Finding Jobs for Veterans UK: Transitioning from Armed Forces to Civilian Jobs - Everything You Need to Know About Tech Sales
For Navy, Marines, RAF, and British Army veterans, leaving the forces often means embarking on a new journey: the shift from military to civilian life. But this change comes with its own unique set of challenges, from discovering a fulfilling career path to understanding pensions and benefits.
Tech sales refers to selling technology—whether it's software, hardware, or IT services. Unlike traditional sales, which can feel pushy, tech sales is about listening, identifying solutions, and helping people solve problems. Think of it as a problem-solving role where you assist businesses in finding the right tools to thrive. It’s ideal for ex-force folks, as it leverages their strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
What Does a Career in Tech Sales Look Like?
In tech sales, roles range from Sales Development Representatives (SDRs), who open doors to new business, to Account Executives (AEs), who close sales, and Customer Success Managers, who support clients post-sale. These civilian jobs involve building relationships, demonstrating how products or services benefit clients, and ensuring clients make the most of their investments.
For those seeking post-armed forces roles,, tech sales offers a daily focus on finding new clients, negotiating contracts, troubleshooting, and supporting users. The armed forces community often excels in such customer-focused, result-driven environments due to their resilience and teamwork skills.
How Much Can You Earn in Tech Sales?
One of the biggest draws to tech sales is its earning potential. Not only do roles come with solid base salaries, but they are also commission-based. Salespeople in ex-military employment roles like Sales Development Representatives can earn uncapped commission, adding significantly to their income. For example, an SDR can make around £65,580 if they meet targets, with the potential to earn even more. Plus, the performance-driven structure of tech sales provides an exciting, well-compensated second career for military folk, who are often goal-oriented.
Why Tech Sales is a Great Fit for the Military Community
While tech sales is accessible, it does require key qualities such as adaptability, empathy, and resilience—traits that the military community and veteran armed forces personnel often excel in. Military veterans possess the skills to remain calm under pressure, solve problems quickly, and maintain a mission-focused mindset. These qualities make them ideal candidates for roles in tech sales and customer success.
In tech sales, there is generally no requirement for specific degrees or previous sales experience, which makes it easier for the armed forces community to transition to civilian jobs. The adaptability and discipline of military veterans give them a unique advantage in client-facing roles.
Getting Started in Tech Sales
Whether you’re interested in hardware, software, or cybersecurity, beginning a career in tech sales as a military veteran is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step approach to starting in tech sales:
- Identify Your Interests: Reflect on specific areas like software, cybersecurity, or hardware. Explore different sectors to find where you’d feel excited and prepared to excel.
- Develop Relevant Skills: Although tech sales don’t require a technical degree, understanding the basics of your chosen area can help. Online courses covering the fundamentals of technology are widely available.
- Use Your Military Network: The military community can be an invaluable resource for insights and job leads. Other ex-forces members who have transitioned into similar roles can offer advice on entering the industry.
- Leverage Supportive Platforms: Platforms like Redeployable are designed to offer military job support and help veterans transition into ex-forces jobs in the UK. They provide valuable resources, mentors, and job-matching support for those exploring civilian opportunities.
Ready to Jump into Tech Sales?
Tech sales can be a fulfilling career with strong earning potential, leveraging the unique skills of veterans UK. If you’re a service leaver exploring a new career, check out platforms like Redeployable for veterans support. With resources dedicated to careers in the armed forces and military job support, we can provide you with a solid path to achieving your professional goals in tech sales.
Plus, if you’ve not taken the Career Recommendation Report for a spin yet, then check it out. It uses AI to match your skills, experiences, and goals as well as lifestyle with specific roles. Click here, it only takes a few minutes.
