When Toby Johnson was 24 years old, the Army pilot was in charge of eight $30 million Apache helicopters, plus the 30 people who managed them — more responsibility than any of her friends in the private sector. But when she decided to leave the Army and get a civilian job, she realized she had a challenge: most hiring managers weren’t veterans, and they struggled to understand how her military experience might translate to the corporate realm.
How Military Veterans Can Turn Their Skills into a Corporate Career
In the military, many twentysomethings have more responsibility than their civilian peers. But even so, transitioning out of the service can be a difficult process for the 360,000 U.S. veterans who do so every year. To make it easier, remember that you control your narrative when you’re talking with hiring managers or recruiters; talk up the transferable skills you’ve learned, such as leading people or managing crises. Don’t undervalue your experience. Many private-sector companies care less about industry expertise than they do about your ability to work hard and learn quickly. Remember that your first civilian job may not be a fit — and that’s OK. A lot of people take a winding path. Remember that there is no perfect transition and just keep your focus on the long-term.