3 Long-Term Career Goals for Military Service Members

While a career in military service is an achievement worthy of a lifetime of pride, service members can also use the resources available through the U.S. Department of Defense to make their long-term career goals for the military transition to civilian life.

A long-term career goal will look different than how you see your professional life in the next one to two years. Long-term goals can take years to accomplish. Depending on how big your dream is for success in your industry, these goals could even take a lifetime to fulfill. These big career goals usually require time, effort and additional skill development as you gain experience to use in the future.

Imagine where you want to be professionally in five, 10 or 20 years. The only way to reach those big visions, whether they are military career goals or ideas as you transition into civilian life, is to start with small actions.

More manageable, short-term goals can be stepping stones to big-picture success. Few understand how it takes many moving parts to execute an effective plan like members of the United States Armed Forces. You can use your experience in the military and the resources available to you as tools to help you achieve your long-term career goals.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are three ideas to get you headed on the road to professional success.

1. Get Certified for an In-Demand Career

Many military service members wonder what the military transition to civilian life will look like. The best way to make sure you succeed after your time serving your country is to create your own path to reaching your goals. To start, think about what careers will set you up for success. The healthcare industry and information technology are two of the fastest-growing industries throughout the nation.

If you receive the certifications necessary to enter these in-demand careers, you’ll carve out a future that allows you to look for years into the future. Your long-term career goals can become clearer as you gain the skills, experience and training needed to get the jobs you seek. MedCerts is an online academic institution that specializes in helping military servicemen and women prepare for success.

2. Create and Achieve Financial Goals

When you choose the credentials that work for your job and your life, you can enjoy the benefits that you’ve earned through your service. You may qualify for a low-cost or possibly even no-cost education that will help you reach your financial goals through the Credentialing Assistance programs offered by the Department of Defense.

So many students enter the workforce with significant debt, but you have the opportunity to avoid this concern. That can help you be open to opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships that will give you an important foot in the door.

3. Think About Your Personal Life and What Success Really Means

While you should create military goals and goals for the years after your time in service, it’s easy to forget what’s really important. You’ll want to work in professional environments that also support your personal development and family time. A good way to do this is to gain experience through a military-friendly school like MedCerts.

Reach Your Goals With Fellow Service Members

When you work with an institution that understands and cares about military students, you’ll also understand the importance of creating and maintaining a network of support with other service members. Remember, you’re never in it alone when you’re a member of the United States military.