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How do I prepare myself for life after mandatory army service through AROTC?
I have an AROTC Scholarship that I plan on using. The aspect of having a job immediately after college enticed me, but what comes after that?
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Wyatt’s Answer
Hey, first off—congratulations on earning that AROTC scholarship! That’s a huge achievement, and you should be proud of yourself. I’m excited to share some thoughts, as I’ve walked a similar path: I earned a 4-year AROTC scholarship and served 7 years as an Army officer.
Here’s the thing—your Army service is going to give you a ton of valuable experience, but sometimes it’s not obvious how those skills translate to civilian jobs. I’ve seen a lot of friends worry that they didn’t have “marketable” skills after leaving the Army, or they struggled to find a job that both paid well and felt fulfilling.
But here’s what I learned: while the Army will challenge you, there are also a lot of ways you can make it work for you. For example, your scholarship is already covering your undergrad degree—so make sure you pick a field that’s valuable and has good career prospects. I chose computer science, which opened a lot of doors for me later.
While you’re serving, take advantage of every opportunity to earn certifications and further your education—the Army will often pay for these. I was able to get my CompTIA Security+ and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications, among others, all funded by the Army. I also used Army benefits to pay for my graduate degree in computer science.
By the time I transitioned out after 7 years, I had a strong mix of leadership experience and technical qualifications, which made me feel confident interviewing for civilian roles.
And don’t worry—the Army actually does a pretty good job helping you transition. I participated in the “Hiring Our Heroes” fellowship during my last six months, and it was a game-changer. They help connect you with a ton of companies and provide real support as you make the leap to civilian life.
For now, my best advice is to focus on school, listen to your ROTC instructors, keep up your fitness, and build strong friendships—you’ll value those connections for years to come. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way!
If you have any more questions or want to talk specifics about degrees, certifications, or the transition process, just let me know. You’ve got a bright future ahead!
Here’s the thing—your Army service is going to give you a ton of valuable experience, but sometimes it’s not obvious how those skills translate to civilian jobs. I’ve seen a lot of friends worry that they didn’t have “marketable” skills after leaving the Army, or they struggled to find a job that both paid well and felt fulfilling.
But here’s what I learned: while the Army will challenge you, there are also a lot of ways you can make it work for you. For example, your scholarship is already covering your undergrad degree—so make sure you pick a field that’s valuable and has good career prospects. I chose computer science, which opened a lot of doors for me later.
While you’re serving, take advantage of every opportunity to earn certifications and further your education—the Army will often pay for these. I was able to get my CompTIA Security+ and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications, among others, all funded by the Army. I also used Army benefits to pay for my graduate degree in computer science.
By the time I transitioned out after 7 years, I had a strong mix of leadership experience and technical qualifications, which made me feel confident interviewing for civilian roles.
And don’t worry—the Army actually does a pretty good job helping you transition. I participated in the “Hiring Our Heroes” fellowship during my last six months, and it was a game-changer. They help connect you with a ton of companies and provide real support as you make the leap to civilian life.
For now, my best advice is to focus on school, listen to your ROTC instructors, keep up your fitness, and build strong friendships—you’ll value those connections for years to come. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way!
If you have any more questions or want to talk specifics about degrees, certifications, or the transition process, just let me know. You’ve got a bright future ahead!
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Rowan,
Congratulations on earning a scholarship! That's a fantastic achievement. I understand your thoughts about mandatory army service. In Singapore, where I'm from, we also have to serve. I've been in the workforce for over 20 years now, and I've noticed that many successful leaders in multinational companies started their careers in the army.
Here are some important skills you can gain during your army days:
1) Leadership and Project Management
- You'll learn how to lead a team and manage projects. This is useful in any job because you'll need to work with people at different levels to achieve goals, whether it's a project or an event launch.
2) A Winning Mindset
- Army training helps build a strong mindset. You'll learn to endure challenges and stay focused on success, which requires both physical and mental strength.
3) Camaraderie Building
- You'll develop the ability to work effectively with a diverse team. In the army, you meet people from various backgrounds, and you have to collaborate with them. This skill is crucial in the corporate world, where teamwork is key to reaching common goals.
Remember to highlight these valuable skills on your resume. Whether you choose to stay in the army or move into the private or public sector, the future holds many opportunities for you.
Best wishes,
Eric :)
Congratulations on earning a scholarship! That's a fantastic achievement. I understand your thoughts about mandatory army service. In Singapore, where I'm from, we also have to serve. I've been in the workforce for over 20 years now, and I've noticed that many successful leaders in multinational companies started their careers in the army.
Here are some important skills you can gain during your army days:
1) Leadership and Project Management
- You'll learn how to lead a team and manage projects. This is useful in any job because you'll need to work with people at different levels to achieve goals, whether it's a project or an event launch.
2) A Winning Mindset
- Army training helps build a strong mindset. You'll learn to endure challenges and stay focused on success, which requires both physical and mental strength.
3) Camaraderie Building
- You'll develop the ability to work effectively with a diverse team. In the army, you meet people from various backgrounds, and you have to collaborate with them. This skill is crucial in the corporate world, where teamwork is key to reaching common goals.
Remember to highlight these valuable skills on your resume. Whether you choose to stay in the army or move into the private or public sector, the future holds many opportunities for you.
Best wishes,
Eric :)