For veterans, moving on from the regimented life of the armed services can be exciting and daunting. While discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking are ingrained in their training, translating these skills into corporate success requires a new outlook.If you’re an ex-serviceman wondering what’s next, here are some of the best jobs for ex-servicemen that truly value your skills and experience. Fortunately, the private sector in India is increasingly recognizing the immense value ex-servicemen bring to the table, offering lucrative and impactful career options.
The Evolution Of The Private Sector:
In recent years, Indian private sector employment has been changing in how it hires, as many industries have emphasized the characteristics that ex-servicemen possess, such as integrity, reliability, and crisis management. Large corporations, MNCs, and even startup companies are looking into how ex-servicemen can apply their organized processes, risk management, and leadership skills to companies within their operations.
For example, organizations such as Tata Group, Reliance, and Infosys are leading the way in hiring ex-servicemen for leadership positions in logistics (including warehouse management), administration, and general security management. Even e-commerce organizations like Amazon and Flipkart have integrated explicit veteran hiring programs for their supply chain and warehouse facilities.
Top Private Sector Career Paths For Army Veterans:
1. Corporate Leadership And Strategy:
A high proportion of veterans enter business roles when they retire, often taking positions as Senior Managers or Vice Presidents overseeing Business Strategy, Team Collaboration, and Operational Efficiencies within a given segment of a company’s operations. The ability to lead subordinates during times of duress is paramount, and industries experience immense value from army veterans due to the high-stress circumstances they often faced during their service. The veteran’s training, experience, and background sell themselves in this environment.
2. Technology and Cybersecurity:
As the threat of cyber-attacks dramatically increases, veterans with previous intelligence backgrounds, Information technology, and computer information systems credentials should consider entering the newly termed “cyber” careers, which include Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, and Cyber Risk Assessment. Many firms have developed short-term contracts that offer basic certifications to help with their transition into this field.
3. Defence And Aerospace Consulting:
Once they transition out of the service, many defence personnel, but particularly those working for the Air Force or Navy, pursue private sector jobs for ex-servicemen & consulting roles for firms that offer airplane or aerospace engineering, aviation safety consulting, and defence manufacturing. India’s defence procurement environment is also putting a new emphasis on the “Make in India” defence production policy, with many public-private partnership opportunities for firms in aerospace and defence consulting.
4. Risk, Fraud Prevention, And Corporate Security:
Many banks and other financial organizations or corporate houses want veterans to help with risk management, compliance, and fraud issues. Because veterans have experience assessing threats to safety and security, have experienced operational oversight in crises, and understand logistics and supply chain best practices. They have an immediate understanding of these issues, potentially duplicating or transferring their military experience to the environment.
5. Operations And Logistics Management:
The entire logistics industry, related to e-commerce and retail in particular, is experiencing rapid growth. Ex-members of the military who were previously directly engaged in fixed and rotary wing operations, particularly Organizational-Level Operations (OLO) scale operations, are also entering this space to increase management capacity across planning, fleet management, and warehouse and distribution operations.
6. Entrepreneurship and Startups:
The startup ecosystem in India is flourishing, and many veterans are following suit by becoming entrepreneurs. Some of the sectors experiencing the most growth in veteran-led businesses include security services, defence technology, and adventure tourism. There are government programs, such as MUDRA and Stand-Up India, that support veteran entrepreneurs through funding efforts.
Looking for a fresh start? Explore top career options after defence retirement that make the most of your experience and passion.
Industry Insights and Market Trends:
- The demand for veterans in leadership roles is increasing. In a report released by Naukri.com in 2023, it was cited that businesses that implemented veteran hiring programs experienced lower attrition rates as well as an improved sense of discipline in the workplace.
- Cybersecurity is an emerging area that is going to see demand for many veterans. In a Worldwide IT report released by Nasscom, they stated that the next few years will see a need for over 1 million cybersecurity professionals in India. Army veterans with experience in intelligence and IT will have no issues transitioning into this type of work.
- Many more companies are offering formalized veteran hiring programs. Organizations, such as Amazon, Mahindra, and Flipkart, have started dedicated veteran hiring initiatives that serve as a liaison between military experience and the corporate world.
How Does Ekam Support Ex-Servicemen?
Ekam is not merely a placement service, it is a complete career transition ecosystem. Ekam provides a personalized approach, corporate training programmes, and connections to employers so that veterans can transition to derivative careers that suit their skills and career aspirations. Ekam enables ex-servicemen to take the lead on their journey from service to career and success.
Frequently asked questions(FAQs):
- Which Industries in India hire ex-servicemen?
Ex-servicemen are currently being hired by industries such as logistics, banking, IT, security services, defence consulting, and corporate management for various roles.
- Do veterans need special training for jobs in the private sector?
Most skills transfer naturally from your military experience; however, some job sectors, such as IT and cybersecurity, require shorter certifications. Ekam will assist you in determining where and what training you may need to be successful.
- Are there startup success stories of ex-servicemen in India?
Indeed! Reasonably, many ex-servicemen have launched successful businesses within the security services, logistics, adventure tourism, and defence technology industries. The Indian Government has also pledged funding and support toward these efforts.
- How do I get started with Ekam’s job placement support?
Simply register your information with Ekam. Our team of professionals will assist you in building your resume, aligning your skills to meet posted job requirements, and preparing you for future interviews in the private sector.