Contractor Jobs for Veterans: What You Need to Know
There are a lot of opportunities for veterans to find work in the civilian world, but one path that is often overlooked is contracting. While military service provides valuable skills and experience that can be transferred to many different jobs, contracting offers a unique opportunity to continue serving in a different capacity.
What is a Contractor?
A contractor is generally hired by a company or government agency to provide a specific service or set of skills for a limited period of time. Contractors may be individuals or companies, and they are usually paid hourly or by project completion. Contractors are different from full-time employees in that they typically do not receive benefits or job security, but they may earn more money per hour than an employee in the same role.
Why Contracting is a Good Fit for Veterans
There are several reasons why veterans may find contracting to be a good fit for their skills and experience:
– Experience in a variety of roles: Veterans have often held several different roles throughout their military career, which can make them well-suited to the diverse needs of contracting organizations. Additionally, the ability to adapt quickly to new environments and situations is an asset in contracting, where contractors may be required to work on short notice or in unfamiliar settings.
– Technical skills: Many veterans have specialized technical skills, such as IT or cybersecurity, that are in high demand in the contracting world. These skills may have been honed during their military service or developed through additional education or training.
– Security clearances: Veterans who held security clearances during their military service may be able to find work in the contracting industry that requires a similar level of clearance. This can be a major advantage in industries such as defense, intelligence, and IT.
Finding Contracting Jobs as a Veteran
There are several ways to find contracting jobs as a veteran:
– Military transition programs: Many military transition programs offer resources for veterans looking to find work in the civilian world, including contracting opportunities. These programs may include job fairs, training courses, and other support services.
– Networking: As with any job search, networking can be a valuable tool for finding contracting opportunities. Reach out to colleagues and acquaintances in the contracting industry, attend industry events and conferences, and join online forums and groups related to your area of expertise.
– Job boards: There are several job boards that specialize in contracting roles, such as ClearanceJobs and Indeed. These sites allow you to search for jobs by location, industry, and clearance level.
In Conclusion
Contracting can be a rewarding and lucrative career path for veterans looking to continue serving in a different capacity. With their unique skills and experience, veterans are well-suited to the diverse needs of the contracting industry. By utilizing the resources available and networking within the industry, veterans can find fulfilling and well-paid contracting jobs.