Service leavers and veterans don’t just have a solid set of skills. They have a solid set of finely-tuned and pressure-tested skills. These skills are essential in the world of tech-enabled work. That’s why ex-mil should jump straight in at executive or managerial level, rather than starting at entry-level - university graduates can spend the first few years of their careers catching up.
Why is this? Well, in the military, each member of the team has a crucial role to play if the mission is going to be achieved. This is similar to office-based teamwork. A successful sales team (for example) requires a clear understanding of each member's role and responsibilities, and the ability to work together to achieve a common goal. If you already know how to do this, the actual work involved doesn’t matter quite so much. Translate your mindset and capabilities, and you’re there.
Still not convinced? Here are some skills perfected in the military, and how they translate to civvy street.
Leadership
It’s not just about giving orders and making decisions; it's also about motivating and inspiring a team to achieve an objective. This same approach is essential in office-based roles, where leaders must motivate their team to work towards a common objective and achieve a desired result.
Teamwork
It’s a fundamental part of military culture. Teamwork plays a vital role in the running of operations and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Similarly, in sales (for example) a successful sales team requires members to work collaboratively and support each other. By working together effectively, service leavers can build strong relationships with their colleagues and create a supportive work environment.
Adaptability
A critical skill that service leavers have. It’s also key in fast-paced, ever-changing tech-enabled careers. In the military, it’s necessary for dealing with unexpected situations and changes in plans. It’s no different post-military. Professionals need to adapt to changing market conditions, evolving customer needs and new product offerings.
Communication
In the military, you need to communicate clearly and concisely. It could be to report on their status, give orders, or coordinate with others. The ability to communicate effectively also extends to non-verbal cues, such as body language, essential in situations where verbal communication is not possible. It’s equally important in civvy street careers. Communicating clearly with customers as well as team members is essential in building trust and rapport.
Strategic planning
A well-executed plan can mean the difference between success and failure. That’s why military personnel are trained to think strategically and adapt their strategies as necessary. When comparing this to post-service careers, it’s a key skill needed for mapping out a company's objectives, how to approach the market and deal with the competitive landscape. ?
So if you’re a service leaver not sure about what to do next, get on the platform and have a look around. It's here.
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