If you’re about to become a graduate, 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. There are plenty of options like an online MBA for military personnel. 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.
The Military Can Offer Many Perks
To start, the military offer a generous salary, especially considering for the most part, your food and accommodation will be paid for by them. A typical salary for a graduate training will be £25,984 per annum. If you successfully become promoted to Second Lieutenant, you can earn £31,232 annually.
This course will run for 44 weeks, teaching you basic military skills and developing your leadership, interpersonal and managerial abilities. Eventually, this may lead into a role in aviation support, combat arms, engineering, logistics, education and training or communications.
What Are the Risks?
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 needing the help of military solicitors. So, before you join the army it’s important that you consider exactly what role you’re looking for – and there are plenty to choose from! There are lots of non-combat roles available.
You Can Gain Transferrable Skills
When you join the military, you’ll be overwhelmed with a number of 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 once you leave.
Career Opportunities After the Military
Some of the best 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 grow businesses.
Training and Development Specialist – A training and development specialist would be suitable for those with a teaching degree or even psychology degree. You’ll be responsible for designing and implementing programs 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 irreplaceable skills and experience. Your time serving in the military will leave you with an inquisitive, analytical mind, something needed in 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 to become a security manager. You could be responsible for security in events, large corporations, world renowned buildings and more.
Employers Like Candidates Who Are Willing to Take on Challenges
Having a degree is usually more than enough to secure a job. However, if you’ve not got any practical experience where another candidate may have – employers may choose them over you. Therefore, gaining transferable skills by serving in the military puts you in good stead for future job prospects. Many industries welcome those 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.
