Unlocking Opportunities: The Best Ex-Military Careers and Essential Skills for Success

From that famous ‘can-do attitude’ - to discipline, leadership and adaptability. Men and women from the Armed Forces have acquired a diverse and unique set of hard and soft skills. 

These skills are well-sought after in Civvy Street, and although ‘civvies’ may have the same skills-set, ex-military personnel have acquired these skills in unique and at times, dangerous and high-pressured environments, which makes YOU even more poised for success. Although you have lots to offer in the way of skills and experience, it can be challenging for employers - and yourself - to grasp the true value of your military experiences and skills, and understand how they will apply to commercial business. So, to really unlock opportunities, it is important you are able to understand your skills, how they can translate into ‘civvy speak’ and show how you can add value to an employer.

If you read last month’s blog post around translating your skills (if not, have a look here) you will see the most in-demand soft and hard skills of 2024 are

So, why not get ahead of the game and look at the top skills of 2025? Perfect your skills, re-train and be one step ahead to secure the best opportunities as 2024 comes to an end and 2025 begins. The World Economic Forum has predicted the following skills to be in-high demand next year and we’ve chatted to Harry, our Pathways Programme Manager and former Royal Signals officer, who shares how he used 2025’s in-demand skills during his Service, to give you a good insight - and some ideas!

Top In-Demand skills of 2025

Analytical thinking and innovation

Bringing together information from a range of sources to understand the intent and predicted actions of others. Formulating new plans to remain one step ahead.

Active learning and learning strategies

Continuously striving for personal and professional development through formal learning courses and cadres, and less rigid instruction such as Adventure Training. Learning and developing skills drives a lot of military personnel, with a high volume of information required to be professionally effective. The Armed Forces offer a wide range of training and qualifications and developmental courses to enable career progression with technical and practical proficiency.

Complex problem solving

Drawing on your own professional understanding, and that of your wider team, to develop answers to difficult and interconnected problems. The orders and the combat estimate processes work together to provide a comprehensive framework to make decisions in a collaborative way, sharing expertise and understanding. All personnel are exposed to these at some level, even if they are only asking questions. Everyone has a part to play in solving the problems at hand.

Critical thinking and analysis

Understanding situations from multiple perspectives: your own, your team’s, the adversary’s, bystanders and those affected by default. The After-Action Review and Lessons Learned processes allow open and humble appraisal of your performance, as a team and as individuals. Constructive criticism and a genuine desire for continuous improvement are central to military ethos.

Creativity, originality and initiative

Developing new processes or procedures to improve efficiency. Being trusted to act independently and try new approaches to fix problems as they arise. I sped up a Unit’s recruitment and training process by 25% by changing the order in which modules were delivered. After convincing more senior figures that this could improve operational effectiveness, we trialled the system and it quickly became the new standard.

Leadership and social influence

Being seen to do what is right. Demonstration of excellence through personal example, at all ranks. Professional effectiveness and application of policies, protocols, and processes. Development of relationships across establishments, drawing on a network of contacts and colleagues.

Technology use, monitoring and control

Integrating technology into existing operating procedures. From using 3D printing to bring new parts to the battlefield without costly logistics chains, to the extensive use of drone systems now seen at all levels.

Resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility

Mental and physical robustness, developed through training, on exercises, and operations. Working long hours under difficult conditions to continually achieve successful outcomes. Working as part of – and with the support of – a team to maximise individual strengths and reduce overall weakness.

Reasoning, problem solving and ideation

The ability to visualise an outcome is key to formulating a plan: what do we want to achieve, by when, how, and with what resources are available? Seeing the way beyond the task’s end is critical. “Think to the finish” is a popular mantra.

These above skills you will have developed, without perhaps even realising - but they stand you in good stead for future employment. But what about industries and jobs to watch-out for and focus your resettlement efforts / up-skilling on?

Top in-demand Jobs to watch out for in 2025 for the Armed Forces Community

Unsurprisingly, the cybersecurity and tech field industries are predicted to further boom in 2025. To stay competitive, it is important whether you are in resettlement, or in employment, to continually update your skills and stay adaptable. Something members of the Armed Forces Community are experienced in. Keep a close eye on industry trends on social media and make sure you check out our free pathway courses, where we are already at the forefront, with three of the top 10 professions to watch-out for next year, we offer FREE training to the Armed Forces Community.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialists

Unsure what AI is? Read our blog post on what members of the Armed Forces Community can expect working in AI. If this has piqued your interest, we would love to see you on our next free, remote AI training course. Apply here today!

1. Data Scientists and Analysts

Your soft skills are a great fit for data analyst roles, but to enhance your skills and gain certifications, you can apply for our free data analytics course here. If you’re unsure what data analytics is - or want to learn about salary and opportunities, read our blog post here.

1. Cybersecurity Experts

Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand and is a field that ex-military personnel in particular do really well in. We are experienced in providing free training for those looking to get into cybersecurity, with great relationships with a number of employers who have employed our course graduates. Want to find out more about cybersecurity and our free training? Click here.

The other jobs Indeed has predicted are ones to watch-out for are below. Some may not be suitable for your skills and experience BUT the majority you could look at re-training if of interest to you. And some of the management roles, if you are skilled in leadership and communication, you will be well-suited to. Check out our guide on Enhanced Learning Credits if you want to further your knowledge using this scheme.

1. Healthcare Professionals

2. Software Developers

3. Renewable Energy Technicians

4. Logistics and Supply Chain Managers

5. Remote and Hybrid Work Specialists

6. Environmental Scientists 

7. E-commerce and Digital Marketing Professionals

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