If you’re a military veteran or a current officer, you might be wondering how your skills can translate to the private sector. Even if you are currently deployed and living abroad, it is never too early to start thinking about your next career move!

When faced with the prospect of leaving the military, many servicemen and women are nervous about what their future holds. However, with a little advanced planning, you will be able to formulate your own “exit strategy” and be fully prepared to leave the military with a tangible career path ahead of you. Many people who are satisfied and successful in their post-military careers have found it useful to create a list of career goals that they wish to accomplish before their time in the Armed Forces is up. Here are some questions that you might want to ask yourself:

12-24 months before military retirement:
• Where do you want to live?
• Do you have a preferred industry or specialty?
• What is your dream job description?
• Do you need to go back to school to get the job you want?

Since you have some time before you leave the military, it would be good idea to start designing a resume. Don’t be afraid of highlighting your military accomplishments, including any awards, training, education, or any other skills that you may have acquired. Many of the things that you have learned in the military can translate to civilian jobs, so don’t forget to show off what you know!

5-10 months before military retirement:
• It’s time to narrow your job search. Are you interested in working for a specific company? Check their website to see if they have any openings!
• Start composing a cover letter to send out to job recruiters
• Open an account with job boards like LinkedIn and Monster

1-5 months before military retirement:
• Set goals and timelines for sending out your resume
• Create a list of promising job openings
• Target your resume and cover letter to for each completed application
• Follow-up after every interview by thanking the people who interviewed you

In the military, you have learned how to prepare for any future deployment or operation. When it comes to finding a job, you also need to plan and prepare for your next move! The better prepared you are to make the switch from your military career to your civilian life, the more confident and successful you will be. Remember, all of your military training and skills make you a tremendous asset to any company. Just like in the military, you have to set some goals, map out a strategy, and set a course to succeed in your post-military career!