Once you’ve made the transition from military to civilian, deciding on a career can be a difficult next step. Your next mission can either be enrolling in school for the first time, returning to school, or deciding on a career based on your skills/job you held in the military.
If you decide to go the career route, deciding on a career path can be tricky. Here are 25 of the best jobs for veterans this year.
1. Operations Manager
This job is in huge demand. Operations Managers are responsible for coordinating between departments to ensure correct and quality production of goods and services.
Job Titles:
- Business Manager
- Facilities Manager
- Facility Manager
- General Manager (GM)
- Operations Director
- Plant Manager
- Plant Superintendent
- Production Manager
- Store Manager
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
2. Customer Service Rep.
Customer service positions are always in demand. Now, many of these jobs focus solely on communicating via email and chat.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Representative
- Customer Service Specialist
- Member Services Representative
- Sales Facilitator
- Account Representative
- Account Manager
- Customer Care Representative
- Sales Facilitator
Requirements: High school diploma, on-the-job training, good communication, computer, and people skills.
3. Computer Information Systems Manager
This role requires being in charge of an organization’s computer systems and determines what technology will work best for that organization. These managers are also responsible for software and hardware maintenance.
Job Titles:
- Information Technology (IT) Manager
- Technical Services Manager
- Information Systems Director
- Information Systems Manager
- IT Director
- Chief Technology Officer
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, some experience.
4. Accountant/Auditor
These professionals are responsible for an organization’s money. They also analyze financial records, pay taxes and bills, prepare financial statements, and make sure organizations are financially efficiently.
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Staff Accountant
- Accounting Supervisor
- Accounting Manager
- Business Analyst
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Auditor, Budget Analyst
- Financial Analyst
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is recommended.
5. Computer Systems Analyst
A computer systems analyst will test and inspect computer and technology systems to make sure they are running properly. These analyst combine business and technology skills to ensure that computer systems are running efficiently and working for the organization.
Job Titles:
- Computer Analyst
- Business Systems Analyst
- Applications Analyst
- Computer Systems Consultant
- Information Systems Analyst
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
Requirements: Bachelor’s degrees are usually required in computer and information science. Skills and previous experience are usually attractive to employers and will get you the job if you’re the right fit.
6. Software Applications Developer
Software applications developers create, repair, or improve computer programs and phone apps. They also develop apps for tablets, laptops, phones, and computers.
Job Titles:
- Application Developer
- Software Developer
- Software Development Engineer
- Software Architect
- Application Integration Engineer
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, past experience.
7. Sales Account Representative
Sales reps sell products or services to customers, usually other businesses, consumers, organizations, and governments. Success in sales is often based on commission and past experience selling and developing sales tactics.
Job Titles:
- Account Executive
- Account Manager
- Sales Director
- Sales Manager
- Sales Representative
- Account Development Manager
- Inside Sales Representative
- Sales Representative
Requirements: High school diploma or GED. Some employers want past experience in sales. Military motivation and discipline are guarantee to lead to success.
8. First-line Supervisor: Mechanics, Installers & Repairers
Experienced mechanics can apply to become supervisors. This career is usually employed in smaller mechanic shops, large retailers who maintain a fleet, or transportation companies.
Job Titles:
- Maintenance Manager
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Crew Leader
- Superintendent
- Facilities Manager
- Production Crew Supervisor
- Maintenance Foreman
Requirements: High school diploma/GED, training, and experience. If you’re transferring military training and experience, you will be an excellent fit and have a high chance of getting the job.
9. Cyber Security Analyst
As our dependence on technology grows, so does the need for cyber security analysts. These specialists protect computer systems from cyber terrorism and threats including hackers.
Job Titles:
- Information Security Analyst
- Computer Security Specialist
- Data Security Administrator
- Information Security Manager
- Information Security Officer
- Information Security Specialist
- Information Systems Security Analyst
- Information Technology Security Analyst
- Information Technology Specialist
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Military training in a similar role would get you noticed and would be an asset to any organization looking to hire this role.
10. Office/Admin. Workers and Supervisors
This role is usually called the Office Manager and is responsible for supervising and coordinating clerical and administrative support staff. Veterans’ leadership skills are an excellent fit.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Office Supervisor
- Office Coordinator
- Accounting Manager
- Accounts Payable Supervisor
- Administrative Supervisor
- Customer Service Manager
Requirements: Certification or an associate degree. Some employers might be looking for someone with more education and require a bachelor’s degree.
11. Human Resources Manager (HR)
HR managers are in charge of an organization’s hiring, recruiting, and managing benefits. They are also responsible for being the link between the management and employees.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
- Human Resources Director
- Employee Benefits Manager
- Employee Relations Manager
- Human Resources Vice President
Requirements: bachelor’s or advanced degree and previous experience.
12. Software Systems Developer
Software systems developers are the creative geniuses behind computer programs. They are responisble for creating the software and underlying programs that operate smart phones and computers.
Job Titles:
- Software Architect
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Developer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Publishing Systems Analyst
- Senior Software Engineer
- Systems Coordinator
- Systems Engineer
Requirements: bachelor’s degree in related field and programming experience.
13. Electrician
Responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring in homes and businesses. Electricians work in a variety of environments daily and are always in demand.
Job Titles:
- Chief Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Inside Wireman
- Journeyman Electrician
- Journeyman Wireman
- Maintenance Electrician
- Qualified Craft Worker
- Electrician (QCW, Electrician)
Requirements: Apprenticeship, school, or military training. Most states require an electrician to pass a test to become licensed.
14. First-Line Supervisor: Transportation, Material-Moving & Vehicle Operations
These supervisors are responsible for managing workers who move people and goods such as in a warehouse, railroad, trucking company, or loading dock.
Job Titles:
- Dock Supervisor
- Driver Manager
- Fleet Manager
- On Car Supervisor
- Operations Supervisor
- Street Supervisor, Supervisor
- Trainmaster
- Transportation Supervisor
- Warehouse Supervisor
Requirements: Experience, no degree required. This is an excellent job for veterans who moved personnel and supplies in the military.
15. Computer Hardware Engineer
Responsible for designing and building computer systems, these engineers are on the front lines of all technology development.
Job Titles:
- Design Engineer
- Field Service Engineer
- Hardware Design Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Senior Hardware Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Integration Engineer
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program/university.
16. CDL Driver/Operator
The shortage of truck drivers in the United States has been steady for years. The isolation of the job is not for everyone. If you perfer working alone and independently, there are plenty of opportunities.
Job Titles:
- Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver)
- Long-Haul Driver, Delivery Driver
- Line Haul Driver, Log Truck Driver
- Production Truck Driver
- Road Driver, Semi Truck Driver
- Tractor Trailer Operator
- Truck Driver
Requirements: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a Class A CDL to drive a big rig.
17. Web Developer
Web developers design, build, and modify websites. They can work for companies or as a freelance contractor.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Web Design Specialist
- Web Designer
- Webmaster
Requirements: Varies per organization. Web developers should have experience in creating websites as well as programming and graphic design.
18. Aircraft Technician
These trained professionals are responsible for keeping airplanes safe and functioning. Many work at commercial airports, aircraft manufacturers, or privately.
Job Titles:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech)
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Aircraft Restorer
- Aircraft Technician
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic)
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)
- Aviation Mechanic
- Helicopter Mechanic
- Aircraft Maintenance Director
- Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor
Requirements: Must be certified to the FAA. Military aviation maintenance technicians can apply for the airframe and powerplant (A&P) certification based on military experience and qualifications.
19. First-Line Supervisor: Construction & Trade Workers
Construction site supervisors plan, organize, and oversee construction projects. They also coordinate activities and workers on the site.
Job Titles:
- Construction Foreman
- Construction Superintendent
- Construction Supervisor
- Field Supervisor
- Foreman
- Job Superintendent
- Project Superintendent
- Site Superintendent
- Superintendent
- Supervisor
Requirements: High school diploma, on-the-job training, and experience. Some colleges will offer construction management programs and classes.
20. Automotive Technician/Mechanic
The job title is self explanatory. These technicians troubleshoot, repair, and maintain cars.
Job Titles:
- Auto Technician
- Automotive Service Technician
- Certified ASE Master Automotive Technician
- Master Automotive Technician
- Master Technician, Mechanic
- Shop Foreman
- Truck Technician
Requirements: Formal training is usually required through military or post-secondary programs. Certification is usually required.
21. Diesel Engine Specialist
These specialists maintain, repair, and overhaul diesel fuel engines used in buses, trucks, cars, boats, ships and locomotives.
Job Titles:
- Diesel Mechanic
- Diesel Technician
- Fleet Mechanic
- General Repair Mechanic
- Bus Mechanic
- Service Technician
- Trailer Mechanic
- Transit Mechanic
- Truck Mechanic
Requirements: Formal training and certifications required. Military training and experience working on diesel engines will get you the job without the school training.
22. Welder
Welder’s are highly-trained professionals responsible for applying heat to metal to join them together. They work in a variety of industries including manufacturing, construction, aerospace, shipbuilding, and sometimes underwater.
Job Titles:
- Welder-Fitter
- Welder/Fabricator
- Aluminum Welder
- Fabrication Welder
- Fabricator
- Fitter/Welder
- Maintenance Welder
- MiG Welder
- Sub Arc Operator
Requirements: Technical on-the-job training at a community college or vocational school. If welding was not a part of your military job, you can use the GI Bill to go back to school.
23. Marketing Manager
The duties of the marketing manager varies based on the organization’s size. Marketing managers are responsible for promoting the business/products and coming up with strategies to do just that.
Job Titles:
- Brand Manager
- Business Development Director
- Business Development Manager
- Marketing Coordinator
- Product Manager
Requirements: bachelor’s degree and experience.
24. Construction Technician
These technicians serve as assistants to skilled tradesmen at construction sites. Some may specialize in engineering.
Job Titles:
- Engineering Technician
- Construction Inspector
- Construction Worker
- Construction Helper
Requirements: High school diploma, on-the-job training, bachelor’s or associate degree in construction technology.
25. Financial Service Sales
These professionals sell and consult customers on financial services such as banking, securities, insurance, and related services.
Job Title:
- Client Manager
- Financial Consultant
- Financial Services Representative
- Financial Specialist
- Investment Officer
- Personal Banker
- Registered Representative
- Relationship Banker
- Relationship Manager
- Select Banker
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree to start, MBA for advancement.