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First Steps for Service Leavers

First Steps for British Armed Forces Service Leavers: Identifying Your Strengths and Matching Them to Civilian Careers

Transitioning from the British Armed Forces to civilian life is both an exciting and challenging journey. While the change can feel daunting, it’s also an opportunity to discover your unique value outside of the military. One of the first - and most important - steps is to assess your strengths and explore what civilian jobs align with them.

Here’s how to begin that process.

Step 1: Recognise the Transferable Skills You Already Have

Many service leavers underestimate how valuable their military experience is in the civilian world. The skills you’ve gained - leadership, teamwork, discipline, decision-making under pressure - are highly sought after across industries.

Common transferable military skills include:

• Operational planning and delivery
• Communication under pressure
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Leadership and team management

💡 Tip: Try writing down specific situations where you demonstrated these skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your experiences in a way employers understand.

Step 2: Reflect on Your Strengths and Preferences

Beyond your technical and leadership skills, take time to reflect on your personal strengths and preferences. Ask yourself:

• What tasks gave me the most satisfaction in the Forces?
• Did I prefer hands-on work, strategy and planning, or leading people?
• What kind of environments do I thrive in - fast-paced, structured, dynamic?
• Do I prefer working independently or in a team?

Step 3: Translate Your Military Role Into Civilian Terms

One of the biggest barriers to employment for service leavers is the perception of a “language gap.” Civilian employers may not understand military titles or terminology. The best way round this is to speak to specialist military recruiters who will understand your experience and how it fits in with civilian jobs.

Step 4: Explore Career Sectors That Value Military Experience

Once you’ve mapped your strengths and preferences, begin researching industries that align with them. Think ahead about sectors that are growing and where there may be a national skills shortage. Veterans are fast learners so look for opportunities to upskill and establish a career in something like the Tech industry. Popular sectors for service leavers include:

• AI and systems engineering
• Property Management
• Facilities Management
• Project Management
• Engineering and Maintenance
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• IT and Cybersecurity
• Health and Safety
• Emergency Services
• Teaching and Training
• Security and Risk Management

Step 5: Speak to Others Who’ve Done It

Nothing beats first-hand advice. Reach out to veterans who’ve successfully made the leap - through weServed, LinkedIn, veteran networks, or Armed Forces Covenant employer groups. Learning what worked (and didn’t) for others can clarify your own direction.

Final Thoughts

Leaving the Forces doesn’t mean starting from scratch - it means building on a rock-solid foundation of discipline, purpose, and skill. By taking time to reflect on your strengths, translating them effectively, and researching potential career paths, you’ll set yourself up for a confident and successful transition.

🎯 Remember: You’re not alone – register your details at https://we-served.com for access to hundreds of job opportunities.

Making the UK the best country in the world to be a Veteran