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How can the skills and experiences gained in military service help veterans pursue careers.

I would like to know if I can do both becoming a veteran and a zoologist at the same time? Is it possible?

Thank you comment icon Yes, you can serve in the military and pursue zoology, but balancing both at the same time is tough. Your best bet? Use military education benefits like the GI Bill to study zoology after service. Some military roles may even involve wildlife conservation. Plan smart, stay disciplined, and make it happen. Syuk Chang

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Richard’s Answer

Performing military service does not mean your civilian career must be put on hold. You can pursue both.

The National Guard or Reserve can give you the military experience you are looking for while you develop your civilian skillset.

The best part is that the military will give you tuition assistance for college once you've completed initial training which is totally separate from the GI bill which you will be eligible for after completing a time of service.

You can get a degree that compliments the job that you have in the military or your degree can be something totally unrelated.

The Guard and Reserve also give you access to healthcare that is not connected to a civilian job so if you are looking at a part time internship to build your skills and experience, you are still covered.

I can't speak for every branch, but the Air Force Reserve will fund an associate, bachelor, and master degree with tuition assistance and a certification if you are on full time orders. You could then parlay your GI bill to get your doctorate. Alternatively once you serve a full tour or completed 90 days on title 10 orders, you could be a full time student while serving by utilizing your GI bill.

Richard recommends the following next steps:

The next step would be to speak with a recruiter of whichever branch you find most aligns with your values and look into opportunities in the Guard or Reserve
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Iryna’s Answer

Hello!

Military service equips veterans with a range of valuable skills and experiences that can significantly enhance their career prospects:

Skills and Experience Gained from Military Service:
Leadership and Teamwork: Veterans often hold leadership positions and work in teams, fostering strong collaboration and communication skills.
Discipline and Work Ethic: The military instills a strong sense of discipline, reliability, and professionalism.
Problem-Solving: Veterans are trained to think critically and react quickly to challenging situations, enhancing their analytical skills.
Technical and Specialized Skills: Depending on their roles, veterans may acquire specific technical skills relevant to various industries.
Adaptability: Military training prepares individuals to adapt to new environments and challenges, an essential trait in any career.
Time Management: Veterans frequently manage multiple tasks under pressure, honing their organizational skills.
Diversity Training: Exposure to diverse teams fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Yes, it is possible to become both a veteran and a zoologist. Here’s how you can approach this path:
Education: After or during your military service, obtain a degree in zoology or a related field. Many veterans use educational benefits (like the GI Bill) to fund their education.

Internships and Experience: While studying, seek internships or volunteer opportunities at zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or research institutions to gain practical experience.

Networking: Connect with professionals in zoology and related fields who value the skills veterans bring to the table. Join relevant organizations and attend workshops or conferences.

Combination of Roles: Some roles within the military may allow you to work on wildlife conservation or related projects, blending both careers.

Utilize Veteran Resources: Look for programs and organizations that support veterans transitioning to civilian careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In summary, your military skills can greatly enhance your career prospects, and it is entirely feasible to pursue a career in zoology post-service. By leveraging your military benefits, you can achieve your academic and professional goals in this field.

Good Luck!
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Chad
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Denesha’s Answer

As someone who's about to become a Navy veteran, I can say the skills and experiences I've gained over the years have really prepared me for new career paths. I'm a Yeoman, First Class Petty Officer, and I've worked in Administration, Human Resources, Personnel, Information Security, and Legal. I also have three degrees and am part of a VA program called VR&E, which will cover my second Master's degree in HR. I'm also in the O2O program, which will pay for my SPHR certification.

You can definitely be a veteran and a zoologist. Just make a plan and go for it. Use your resources like the GI Bill, VR&E, and more.
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Walter’s Answer

Hey Chad,

Balancing school and military duties can be challenging, depending on your branch, but it's definitely possible to pursue your dreams while serving. You can study for a career or hobby you love with help from programs like tuition assistance and the GI Bill. If you're interested in zoology, your chain of command should support and help you achieve your goals.

If you're in the Navy, you might even have the chance to work on research ships that study animals in their natural habitats. You can also chat with local Quartermasters or Sonar techs to learn about marine life, their sounds, and where to find them. There's usually a handy chart on the bridge listing marine life you might encounter.

While marine animals are just one part of what you could find in zoos, it's a great starting point. I hope this helps, and if you find any value here, you're doing great!
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Bright’s Answer

Military service can provide veterans with a variety of skills and experiences—such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving—that can translate well into many civilian careers. These qualities are highly valued in fields like management, law enforcement, healthcare, and more.

As for pursuing both a career as a veteran and a zoologist, it may be challenging to juggle both at once. While serving in the military is a full-time commitment, it’s possible to transition into a career in zoology after military service. Veterans often pursue education and certifications in their chosen field post-service, leveraging the benefits provided to them (such as the GI Bill) to support their studies. Pursuing both simultaneously would require careful planning and flexibility.

Good luck
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Chad
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