges head-on. From education to security consulting, these jobs not only make the most of your military experience but also provide the opportunity to thrive in a new career.
Here are four of the best veteran jobs for veterans looking to continue serving, both in their community and in the workforce:
As a veteran, you have spent part or all of your career serving your country. After leaving the military, you may still have that calling to serve your
community. Teaching is a great way to both give back and fulfill a significant need in Texas schools where there is a teacher shortage.
You DO NOT need a bachelor’s degree in education to become a teacher. Educator preparation programs (EPP) allow you to earn your Texas teaching credential. This process typically takes 4 to 6 months to complete.
If you earned a bachelor’s degree in any subject before you entered the military or while you served, you can enroll in an EPP. You’ll receive the training needed to become a teacher in this program, whether your goal is to be an elementary school teacher, middle school teacher or high school teacher.
Because of your work history serving in the military, you may be interested in a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) teaching certificate. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) issues these certificates to many people who served in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and National Guard. However, this teaching certificate requires completion of an approved EPP and a bachelor’s degree.
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you can still take advantage of an educator preparation program through Health Science or Trade and Industrial Education (TIE) certification. Eligible military experience may be used to meet the experience and license requirements for this type of certification.
The good news is as a veteran, you may be able to have your fees waived for several of the steps you must take to earn your teacher certification if you meet eligibility requirements. The TEA will waive certain fees for eligible military service members, military veterans and military spouses.
To read more about these fees, check out our article, Leaving the Military? Education Wants You!
A Veteran Outreach Coordinator works to connect veterans with the services and support they need after leaving military service. This role involves developing outreach programs, hosting events and creating resources that assist veterans in accessing benefits, healthcare, job opportunities and mental health services.
Coordinators might partner with local businesses, veteran organizations or government agencies to increase outreach efforts and ensure veterans are aware of the resources available to them.
This position is a great fit for veterans because it allows them to leverage their personal experience to make meaningful connections with other veterans. Veterans understand the unique challenges of transitioning to civilian life and are often seen as more credible and relatable by their peers. They can communicate in a way that resonates, building trust and ensuring that those in need seek out the services being offered.
Organizations that commonly employ Veteran Outreach Coordinators include veteran service organizations (VSOs), nonprofits focused on veteran care, and government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many larger corporations also have veteran outreach programs as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, especially if they prioritize hiring veterans or have veteran employee networks.
A Veteran Service Officer (VSO) plays a critical role in helping veterans navigate the often-complicated process of accessing government benefits, including
healthcare, disability compensation and educational assistance.
VSOs assist veterans in filing claims, gathering necessary documentation and advocating for them if any issues arise during the claims process. They are often the bridge between veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This role is particularly well-suited for veterans due to their firsthand knowledge of the military system and the unique needs of veterans. A Veteran Service Officer can speak the language of their fellow service members, making the claims process feel less daunting. Veterans in this role can also use their understanding of military benefits to ensure that their peers are receiving all of the support they are entitled to.
These positions are typically found in local and state government offices, veteran organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and nonprofit groups dedicated to veteran welfare. Some organizations even have VSOs specifically trained to address the needs of disabled or homeless veterans, offering a more specialized approach to their services.
A security consultant leverages the skills and experience gained during military service to provide expert advice on physical, operational or cybersecurity measures for businesses, governments or individuals.
Consultants assess risks, design security systems and develop protocols to protect assets, personnel and information. The role may also involve training security staff, running audits and responding to security breaches.
Veterans are a natural fit for security consultant roles because of the tactical training and leadership skills honed during their service. Many veterans have experience in areas like risk assessment, logistics or emergency response, which are directly transferable to the security field.
Veterans often bring a disciplined, strategic approach to security issues, making them highly valued consultants in industries like corporate security, government contracts and private security services.
Organizations that hire security consultants range from private security firms and large corporations to government agencies and defense contractors. Veterans can also find work in high-demand sectors such as cybersecurity, where military experience with classified information handling and operational security (OPSEC) makes them highly desirable candidates for consulting roles in safeguarding digital assets.
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