From Uniform to Civilian Success: Career Opportunities After the Military
Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. After years of service, many of you are now faced with the challenge of defining your next mission. The uncertainty of what lies ahead, and how to best apply the skills you learned in the military, can be overwhelming. However, innovative programs are now bridging the gap, enabling you to carry forward your commitment to service in new, rewarding ways.
Navigating Your Next Mission
As service members, you’ve developed a wide array of skills—leadership, problem-solving, discipline—that are highly valued across many industries. Yet, stepping into the civilian workforce often feels daunting. The civilian job market operates differently, and translating your military experience into civilian language can be challenging. This is why support programs tailored for military members transitioning to civilian life are vital. They guide you through the transition, ensuring that you can successfully shift into a career that aligns with your skills and values.
A Natural Fit in a New Field
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has recognized the value that veterans bring to the workforce and, in partnership with the DOD SkillBridge Program, is opening doors into the pest control industry. This partnership provides a seamless pathway for transitioning service members, offering a comprehensive 8-10 week internship with NPMA member companies across the country. The best part? You continue to receive your military pay and benefits during this period, allowing you to focus on learning and adapting without financial worries.
Pest control might not be the first post-military career opportunity that comes to mind, but it's a field where your military skills—such as leadership, problem-solving, and dedication to service—are highly valued. As Trent Kucherka, BCE, Sales Representative II at Veseris, and a military intelligence officer, aptly puts it, “Veterans bring a valuable skillset and work ethic that seamlessly translates to success in our field.”
The pest control industry is crucial in safeguarding homes, businesses, and food supplies. For many veterans, stability and meaningful work in this field offers a sense of purpose and a way to continue their mission of protection and service in a new, impactful context.
The Training and Support to Succeed
Success in your civilian career isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about finding the right job after the military with the right support. NPMA’s Military Hiring Program ensures that you receive the necessary training to become a proficient Pest Control Service Technician.
As Eric Fugate, Operations Superintendent (Geospatial Intelligence Analyst) at Joint Intelligence Operations Center, US Indo-Pacific Command, and current DOD SkillBridge intern at Rambo Total Pest Control, states, “For many service members, they have somewhat of a broad idea of what they may want to do after the uniform but have no real opportunity to try it out ‘in the wild’, and that is exactly what SkillBridge offers.”
This program doesn’t just equip you with technical skills; it also connects you with a network of industry professionals who understand the unique challenges of transitioning from military life. The support network extends beyond job training, offering job transfer assistance and fostering a sense of camaraderie among veterans who have successfully navigated this path before you.
Your Path to Civilian Success
Transitioning to civilian life may seem intimidating, but with programs like NPMA’s Military Hiring Program, you are not alone. The valuable internships, comprehensive training, and strong support network this initiative offers provide you with the tools to secure meaningful employment in an industry that respects and values your unique military experience.
If you’re ready to transition from protecting our nation to safeguarding our communities, the path is clear—and it begins with a program dedicated to your success.
For more information, visit our Military Hiring Program page.