Starting Your Career After the Military

Northern Virginia’s Fairfax County is ripe with job opportunities and a veteran-friendly environment that can make the transition from military service to a civilian career seamless. Veterans bring unique skills and experiences that are highly valued in the private job market, and Fairfax County is committed to supporting their career development and success.

Employment Opportunities for Veterans

The skill set and training developed in the military can be easily transferred to the private sector. Combined with Fairfax’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and endless defense and government contractors, veterans have access to various career paths. Here’s how:

• Veteran Employment Resources: Northern Virginia is rich in resources designed to help vets find meaningful post-military careers. Organizations like the Virginia Employment Commission and local career centers provide job placement services, resume workshops, and career counseling tailored to veterans.
• Veteran-Friendly Region: Moving to a veteran-friendly region like Northern Virginia offers numerous advantages. The area is home to many veteran-owned businesses and companies that actively seek to hire veterans, creating a supportive community that understands and values military skills.

Military Experience Rolls Right into Civilian Life

Military training helps engrain life-long skills highly desirable in the civilian workforce across many career fields. Key attributes include:

• Leadership: Service members have extensive experience leading teams, managing resources, and making critical decisions under pressure. These leadership skills and a strong work ethic can make vets a promising candidate.
• Teamwork: Anyone who has served on active duty has learned the importance of working effectively as a team. Being part of a strong team and working towards a common goal is invaluable.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Veterans are trained to think critically and solve complex problems quickly and efficiently.
• Adaptability: Adapting to changing situations and environments is a crucial skill developed during military service.

When starting to look for a new career after service, it’s important to communicate these skills clearly. When starting a job search, working on resumes or attending job fairs, military veterans should:

• Translate Military Jargon: Use civilian-friendly language on resumes and cover letters to clearly convey military experience and how it translates to work experience.
• Highlight Achievements: Emphasize accomplishments and specific examples of leadership and problem-solving.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice discussing military experiences in a way that relates to the jobs you’re applying to.

Overcoming Challenges & Barriers

While military service provides numerous benefits and competitive advantages, veterans may still face challenges when transitioning to the civilian world. Common challenges include:

• Lack of Professional Experience or Education: Some veterans may lack direct civilian job experience, which can be a barrier when seeking employment. Many jobs require a bachelor’s degree, and vets who joined after high school might not have had time to go back to school yet.
• Misconceptions About Military Service: Potential employers may have misconceptions about the nature of military service and its relevance to civilian roles.

But these barriers aren’t a hard stopping point. Like anything else, they can be overcome and used as an advantage. Get started by:

• Networking: Building a professional network can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable industry insights.
• Upskilling: Additional education or training can help bridge the gap between military and civilian skills. Using the GI Bill and education benefits is a great way to expand on potential career opportunities. Local community colleges and universities in Northern Virginia offer programs to enhance job readiness.

Northern Virginia’s Military Roots Run Deep

Northern Virginia has a strong connection to the military and veteran community. The area has 27 military bases, reflecting its strategic importance and long-standing military heritage. Many veterans work in Northern Virginia, and many businesses are veteran-owned, creating a supportive sense of community and support for veterans, making it an ideal place for those transitioning to civilian life.

Fairfax County’s deep military roots and veteran-friendly environment make it an ideal location for veterans seeking to leverage their skills and experience in the civilian workforce. For more information on job opportunities, visit our careers page or our security clearance careers page.