Translating Military Skills to Civilian Careers: Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Nursing
Service members, veterans, and military-affiliated students possess unique skills that make them invaluable assets in various civilian career fields. As they transition out of the military and into civilian roles, it is essential to understand and hone these skills to align with their new career paths. This article explores the top five skills these individuals bring to Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and the medical field, particularly nursing, and emphasizes the importance of refining these skills for a successful transition.
Business Administration
Top 5 Skills Brought from the Military:
1. Leadership and Management: Military personnel often hold leadership roles, managing teams and resources effectively under high-pressure conditions. This experience translates well into business administration, where strong leadership and management skills are crucial.
2. Strategic Planning: Service members are adept at strategic planning and execution, having been trained to develop and implement complex plans.
3. Discipline and Work Ethic: The military instills a high level of discipline and a strong work ethic, which are highly valued in the business world.
4. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments and situations is a cornerstone of military training, which is invaluable in the dynamic world of business.
5. Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential in the military and equally important in business to ensure smooth operations and teamwork.
Importance of Honing Skills: Transitioning to business administration requires veterans to adapt their military leadership and management skills to civilian business environments. This may involve learning specific business management software, understanding corporate cultures, and acquiring knowledge of marketing, finance, and human resources. Additionally, understanding the terminology and language of the business world is crucial. Veterans must translate their military experience into civilian terms to demonstrate their skills and experiences’ relevance. Pursuing further education, such as an MBA, can help refine these skills and make veterans more competitive in the business sector.
Computer Information Systems
Top 5 Skills Brought from the Military:
1. Technical Proficiency: Many military roles involve working with advanced technology and systems, providing a solid technical foundation.
2. Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly diagnose and solve complex problems is a critical skill developed in the military.
3. Cybersecurity Expertise: Service members often receive training in cybersecurity, making them well-suited for roles in information security.
4. Attention to Detail: Precision and accuracy are crucial in military operations, and this attention to detail is essential in managing information systems.
5. Project Management: Military personnel are experienced in managing projects, coordinating resources, and meeting deadlines, which are critical components of successful IT projects.
Importance of Honing Skills: To succeed in civilian roles within Computer Information Systems, veterans need to stay current and knowledgeable on the latest technologies and industry trends. This may involve obtaining network management, cybersecurity, and software development certifications. Understanding the terminology and language used in the IT industry is essential for accurately conveying their skills and experiences. Engaging in continuous learning through professional development courses and obtaining relevant certifications, such as CompTIA or Cisco, can enhance their technical skills and marketability.
Medical Field (Nursing)
Top 5 Skills Brought from the Military:
1. Medical Training and Experience: Military medics and healthcare professionals possess extensive medical training and experience, often in high-stress environments.
2. Emergency Response: Service members are trained to handle emergencies efficiently, a critical skill in nursing.
3. Teamwork and Communication: Effective communication and teamwork are essential in the military, translating well into the collaborative environment of healthcare.
4. Stress Management: The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure is a crucial skill developed in the military and is invaluable in nursing.
5. Compassion and Patient Care: Military healthcare providers often develop a deep sense of compassion and commitment to patient care, which is essential in nursing.
Importance of Honing Skills: While military medical training provides a strong foundation, transitioning to civilian nursing requires obtaining appropriate certifications and licenses, such as the Registered Nurse (RN) license. Pursuing further education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or specialized nursing certifications, can help veterans adapt their skills to civilian healthcare settings. Understanding and using the specific terminology and language of the nursing profession is critical for effective communication and integration into the healthcare environment. Additionally, gaining experience in different healthcare environments, such as hospitals or clinics, can provide valuable insights and enhance adaptability.
Enhancing Skills with Certifications
Complementing Education with Certifications: Military-affiliated students should complement their academic degrees with relevant professional certifications to maximize their career potential. These certifications validate their skills and provide a competitive edge in the job market. For instance, veterans pursuing careers in Business Administration can benefit from management certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, which focuses on improving efficiency and reducing organizational waste. Similarly, those entering Computer Information Systems should consider certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to demonstrate their expertise and stay current with industry standards.
In the medical field, obtaining specialized nursing certifications, such as Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), can enhance veterans’ qualifications and prepare them for specific nursing roles. These certifications provide the potential for career enhancement, enhancing their knowledge and skills and increasing their marketability.
Increasing Earning Potential with Certifications
Boosting Earning Potential: Complementing a degree with relevant certifications can significantly enhance a candidate’s earning potential in the civilian workforce. For example, obtaining certifications like Lean Six Sigma can lead to higher salaries in business administration roles. According to data from the American Society for Quality (ASQ), professionals with Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification can earn up to 20% more than their non-certified peers.
CompTIA Security+ or CISSP certifications in Computer Information Systems can result in substantial salary increases. According to Global Knowledge’s IT Skills and Salary Report, professionals with CISSP certification earn an average salary of 25% higher than those without the certification. These certifications validate expertise and demonstrate a commitment to staying current with industry standards.
In nursing, specialized certifications can lead to higher wages and better job prospects. For instance, nurses with CCRN certification can earn significantly more than their non-certified counterparts. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) reports that certified nurses often have higher earning potential and more significant opportunities for career advancement.
Current Military-Affiliated Student Enrollment at APSU
As of the most recent data, Austin Peay State University (APSU) has a significant military-affiliated student population, reflecting its commitment to supporting military-connected individuals in their educational pursuits. APSU is the state’s largest higher education provider to military-affiliated students, with approximately 2,422 military-related students enrolled (APSU) (APSU). This population includes active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and military spouses and dependents.
Conclusion
Service members, veterans, and military-affiliated students bring many skills to civilian career fields such as Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Nursing. However, to fully capitalize on these skills and ensure a successful transition, it is crucial to hone and adapt them to meet the demands of their new career paths. Continuous education, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining practical experience are essential. Learning and understanding the specific terminology and language of their new career fields is vital to properly assessing which skills and experiences are applicable. These individuals can leverage their military experience to succeed and contribute in their chosen fields.
The MAPP provides all manners of career service to the military-affiliated students of Austin Peay State University. This population is estimated to be about one-third of its total student population.
In addition, the MAPP extends its services to all service members, veterans, military and veteran spouses, and military and veteran family members, regardless of their affiliation with Austin Peay State University.
Services can be provided virtually or in person under the MAPP. Please let us know what you need, and we will tailor our services to meet them.
Austin Peay State University's commitment to our service members and veteran communities remains unmatched.
To take advantage of the services offered by the MAPP, contact us at:
Call or text: 931-221-7930
Email: mapp@apsu.edu
If you would like to donate to our program, visit http://give.apsu.edu/. Select Newton Military Family Resource Center Fund of Excellence. The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program falls within that category.
At Austin Peay, we proudly serve you during your academic career. We are invested in your success and have created a division dedicated to our Military-Affiliated Students and their families. The Military and Veterans Affairs Division comprises several offices and resource centers trained to help you fully utilize your education benefits. From offering condensed 8-week courses through the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell to getting career advice from our Military-Affiliated Professionals Program, we are ready to support your success.
