Serving in the military is a rewarding, but challenging experience. Research by a well-known private think tank reveals that many employers fail to hire veterans, because they cannot understand and translate military skills into civilian terms, according to Military.com. Veterans are actually more than qualified for most positions because they receive specialized training through advanced military education programs. What follows are 10 of the highest-paying jobs for veterans after military service.
1. Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers are mechanics, technicians and consultants. They strive to create a high functioning equipment and systems through collaborative environments. Aerospace engineers usually are members of interdisciplinary teams that focus on quality, safety and innovation. For example, an aerospace engineer may work with an assessment support unit to provide comprehensive aerospace flight-testing and evaluation services. These aerospace engineers may be experts in test design and planning, instrumentation checks, ground operations or flight procedures. Employers will expect candidates to possess aircraft certification, experience with electrical systems and knowledge of test procedures.
2. Airline Pilots
Airline pilots may work for commercial or private airports and organizations. For example, a private airline pilot will assist with all pre-flight, in-flight and post flight functions. This will include pre-flight inspections, weather evaluations, flight planning, safety reviews, passenger transportation, crew accommodations, post-flight inspections, aircraft cleaning and thorough security procedures. Private airline pilots may use the aircraft’s weight and balance to calculate fuel on board and performance expectations. They may also supervise aircraft maintenance, communicate aircraft deficiencies and support preventative maintenance activities. They must have the ability to fly aircraft and handle instruments during approaches, flight maneuvers and emergency procedures.
3. Clinical Nurse Specialists
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) may be a clinical consultant or leader for assigned programs. They must have the advanced knowledge and skills required for their role. This may include clinical expertise in collaboration, consultation, education, mentoring and evidence-based practices. Clinical nurse specialists should promote the advancement of nursing practices and the professional development of nurses. Their specialized competencies may focus on patients and their families, nurses and their decisions and organizational systems. They are accountable for collaborating with health care teams to design, implement and measure cost-effective strategies and evidence-based care standards.
4. Cost Estimators
Cost estimator should have substantive experience in their respective field and area of expertise. They may work under the direction of an accounting manager, procurement director or chief financial officer to support acquisition decisions. This means that they must update procurement estimates by using data from budget cycles, ROI reports and accounting systems. They may collect and analyze cost and technical data in order to update cost estimating relationships and estimated cost factors. Cost estimators may prepare required financial documentation to support capital expenditures and asset acquisitions.
5. Electrical Engineers
Employers expect electrical engineers to have mastery of relevant theories, techniques and technologies for analog and digital electronics. They must know how to apply their skills and knowledge to develop innovative solutions for a broad range of engineering challenges. They must have the ability to analyze equipment functionality and requirements in order to establish operating requirements. They may design, modify and evaluate electronic circuitry at different levels of complexity and importance. Electrical engineers should know how to select components and equipment based on spec analyses and reliability requirements.
6. Industrial Safety and Health Engineers
Industrial safety and health engineers may work for companies that require them to travel to employers’ worksites. They may participate in accident investigations and external safety audits. Doing so will involve investigating worksites to identify safety hazards while taking notes, photos and videos. They may conduct interviews with operators, management and maintenance to better understand equipment. They may then review manufacturer documentation in order to prose safety upgrades. They must critically evaluate the use of protective methods and engineering controls to reduce injuries and fatalities. They may be asked to determine employer compliance or non-compliance with OSHA regulations.
7. Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts are responsible to research, edit, prepare and publish actionable insights and informative data for decision makers. They may be intelligence analysis subject matter experts for fields like marketing, consumer research, information technology and even military counter intelligence. They may perform research and analysis on selected assignments individually or as part of a team. Intelligence analysts may use public domain resources together with private research to gain maximum understanding and produce optimal outcomes. They must analyze, interpret and prioritize collected data from an objective, outsider’s mindset.
8. Human Resources Managers
Human resource managers are business experts in the areas of employee relations, government compliance, new employee recruiting and staff training. They assist executive teams the development and execution of enterprise-wide HR strategies and programs. They provide counsel to management regarding employee concerns, policy interpretation and employment law administration. They are expected to advise senior management on sensitive HR matters, such as a harassment lawsuit or a false workers’ compensation claim. HR managers administer HR programs, update company policies and conduct training as needed.
9. Management Consultants
Management consultants must understand and execute their client’s goals through frontline coaching. They work side by side with supervisors on a daily basis to change management decisions and behaviors. They must understand their clients in order to properly identify operational opportunities, performance weaknesses and communication preferences. They research and confronting issues by providing appropriate feedback and factual support. This requires them to hold managers accountable for their actions and responsibilities. Management consultants usually help managers adopt proactive leadership styles and minimize reactive management habits.
10. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
These health care professionals must have solid knowledge of the theories and practices that promote better patient care. They should have knowledge of patient care procedures and policies. Employers expect physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians to understand standard safety hazards, work precautions and ideal work environments. They must be skilled in applying and modifying methods and techniques for providing on-going patient care. They should have skills related to identifying problems, recommending solutions, preparing documentation and maintaining electronic medical records. These health care professionals must have a MD or DO degree from an accredited school of medicine.
Related Resource: What Careers in the FAA are Available For Former Military?
All of these 10 highest-paying jobs for veterans are open to job candidates who know how to communicate with diverse individuals, deliver appropriate metrics and support management. Experience researching and resolving complex issues is highly desirable.
Follow