The Challenges and Rewards of Transitioning from Military to Civilian

Page 18 equal opportunity employment journal January 2021 The Challenges and Rewards of Transitioning from the Military into a Civilian Career

Members of the military provide a vital service to their civilian counterparts. Without a strong military, it would simply not be possible for companies to do what they do, and more and more employers are recognizing the importance of hiring veterans. Those employers are not being altruistic. They know that military veterans possess vital skills, and that they are dedicated, capable and reliable.

Unfortunately, many returning military veterans experience issues as they transition back to civilian life. Learning to overcome those challenges can be difficult, but recognizing those difficulties is the first step.

Challenges Veterans Face When Transitioning to the Civilian World Military veterans face a number of challenges when transitioning back to life as a civilian. These challenges exist regardless of military branch or length of service, although veterans who have been in the military for returning from combat may be hypervigilant and even jumpy, and that can create problems with personal relationships and interactions with coworkers. The support of friends and family and the understanding of employers can go a long way and help returning military veterans overcome these difficult challenges. a long time often have a harder time adjusting to civilian life and finding Important Steps to Take During their place in the civilian workplace. and After You Transition

One of the biggest challenges military veterans face during the transi- Proper preparation is vital on the battlefield, but it is also important tion is learning how to structure their time. Life in the military is highly for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Military veterans have a lot of regimented, and many veterans find it hard to create their own schedules things to think about when transitioning out of the military, from arrangwhen returning to the civilian world. This difficulty with structuring time ing their finances and reconnecting with friends and families to how to can make it difficult to find meaningful work and keep a job, but there are structure the next part of their lives. things veterans can do to make the transition easier. Creating a checklist of things to do after the military can help a great

Culture shock and feelings of isolation are two more challenges that deal. There are some important steps returning veterans can take to make military veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Veterans the jump to civilian life less jarring. Veterans can start by creating a civilian resume before they leave the military. They can use the resources of the military and the services of their advisors to create a resume that highlights they military experience and showcases its relevance to the civilian MARYLAND workplace. It is not always easy for employers to see how military experience relates to the civilian workplace, but The City of Frederick is the there are clear parallels between the two worlds. second largest city in Maryland. Benefits of MOS Skills for Frederick is a great place to Civilian Employerslive, work and play. The skills learned in the military can be extremely Join our team of more than valuable to civilian employers. That is why companies 870 employees and enjoy as diverse as Walmart, Blue Cross and Microsoft have work-life balance and the chance been reaching out to military veterans and putting their to serve the public and make a difference where you live. skills to use. The same skills that made avionics technician effecThe City of Frederick is tive in the military can help that individual succeed in dedicated to the goal of the civilian workplace. Those kinds of skills are directly building a culturally diverse transferable, and they can help military veterans pass the and inclusive work environment required exams and get a head start on a new civilian and strongly encourages career. applications from minorities Military skills can be useful in many different parts of and women. the civilian workplace. From HVAC service to IT to car Visit our job opportunities page: repair, there are many military skills with direct counterhttp://agency.governmentjobs.com/ parts in the civilian world. When you add to that the fact frederick/default.cfm that military veterans are dedicated, reliable and loyal, it An Equal Opportunity Employer is easy to see why so many civilian employers are putting veterans at the top of their hiring lists.

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