As veterans make the transition from the military world into the civilian sector, location can make all the difference in their efforts to find jobs and establish stability for themselves and their families. Financial services company, USAA, teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program to publish a list of the best places for veterans to pursue new careers after the military.
The cities are ranked using veteran-focused data points like the amount of veteran-owned business per capita, percentage of job growth, the veterans’ unemployment rate, the prevalence of military skill and government jobs, the veteran wage growth rate, and the availability of health resources. The list provides some great insights for veterans and their family members who are in the process of deciding between relocating or going back home.
This two-part career series will highlight positions with Hirepurpose partners that represent great opportunities for veterans of all ranks that are located in the 10 places that made the list.
1. Service manager in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City was ranked as the number one place for veterans to put down roots due to its growing economy, high rates of pay for small business employees, and the fact that it has the lowest veterans unemployment rate of all the cities on the list. Former service members who understand all things green, and can manage a diverse team of customer-service professionals would be well-suited for this management position with Scotts LawnService, the world’s leading supplier and marketer of consumer products for do-it-yourself lawn and garden care. Military leadership skills will come in handy for this role, as the team must be trained, coached, and counseled to provide top-notch service and maintain the systems that will make that happen. Scotts is led by a military veteran and fosters an environment of support for both active and transitioning armed service members and their families.
2. Manager of implementations, pharmacy systems in greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Coming in at number two on the best places for veterans list, Pittsburgh has a lot to offer for job-seeking veterans. The city has above-average rates of veteran wage growth and small business pay, as well as an affordable cost of living. Former officers or senior enlisted members with strong leadership and three years of project management experience would find this job with Mckesson a good fit. McKesson is the oldest and largest health care services company in the nation and one that has implemented a strong veterans recruiting program in order to attract skilled military talent. A deep understanding of technology, process improvement, and the ability to set an efficient pace for productivity while managing multiple customer relationships is needed to be successful in this role.
3. Materials recovery facility manager in Houston, Texas
With the highest average salary for small business employees, lower than average cost of living and abundance of government jobs, Houston, Texas, came in third on the USAA best places for veterans list. Motivated military alumni who have environmental and recycling management experience as well as a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering would be well-suited for this materials facility manager role with Waste Management, Inc. As the leading provider of integrated environmental solutions in North America, Waste Management has a clear dedication to hiring those who have served. One in twelve of their employees is a veteran and they hire one veteran for every day of the year.
This high-level management position requires an individual with the ability to maintain safe and efficient operations while utilizing their military leadership experience to analyze business data and as motivate teams for success.
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4. Wire technician in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Those transitioning service members who are looking to enjoy year-round shorts weather in a bustling city with the highest rate of small businesses per capita will want to explore this opportunity with AT&T;. AT&T; has been highly ranked on the “Top 100 Military Friendly Employers List” that is published each year by G.I. Jobs and maintains a comprehensive veterans-talent attraction team.
This position offers a great training program and requires someone with highly acute fine motor skills, a familiarity with wiring, and the ability to work with customers. Those former military men and women who served in occupational specialties such as electrician’s mate or interior electrician will find themselves right at home here.
5. Rental sales associate in New Orleans, Louisiana
History, culture, art, and military service are all a part of what makes New Orleans an amazing place to live. Coming in at number five on the best places for veterans list, the Crescent City boasts the lowest rate of veteran unemployment among the cities in the top ten and an above-average rate of veterans salary increases over the last five years.
If you are an outgoing veteran who knows your way around the sales process, this position with Avis Budget Group might be just the type of job you are seeking. Avis is known for its culture of military inclusiveness and support of veterans causes like the 100,000 Jobs Mission, Veterans Across America, and the USO. The position offers a lucrative commission/incentive plan as well as extensive training that can take your military customer service and people skills to the next level. Those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who spent their time in the service in roles such as public relations, protocol, or administration will definitely want to take a look at this opportunity.