Wondering what to do after uni? Guest blogger Jamie explains why it could be worth spending part of your career in the military.

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If you have just graduated, then you’ve got countless opportunities ahead of you. Once you’ve left university, you’re faced with a number of options when it comes to your future. Whether you’re unsure about where to go next or want to gain new skills in a way like no other, joining the army may just be a viable next step. Providing you’re physically and mentally fit, you could be what the military are looking for.

Still curious about whether it’s the right path for you? Here’s why graduates should consider doing part of their career in the military.

A career in the Military can offer many perks

For a start, the military offer a generous salary and an excellent pension scheme, as well as subsidised accommodation and food. According to graduate careers website Prospects, a typical salary for a graduate training will be £25,984 per annum. If you successfully complete the initial officer training (IOT), the annual salary increases to £31,232 across all the armed forces (July 2019).

As an example, an army logistics and support officer course runs for 44 weeks, teaching you basic military skills and developing your leadership, interpersonal and managerial abilities. Your military training could  lead to a wide variety of roles, for example in aviation support, combat arms, engineering, logistics, education and training or communications.

Consider the risks when choosing a role

Many people who are considering entering the military want to be aware of the risks involved before they join. Indeed, in a combat role, the risks will be entirely different to those of an engineer. In combat, you could find yourself in life threatening situations, but there are plenty of non-combat roles available.  So, before you join the army, it’s important that you do your research and consider exactly what role you’re looking for.

You can gain transferrable skills

When you join the military, you’ll acquire many new skills that you can then take into the working world. Leadership, for one, is a skill that many employers look for. From your experience in the military, you’ll be equipped with strong leadership capabilities, with an understanding of what it takes to lead a team and the respect that needs to be earned.

What’s more, you’ll also be a master at communication and teamwork. A lot of life in the military revolves around your comrades and the unbreakable relationships that you’ll form. Clear, effective communication is paramount when you’re serving in the military, an invaluable skill that can easily be transferred to your civilian job if and when you leave.

Career opportunities after the Military

Some of the ideal jobs for ex-military personnel include:

Pilot – Military pilots and those who served in the RAF are superb candidates to become airline pilots. Though airline pilots don’t typically make as much as military pilots, it’s still a great way to utilise a specialist skill. There’s also the opportunity to move into private plane hire to earn more.

Management Consultant – If you completed a business degree before entering the military, you may wish to move into management consultancy when you leave. You’ll have unique leadership skills to back up your degree, allowing you to effectively and efficiently help with problem-solving and growing businesses.

Training and Development Specialist – A training and development specialist could be suitable for those with a teaching qualification or psychology degree. You’ll be responsible for designing and implementing programmes for employees and clients to help them gain various skills.

Mechanical Engineer – Those with a physics degree often go into mechanical engineering but starting your career off as an engineer in the military will provide you with invaluable skills and experience. Your time serving in the military will leave you with an inquisitive, analytical mind, a key requirement for mechanical engineering.

Security Manager – As ex-military personnel, you’ll be vigilant and cautious when entering certain situations. This is exactly the kind of critical thinking needed when you have responsibility for the security of events, large corporations, world renowned buildings or personnel etc.

Employers like candidates who are willing to take on challenges

In today’s competitive jobs market, when many graduates come out of university with a good degree, those candidates with additional, relevant practical experience will have the edge.  Therefore, gaining transferable skills by serving in the military puts you in good stead for future job prospects. Many industries welcome people who have served in the military, engineering, education, logistics, aviation and security. This is particularly useful if your degree is also geared towards one of these thriving industries.

For useful resources and further information about joining the armed forces, you can head to the following websites:

The British Army – How to Join

The British Army – Careers

Armed Forces Careers – Prospects
Operational or support roles in the Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy

PwC – Military Recruitment
Why PwC are interested in people looking to transition from the Military into Professional Services; where your military experience and skills could take you

Before you apply, find out how to make the best impression during your job applications!

 

About Jamie Costello

Enjoyed every minute of his degree in Business Management at Manchester University. Now fully graduated, looking to share his knowledge and experience with fellow grads, all whilst regularly riding his bike and having a cuppa or two!