How do my military experiences align with a career in education or social services?

Sense of purpose, a duty to give back to the community, a passion for helping others, the ability to put the other before yourself… all of these reasons are among those that inspire people to volunteer or take on helping roles in their community. These same reasons tend to be what inspires those to devote part of their lives to military service.

These innate qualities paired with skillsets that have been honed during military service are why so many of our successful and fulfilled educators and those in social service exist today. Whether or not you have served in the military, here is a list of top skills sought after for a career in education or social service:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Service Orientation
  4. Social Perceptiveness
  5. Judgment and Decision Making
  6. Time Management
  7. Instructing
  8. Persuasion
  9. Complex Problem Solving
  10. Management of Personnel Resources

As you explore career opportunities and prepare to apply for internships or jobs, think about how you can demonstrate (through your résumé, cover letter, networking, or interviewing) where you have utilized these skills and how they connect to your career path. If you don’t know where to start, a career coach can help set you in the right direction.

By Eran Peterson
Eran Peterson Associate Director, Student Engagement