Building a federal workforce for the future can be done from the inside out. Veterans are an incredible resource for meeting the needs of the modern workforce and should start their job search by viewing themselves that way. Veterans bring deep experience in leadership, discipline, teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving—key attributes for any number of positions.
Translating experience
Translating military experience to the private sector requires more than stripping out military jargon and acronyms. It involves some introspection as to what their daily work involved and relating those details to skills used in civilian positions.
For many veterans, a good starting point is to consider these key attributes that hiring managers will be looking for and then analyze how a service career has built them.
- Leadership is not all about rank and giving orders. Even someone low in the chain of command has leadership experience from their part in motivating a team and sharing ideas.
- Teamwork is life or death in the military. Veterans have worked on incredibly diverse teams in some of the most stressful situations on earth, making them well-suited to collaboration and action in the private sector.
- Planning and problem solving are necessary to complete military missions safely and effectively. Being able to see the big picture and break down large goals into actionable steps translates perfectly to project management and business operations roles.
- Adaptability and resilience should not be discounted. Few experiences demand more flexibility than military service. Veterans are accustomed to rapidly changing circumstances and can quickly adjust strategies when needed. This adaptability is highly prized in today’s fast-paced industries.
- Work ethic and discipline are hardwired into veterans, and shape how they take on the day. The private sector rewards individuals who show up on time, complete their work to high standards, and continually push themselves to improve—meaning people whose service careers have instilled these qualities have a lot to offer.
- Communication skills are built in high-stress multi-operational teams. Veterans have already built clear and efficient communication strategies that are incredibly valuable in business settings.
Making the right connections
With their skills translated, veterans must then connect to opportunities in the private sector. As with any job search, networking is key. Veterans should attend industry events, connect on LinkedIn, and seek out veteran mentorship programs. They should also consider earning certifications that are widely recognized in the private sector, in order to further reinforce the skills they already earned through military service. Finally, veterans need to embrace continuing education, learning about new technologies and processes to stay up to speed with the needs of the market.
Networking events, certification opportunities, and educational content are all available from GovWhitePapers and GovEvents:
- Federal Resource Listing for Veterans, Military Spouses, and Transitioning Service Members Considering Cyber Careers (white paper) – Cyber careers are critical to America’s security and prosperity. Transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses represent a highly valued potential talent pipeline for cyber roles across the public and private sectors. To facilitate awareness of cyber career opportunities, this paper includes information, tools, and resources to assist in discovering cyber-career opportunities.
- Skilling Up for a Sustainable Future: A Look at the Labor Shortage in Renewable Energy (white paper) – Utility companies, renewable energy manufacturers, and suppliers are struggling to find labor at all skill levels. This executive briefing explores demand for renewable energy and the labor shortage in key occupations. Demand for renewable energy in the United States and around the world is on the rise.
- Military Spouses Factsheet (data sheet) – Military spouses face unique challenges due to frequent relocations and the demands of military life, which can make it difficult to find and sustain meaningful careers. Programs like the Department of Labor’s TEAMS workshops and American Job Centers provide tailored resources to support military spouses in overcoming obstacles and achieving their career goals.
- Military Hiring Conference (multiple locations and dates) – These events include a full day of interview preparation, briefings on the interviewing companies and positions, and an opportunity to network with other job seekers as well as the client companies. Day two of each event features individual interviews with hiring managers.
- VIP GROW (June 10-12, 2025) – This veteran entrepreneurship training program is designed specifically for service-disabled and Veteran-owned small businesses interested in accelerating their success in government contracting. The program dives into real-world strategies and best business practices that help participants win and maintain government contracts.
Visit GovWhitePapers and GovEvents to find even more resources—both for veterans transitioning to the private sector and for employers looking to hire them.
