Navigating Post-Military Life: Empowering Veterans with the Self-Directed Search (SDS)

The process of searching for a job can be challenging for anyone, but veterans transitioning to civilian life after the military face an especially difficult situation. Despite their bravery, extensive training, and remarkable skillsets, veterans have a harder time than most entering or re-entering the civilian workforce. This can lead to additional stress and anxiety during an already trying time of adapting back to life outside of the military.

Using career assessment tools can help veterans navigate post-military life by providing them with a chance to explore their skills and interests as well as information about career opportunities that align with them. One well-known tool that can be used for this purpose is the Self-Directed Search® (SDS®), which is designed to match aspirations, activities, and talents to career choices and educational opportunities. In this article, we will cover the challenges that veterans face when transitioning into the workforce and how the SDS can help them explore new avenues to enjoy a fulfilling career and life post-military.

Re-Entering Civilian Life: Issues for Veterans Seeking a New Career

Many people experience drastic career transitions over the course of their lives, be it due to lay offs or other reasons. Military veterans, however, face a singular situation when transitioning into civilian work. This is due to a variety of factors, including that they:

• May not have gained civilian work experience prior to joining the military
• Have less, if any, job interview experience
• Feel a shift in the loss of structure outside of the military
• Can struggle to adjust to the different pace of life and work
• May not understand how to leverage their transferable skills
• Have resumes that do not easily translate
• May lack certifications or degrees, despite having extensive skills and knowledge
• Often experience transition stress, which is often mislabeled as PTSD
• Have to manage VA appointments
• Can lack solid support systems or not know where to find support

Life looks exceptionally different in the military versus out, and this alone can make the transition feel taxing both mentally and emotionally. Active duty members of the military are not prepared for life beyond their institution the way that college students are, making their transition experience a uniquely arduous one. Veterans have been trained to do highly specific jobs in an environment that is unlike that of the average office, and thus they can struggle with adapting to the civilian work environment.

The Importance of Supporting Transitioning Veterans

According to Prudential’s Veterans’ Employment Challenge report, two-thirds of veterans experienced difficulty transitioning from military to civilian life. “Finding a job” was named their greatest challenge in transitioning. In addition, data from a LinkedIn report has showed that 33% of veterans are underemployed (15.6% more likely to be so than nonveterans).

Without clear resources available for support during this period of life, many veterans find themselves taking the first job available to them rather than working to find the best fit. This can lead to dissatisfaction and additional tolls on veterans’ mental health, as well as their overall individual success. Furthermore, stepping into a competitive world of self-promotion in the civilian workforce can be taxing and unfamiliar for these men and women who became accustomed to a life based on camaraderie, fellowship, and looking out for one another.

Supporting veterans during their transition is crucial for their well-being and success. Providing them with the right tools and resources can help them find careers that align with their skills and interests, leading to greater job satisfaction and mental health. Career assessment tools like the SDS can play a vital role in this process by helping veterans identify suitable career paths and providing them with a sense of direction and purpose.

The Role of the SDS in Supporting Transitioning Veterans

Despite the setbacks and novel challenges that veterans transitioning into the workforce face, these individuals have irreplaceable skills, knowledge, and experience that can benefit them in their careers. Knowing the type of career or industry to pursue is the first step in building this career, which is where the SDS can play a crucial role.

The SDS is based on Holland's RIASEC research which classifies individuals according to six basic types:

• Realistic
• Investigative
• Artistic
• Social
• Enterprising
• Conventional

The theory is based on the idea that if your personality type matches your work environment type, you are more likely to find job fulfillment and career satisfaction.

By taking the SDS, veterans can gain valuable insights into their strengths, interests, and preferences, which can help them identify civilian careers that align with their military skills and experiences. This personalized approach not only aids in career exploration but also provides a sense of direction and purpose, making the transition smoother and more manageable. Additionally, the SDS report offers practical tools such as a transition planning checklist and links between military job titles and civilian job titles, further supporting veterans in their journey to a successful civilian career.

Using the SDS: What to Know

The SDS is effective and easy to use, providing a deeper look than other tests without making the process or interpretation overly complicated. The process involves:

Taking the SDS

Veterans can start by visiting the SDS website and selecting the Veteran SDS option. The assessment consists of five sections and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. During the assessment, veterans will answer questions about their aspirations, activities, and talents.

Interpreting the Results

Once the assessment is completed, veterans will receive a customized SDS report. This report provides a detailed snapshot of their career-related personality and includes interactive tools to explore occupations and programs of study. The Veteran SDS report links former military job titles with civilian job titles, making the search for a fitting career easier. Additionally, the report includes a transition planning checklist to help veterans navigate their career transition effectively.

Additional Resources

In addition to the SDS, veterans can utilize resources like My Next Move for Veterans, which is specifically designed to help them explore career options. My Next Move for Veterans allows users to search for careers by entering their military job title or code, providing a list of civilian careers that match their skills and experiences. This resource also offers information on job outlook, required education and training, and potential salaries, helping veterans make informed decisions about their future careers.

By combining the insights gained from the SDS with the comprehensive information provided by My Next Move for Veterans, transitioning service members can create a well-rounded and effective career plan. This approach not only helps veterans identify suitable career paths but also provides them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their chosen fields.

Why Choose the SDS over Other Career Tests?

Navigating the transition from military to civilian life can be a daunting task for veterans, but the Self-Directed Search (SDS) offers a unique and effective solution. Unlike other career tests, the SDS is grounded in Holland's RIASEC theory, which provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's personality and how it aligns with various work environments. This personalized approach ensures that veterans receive tailored recommendations that match their skills, interests, and experiences, making the transition smoother and more fulfilling.

The SDS goes beyond simple career suggestions by offering practical tools such as a transition planning checklist and links between military and civilian job titles. This makes it easier for veterans to identify suitable career paths and take actionable steps towards achieving their goals. Additionally, the SDS report is interactive and user-friendly, providing veterans with the resources they need to explore occupations and programs of study in depth.

If you are a veteran, an active military member, or work with veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce, discover how taking the SDS can be a transformative step towards a fulfilling career.