If you have prior military experience that required the collection and analysis of intelligence, you may qualify for a civilian intelligence job. Many who have this experience are unaware that they can apply these skills to a career in the civilian sector. If you’re looking for a new career challenge following your military service, here are a few intelligence jobs that require your skills.
As a database administrator in a corporate setting, you can use your military experience to handle and transmit sensitive data. A database administrator needs to be well-versed in computers and have a certificate or associate’s degree.
You construct and optimize large-scale databases and ensure that only authorized individuals can access protected data. A database administrator’s duties include maintaining the database’s structure, organization, and presentation of information, along with statistical analysis and database administration.
Those with experience in signals intelligence and electronic warfare can work as information technology (IT) analysts to protect sensitive information from hackers and other unauthorized users. IT specialists must have previous experience in troubleshooting and operating advanced technology systems.
A military background often means you know how to solve problems quickly and remain calm under pressure. Attention to detail and an ability to cooperate with others are also critical to success as an information technology specialist. If you possess these soft skills, you might be a good fit for this position.
Retired military members who want to continue using their intelligence skills and serving their country might consider careers as intelligence analysts for the FBI. Intelligence analysts protect national security by reviewing intelligence gathered through field operations and flagging credible terrorism or foreign espionage threats.
Analyzing data, making decisions, communicating, and knowledge of foreign languages is essential for these positions. Besides these hard skills, a candidate looking to take on this role should possess specific soft skills, such as reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment.
Military Veterans with experience collecting and analyzing intelligence and carrying out strategic planning often prepare findings reports and present them to their team. This experience may apply to a career as a market research analyst.
Market research analysts should be detail-oriented, possess excellent communication skills, and have knowledge of data analysis. When working for a company in the civilian sector, you will track market conditions, analyze marketing strategies, and collect customer information through analytics, questionnaires, and interviews.
A police detective must be a disciplined leader, possess sharp investigative skills, and demonstrate the mental resilience to remain calm under pressure. The same traits that make someone successful in the military can equate to a successful career in law enforcement.
These include skills such as extensive tactical training, critical thinking, and discipline. Police detectives work with law enforcement, interview suspects and witnesses, and gather evidence, such as documents or physical objects, to help solve an ongoing case.
These professions are just some of the many opportunities available for Veterans with previous intelligence experience. If you are seeking a role where you can transfer your military experience into the civilian sector, you can find more information about post-military careers on CareerProPlus.com. We can help you prepare for your job search with helpful resume writing guides and access to career coaches.