Business Case Study:
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Being a medic in the military does not require a state license or a state driver's license, although it does require service specific training. In order to transition and become a civilian EMT, this service member must make plans to acquire these licenses.
One of the biggest career obstacles transitioning military members face is ensuring that they have the credentials they need to move into a civilian career that naturally follows their military career. The question you have to answer through research is, does continuing in your profession in the civilian world require a credential or license that serving in the military does not?
Luckily, this research isn’t too difficult, and the return on completing it is exponential in terms of time saved. Make sure you:
-Identify civilian positions in locations in which you would be willing to live.
-Identify the requirements for those positions.
-Pay specific attention to licensing and certification requirements.
-Remember to locate the governing bodies that oversee those certificates and licenses.
Sometimes, they have special programs for transitioning military members and Veterans.
Some states have also made moves to support Veterans who require certifications or licensing. Read more about the Joining Forces initiative here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/veterans-back-to-work
Check out the Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) site for your service if you aren’t sure about certifications related to your military occupation or resources.
Take the time before you leave the military to identify the requirements in your field; then make sure you get them before you submit that first application!
If your future career doesn’t require a certificate or degree, consider free opportunities to gain the knowledge you need. Turn to page 16 to learn about how you can build your skill set without breaking the bank.