From the battlefield to the boardroom, a former military service member’s transition to a civilian career can be a tricky one. While a college degree may be beneficial in some cases, many jobs don’t require one. Luckily, a range of job opportunities exists for former military members, many of which do not require higher education. Here are twelve great career paths for former service members who don’t have a degree.
1. Truck Driver: Truck driving is the ideal job for those who don’t have a college degree and are looking for a way to make money without going back to school. With a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you can hit the open road and start making money as a long-haul or local truck driver.
2. Airline Pilot: Piloting a plane may not require a degree, but it requires a certain level of expertise to become a pilot. With the right training, former military members can become commercial pilots and fly for major airlines.
3. Security Guard: Former service members are well-suited to the security guard profession. With their experience in the military, they have the skills and knowledge to protect their employers and customers. Security guards can find work in various industries, including retail, transportation, and hospitality.
4. Correctional Officer: Former service members are well-suited to the role of a correctional officer. They have the experience, discipline, and training to handle the unique challenges that come with this job. Correctional officers can work in a range of settings, including prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers.
5. Police Officer: With the right training, former service members can transition into a career as a police officer. Police officers can be found in cities, counties, and states all over the country.
6. Firefighter: Firefighters don’t need to have a college degree to become a firefighter. They do need to complete a certain amount of training, however, and pass a physical exam. With the right training, former service members can protect their communities as firefighters.
7. Paramedic: Paramedics provide emergency medical care in an ambulance or other vehicle. This is a great job for former military members who want to help people in need. Paramedics must complete a certain amount of training to become certified and begin working.
8. Dispatcher: Dispatchers are the individuals who coordinate emergency services, like police and fire. They are responsible for taking calls, dispatching personnel, and managing the situation. Dispatchers must possess a certain level of expertise to handle these responsibilities. Also, they don’t need a college degree to be successful.
9. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMTs provide emergency medical care in ambulances and other vehicles. They must complete a certain amount of training to become certified and begin working. With the right training, former service members can become EMTs and help save lives.
10. Electrician: Electricians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems. They must be knowledgeable in electrical codes and safety regulations to be successful in this field. Electricians don’t need a college degree. However, they must complete a certain amount of training to become certified.
11. Plumber: Plumbers install and maintain plumbing systems, such as water and drainage. They must have the right skills and knowledge to be successful. Plumbers don’t need a college degree but must complete a certain amount of training to become certified.
12. Construction Worker: Construction workers play an important role in building homes, commercial buildings, and other structures. They must have the right skills and knowledge to be successful in this field. Construction workers don’t need a college degree, but they must complete a certain amount of training to be successful.
These are just a few of the available job opportunities for former service members who don’t have a college degree. With the right training and experience, former military members can find rewarding careers in various industries.
