When you leave the military, you may naturally start looking at jobs for veterans in areas like security or engineering. These positions make great jobs for veterans because they call on things that you likely already possess, like security clearance. Some employers in these areas may also actively seek ex-military hires.

But, what if those careers don’t feel like the right fit for you? Sometimes, a career that’s completely different from your military work can be the best way to make a clean break.

This doesn’t mean you won’t still utilize specific military skills in your new role, but simply that you’ll apply them in brand new ways. In this article, we’ll share with you six great jobs for veterans that you might not have thought of yet, but which could provide the perfect starting point for your new career.

The Benefit of Alternative Career Options for Veterans

When you leave the military, you may just assume that you’ll break into a new field of work to continue using your skills acquired in the military. Many veterans assume this and most go on to thrive in these industries. But, we’re here to let you know that there are lots of opportunities outside of what might be considered to be the ‘norm’.

In reality, veterans can make ideal candidates for a wide range of careers in various industries. Whether these are entry-level roles or require additional qualifications, applying for positions that you might not have thought about previously can be beneficial for reasons that include:

• The development of new skills
• A clean break from military life
• Potential for new job development
• The possibility of finding a better-suited role

Once you’ve broadened your job search, you may also find it easier to secure a high-quality position. This is because you will likely find far more roles to apply for. You will also apply for roles that are less likely to receive veteran applications.

Because of that, you’ll be able to bring unique and often desirable skills to your chosen position, which may make you more likely to become a standout candidate.

Tailoring Your Resume Towards Alternative Industries

It’s important to make the value of your military skills apparent when applying to roles that might not typically receive veteran applications. By tailoring your resume towards alternative industries as you apply, you can make it obvious why you’d be an asset in each instance.

The main things to feature include:

• Examples of your applicable hard skills in action, such as training courses or military experience which might have included team management, computer software, etc.
• Examples of applicable soft skills, such as time management and critical thinking
• Any relevant qualifications or job experience that predate your military service
• Translation of any military terms, and an explanation of why they’re relevant

It’s also worth adding a personal note, or a cover letter, explaining why you’re considering this career change. Try to keep this to no more than half a page, so that an employer can see at a glance why you’re worth their consideration.

1. Truck Driver $48,750-$89,884 per year

Due to driver shortages in the US, truck driver positions are a great option for veterans seeking work right now, with positions on offer from large-scale US transport companies including J.B. Hunt Transport and XPO.

Proven work experience as a truck driver is desirable, meaning that veterans who worked with military vehicles may be best suited, though others can also apply.

Most employers also require a clean license with no points or penalties, as well as a trucking school diploma from outfits like the United States Truck Driving School, and a valid truck license. Truck drivers must also be willing to undergo background checks and regular drug testing, much like with military service.

Desirable truck driver soft skills that veterans likely already possess include:

• Resilience despite long hours
• Adaptability to unexpected challenges like traffic
• The ability to work well alone and with others
• Reliable communication skills

Entry-level truck driver positions are relatively high paying due to long hours and existing training requirements. It’s possible to almost double entry-level rates with the addition of further qualifications like a class B CDL, which opens additional opportunities like courier work, and even highway technician positions.

Job progression in this field could also open opportunities to become a truck manager or an owner-operator with your own fleet, and potential earnings of up to $221,242.

Please note that if you’re reading this from outside of the US your local licensing and requirements may be slightly different. If you’re based in the UK here’s some useful information that covers the above.

2. BDM (Business Development Manager) $122,316-$159,683 per year

BDM roles involve the identification of opportunities for business growth in industries like construction, finance, and healthcare, through focuses that include sales management, strategic planning, and client acquisitions.

Transferable veteran skills that may be desirable for a BDM position include tenacity, great communication, teamwork, and decision-making. All of these will help with daily tasks such as:

• Identifying and researching new business opportunities
• Generating leads and cold-calling prospective clients
• Fostering relationships with clients, partners, sponsors, and more
• And much more

Entry-level BDM roles don’t typically require a degree, though a Bachelor’s degree in a related field like business administration can help secure a position. Relevant experience is also preferable and could include retail sales or marketing, as well as the negotiation experience that many veterans possess.

The broadness of industries requiring BDM roles means that opportunities are available from a wide range of US companies, from pharmaceutical corporations like Yuhan USA to tech recruitment firms like Dice.

Opportunities for BDM Advancement

Typical routes for career progression can see a BDM advancing to roles like business development associate, and from there to positions such as senior business development manager and vice president of business development.

It’s possible to earn up to $200,000, as well as benefits packages including a 401K, HSA, and stock purchase plan, if you advance in this role. That makes this an incredibly lucrative entry-level position to pursue.

It’s also not necessary to acquire additional training to progress in this field. Experience, and a reliable portfolio of successful clients, should be enough to secure you additional roles.

3. Delivery Driver $33,141-$58,500 per year

Companies like UPS and Amazon offer specialized programs and jobs for veterans seeking their next challenge. Both are also top employers of professional delivery drivers who are responsible for transporting goods to either customers or distribution centers as required.

Unlike truck drivers, delivery drivers will typically deliver small loads in a local area, most often in a customer-facing capacity. Daily tasks include loading and delivery, order verification, and general vehicle maintenance.

Most delivery driver positions are entry-level roles with basic job requirements which include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid license and a clean driving record. Which means if you’re are looking for something you can jump straight into as a veteran this could be a great place to start.

Outstanding communication and organizational skills are top soft skill priorities that veterans could bring to this role.

Other transferable skills include:

• Navigation skills
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Patience

While entry-level pay in this field is lower than a lot of options on this list, delivery driver roles are great in points for significant career progression.

Companies like Amazon also offer the opportunity to run a franchise of delivery vehicles making your earning potential large, running and managing a team of delivery drivers.

Equally, delivery drivers with over three years of experience could pursue supervisory roles in transport fields, with a potential salary of $104,917 per year.

4. Remote Sales $38,069-$100,002 per year

Remote sales representative roles have been increasingly popular since the pandemic and can include anything from entry-level sales positions to high-level executive sales.

This variety means there are plenty of opportunities for progression in this field. Top remote sales employers include software outsourcing company BairesDev and even CVS Health.

The daily responsibilities of a remote sales professional include reaching out to potential customers, conducting product demonstrations, and growing and managing customer relationships. The remote nature of this role means that it can involve some travel, which could be ideal for veterans who miss on-the-go military life.

Desirable qualifications for remote sales roles vary depending on industries, but will typically include 1-2 years of sales experience, knowledge of CRM systems, and any additional sales qualifications, like this sales operations course.

Growing experience in remote sales can open various routes for job progression, making this an ideal starting point to grow your career into a variety of different fields, which could include technology, retail, healthcare, education, and beyond. In healthcare, alone, remote sales representatives could progress into areas like pharmaceutical sales, with possible earnings of up to $159,837 per year. Remote sales could also lead to positions in sales management or business development.

Transferable Military Skills

Remote sales positions require a wide range of transferable military skills, such as:

• Self-motivation
• Perseverance and patience
• Great team connections
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Discipline
• Adaptability
• And many more

5. Real Estate Agent $75,000-$115,000 per year

Real estate agents are professionals who help clients to buy, sell, or rent their homes or commercial spaces. As well as conducting property viewings, the daily responsibilities of an estate agent include:

• Guiding and assisting buyers and sellers
• Estimating property values
• Listing and marketing properties for sale
• Negotiating prices and sales on behalf of clients
• Drafting and reviewing property documents like sales contracts

Top employers for estate agents in the US include Coldwell Banker, Redfin, and Compass. To secure a role within these top companies, it’s necessary to pursue a real estate agent or broker’s license, as well as displaying a preferably proven track record of successful sales.

The majority of real estate agents will work independently within a broader umbrella company, meaning veterans applying for this position should provide evidence or previous instances where they’ve worked well alone, and in a team. Other veteran skills you’ll want to highlight on an estate agent resume include strong negotiation and communication skills, trustworthiness, determination, and drive.

Largely, estate agent progression comes from growing portfolios of increasingly lucrative properties, meaning you can significantly grow your earnings within this one role. It is also possible to climb the rungs of the real estate ladder by considering areas like real estate development or becoming a mortgage broker.

6. Teacher $31,204-$74,500 per year

Teachers can work in either a public or private capacity to educate students which could include primary or secondary-age children or adults in certain cases. Typically, individual schools are responsible for teacher employment, but it is also possible to seek teaching work through companies such as KinderCare and Bright Horizons in the US.

As well as conducting lessons in their chosen topics, teachers must complete daily tasks which include developing lesson plans, assigning and marking homework, documenting student progress, and communicating with parents.

Proven experience as a teacher or teaching assistant is vital, as is a degree in teaching or your specialist subject. Due to the responsibilities inherent in teaching, it’s also beneficial to pursue first aid and CPR training.

As well as requiring official qualifications, teachers should possess skills that are also often required within the military, such as being trustworthy, resourceful, and hard-working. Creative problem-solving is also often required, especially when handling challenging or disruptive students.

There are various opportunities for advancement within the teaching field depending on your interests and chosen career trajectory. Often, teachers will work towards the collegiate level, where they become professors for higher education facilities. Here, salaries can be as high as $227,163. Competitive health and retirement benefits packages are also common. Other options for teacher career progression include:

• School principal
• Department head
• Specialist roles such as STEAM specialist, curriculum specialist, and more

In Summary, Don’t Limit Your Career Search

Your military experience can feel like a niche in-point for your next career, but your years of service have given you special skills that most employers will value. Embracing a new challenge can be the best way to enter civilian life and feel excited by your work again.

From driving to teaching, you’re in control of your future. Prove it to yourself by adding these unlikely jobs for veterans to your list if they sound like a potentially good fit.