Leaving the military is not easy. Fact. But finding a new career that aligns with your values and skills means you can find a second career that still scratches the purpose itch and drives you to do incredible things.
Enter the sustainability industry. Veterans can find purpose and fulfilment similar to the military. It’s a mission-focused career path. If you’re thinking about sustainability, but you’re still on the fence, then give this a read.
Mission driven.
It doesn’t get much more purpose-led than trying to protect our precious planet for generations to come. It’s hero level.
Shared Values: The commitment to a cause greater than oneself resonates with the values instilled in military service.
Sense of Duty: Working towards sustainability goals provides a similar sense of duty and responsibility as serving in the military.
You’ll actually be able to see the impact you make, actively contributing to efforts that combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and ensure the well-being of our planet.
Use the skill set that you’ve got
That enviable skill set that you’re sitting on strikes again. There’s a MASSIVE overlap between the skills you need in sustainability and the skills you’ve perfected in the military. Without going into role-specific skills (of which there are hundreds of different functions and roles), here’s an overview:
Leadership and Teamwork: Veterans are accustomed to leading and working as part of a team, essential skills in sustainability projects that require collaboration and coordination.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: It’s one big problem. So the ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing situations makes veterans well-suited to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability.|
Project Management: Experience in planning and executing operations translates well to managing sustainability initiatives, as often missions are broken down into smaller campaigns and projects.
Obviously a lot of this depends too on the function you go into. You could go into renewable energy, managing projects in solar, wind, and bioenergy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Environmental consultancy roles involve advising organisations on how to minimise their ecological footprint and comply with environmental regulations. Sustainable agriculture and forestry positions focus on promoting practices that protect natural resources and ensure long-term food security. Additionally, you could look at policy and advocacy, influencing sustainable practices and legislation at local, national, and global levels. It’s BIG.
And it’s only getting bigger and bigger.
The sustainability industry in the UK is rapidly growing, driven by increasing awareness of environmental issues and a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. So if you want a safe, well-funded industry then this ticks the box.
Continuous Learning: The evolving nature of sustainability means that there are always new challenges and learning opportunities. You can benefit from ongoing professional development through certifications, training programs, and higher education in environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainability management. The industry relies upon people who are looking to learn and keep ahead of the curve.
Professional Growth: Rapid growth means those in the middle of it will also experience rapid growth. There’s a huge demand for skilled professionals, which you likely are. You won’t need to go in at entry level either, you can leverage your military training and take on leadership roles in project management, operations, and strategic planning. The UK government’s support for green initiatives and the growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility create a perfect storm for a great career.
Sounds like a bit of you? We’re constantly working with energy and sustainability companies, all who we know want veterans. If you think a career in sustainability is for you then jump into the Redeployable community and chat with others who have been there. They’ll clear up any questions. Go go go!
