As a military service member, your experience, skills, and work ethic are incredibly valuable in the civilian world, and your service can be the highlight of your resume.
There are numerous organizations dedicated to helping Veterans like you find meaningful employment. From military-friendly employers to tailored job placement programs, there are plenty of exciting paths waiting for you to leverage the skills and training you've sharpened in the military.
4 Veteran Job Placement Opportunities
In general, you’ll find that Veteran job placement opportunities typically fall into three categories:
- Employment programs
- Career exploration programs
- Veteran internship programs
Bonus category:
- Start your own business or become a franchisee
Veteran Employment Programs
Employment programs designed for Veterans focus on connecting them with job opportunities and providing the resources necessary for a successful transition to civilian work.
These programs include job placement assistance, resume writing workshops, networking opportunities, and interview preparation.
Some key Veteran job placement organizations include:
U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers various services, including job placement assistance and access to training programs tailored for veterans. The Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program funds state agencies to provide employment services for veterans. Learn more about VETS here.
Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization, provides free employment services to Veterans and military spouses, including resume assistance, interview coaching, and job placement support. The job board includes openings from customer service and administrative to medical and academic positions. Find out more about Hire Heroes USA here.
The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) enables eligible veterans to apply for roles typically reserved for current federal employees, recognizing military skills and experience and enhancing access to competitive service roles. This act, along with others dating back to 1944, also provides eligible Veterans with job preferences for federal government positions. Learn how to apply.
Career Exploration Programs
If you’re unsure about your career direction after military service, it’s a great time to explore your skills and interests. Career exploration programs provide valuable resources like counseling, workshops, and networking opportunities. Here are some noteworthy initiatives:
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) helps service members transition by offering workshops that cover career exploration, resume writing, and job search strategies. The program assists veterans in understanding how their military experience translates into civilian job skills. Discover more about TAP here.
The SkillBridge Program connects transitioning service members with civilian job opportunities during their final months of military service, allowing them to gain valuable work experience through industry-specific training, apprenticeships, or internships. Explore the SkillBridge program here.
Neighborly® On-demand Veteran Webinars feature interviews and discussions with successful veteran business owners. These webinars cover their transitions from military to business ownership and how they leverage the skills developed during service. Watch On-Demand Veteran Webinars here.
Veteran Internship Programs
Internship programs specifically for Veterans are an excellent way to gain practical experience and exposure to different industries. Many businesses and government organizations offer internships that provide professional training and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce.
One organization operates internships across a range of organizations:
Hiring Our Heroes offers six-week internships and 12-week fellowships, connecting service members, military spouses, and caregivers with companies for hands-on experience, professional training, and networking opportunities. Learn more about Hiring Our Heroes here.
Become a Business or Franchise Owner
For Veterans interested in entrepreneurship, starting a business or becoming a franchisee can be an excellent opportunity. Fortunately, this also is an area where you’ll find support designed for veterans like you, including:
- Veteran Franchise Initiative (VetFran): Founded in 1991, VetFran offers guidance and support to veterans looking to become franchise owners, helping them navigate the franchising process and access financing options. Discover VetFran opportunities here.
- SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides resources and training for veterans interested in starting their own businesses, including access to capital and mentorship programs. Learn more about the SBA's resources here.
How Neighborly Supports Veterans on Their Journey
Neighborly understands the importance of providing a robust support system for Veterans venturing into business ownership, and we’ve developed a franchise model with proven systems and processes that promote efficiency and success.
Through extensive training programs, marketing support, and ongoing guidance, Veterans like you can feel confident embarking on an entrepreneurial journey.
When you join the Neighborly family, you’ll gain access to a network of like-minded professionals who share a passion for delivering exceptional service in their communities. With the right resources and support, you can thrive as a business owner, creating meaningful opportunities for yourself and those around you.
Explore Home Service Franchise Opportunities
Are you considering a path to entrepreneurship? A home service franchise through Neighborly may be the right opportunity for you. With various brands and services under one umbrella, you can find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.
See how Neighborly can help you turn your military experience into a successful business venture today!