2012 Employment Outlook
Want to know where to look for jobs in 2012? Check out these 10 veteran-friendly industries.
By Marty Levine 

Although the latest recession officially ended in 2010, the economic recovery in 2011 was underwhelming as the unemployment rate continued to hover around 9 percent. Still, corporate America hired more than 1 million workers in the first three quarters of the year, including many service members who left the military in 2011.

As 2011 draws to a close, we revisited the 10 most veteran-friendly industries, and identified continued opportunities for transitioning service members in 2012.

Although the latest recession officially ended in 2010, the economic recovery in 2011 was underwhelming as the unemployment rate continued to hover around 9 percent. Still, corporate America hired more than 1 million workers in the first three quarters of the year, including many service members who left the military in 2011.

As 2011 draws to a close, we revisited the 10 most veteran-friendly industries, and identified continued opportunities for transitioning service members in 2012. 

ENERGY
Few industries are predicting the job growth projected in the energy industry. “Our projection is that we’ll have a very strong hiring need over the next five years” in the nuclear industry, said Elizabeth McAndrew-Benavides, manager of industry infrastructure for the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) in Washington, D.C. “We’ve had very strong hiring rates over the past few years.”

NEI’s projection is based on its annual survey of nuclear energy companies throughout the United States. In 2009, the industry hired nearly 10,000 new workers, adding more than 5,000 in 2010.

“The hires that we have coming in are mainly to replace retirees,” McAndrew-Benavides said, and the industry is about to lose such workers at an astounding rate. Potentially 39 percent, or 25,000 people, of the 120,000-person work force is set to retire. Half of them work in nuclear power plants.

“A lot of people work in the nuclear industry because it’s a high-paying industry, relative to other industries,” said Mark Pan, a Navy Reservist and Navy nuclear program veteran who now works as an equipment operator at FirstEnergy’s Davis-Besse nuclear power plant in Oak Harbor, Ohio. “It’s an industry with a lot of growth potential.” 

Not Just Nuclear
The energy industry as a whole faces a similar retirement rate. An estimated 40 percent of the energy industry work force will retire or leave their jobs over the next five years, officials say.

“Considering a retiring work force, the opportunities in this field are in high demand,” said William “Wesley” Null, a Navy veteran whose construction skills as a Seabee led to his line mechanic role at American Electric Power. “The energy sector provides security and opportunities for advancement.”

ENERGY jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for nuclear engineers is $101,500, while nuclear technicians make $67,330 annually.

Energy Jobs in Demand
A new pilot program called Troops to Energy Jobs will accelerate the training and employability of veterans for key energy positions. With their extensive military training and experience, many veterans already have the skills and knowledge required for energy careers. High-growth energy careers in demand today include:

• Engineers
• Line workers
• Plant operators
• Technicians
• Pipefitters/pipelayers/welders
• Security officers

For more details, visit www.gijobs.com/energy
Source: Center for Energy Workforce Development
 

TRANSPORTATION
The transportation industry is one of the most prolific employers of military veterans, and a healthy 4-percent growth is projected through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). More than 390,000 jobs will be added during this period, according to the BLS. 

Trains
Railroads are in the vanguard: North America’s biggest railroad companies, Class I carriers, say their business is on the rise – and so is retirement. According to the Association of American Railroads, more than 67,000 railroad workers will reach retirement age over the next five years.

These jobs pay very well: The average full-time rail worker in 2009 earned $81,500 per year, plus benefits worth an additional $25,522, for a total average compensation of $107,085, according to U.S. government data. 

Planes
The outlook is great for aviation too. JSfirm.com, which surveyed more than 325 aviation companies in 2011, found that nearly 90 percent were hiring. It’s a field that’s open to all service branches and requires a wide variety of skills. As Army Reservist Stephanie Christopher, a corporate buyer with Southwest Airlines, noted: “Airlines need so much more than just pilots and mechanics. We aren’t just airplanes.” 

And Trucks …
The trucking industry already is facing a shortage of more than 200,000 workers, thanks to retirements and a new federal program to get unhealthy drivers off the road. And the shortage of drivers could get much worse over the next several years. “These are estimates that I’m hearing that we’re already short a quarter million and they estimate that these new laws are going to weed out another 400,000 drivers,” said David Lang, who owns a Mode Transportation logistics agency near Pittsburgh.

Mike Hinz, vice president of driver recruiting for Schneider National, agrees. An Army veteran himself, Hinz seeks other veterans to fill trucking positions in almost every major city across the country. “Veterans are hard-working, self-motivated employees who have the skills that are important to us – they can manage their own routes and trucks without someone standing over them like a lion tamer,” he said. 

TRANSPORTATION SALARIES
Railroads:
Full-time U.S. rail workers earned $81,563 per year on average in 2009, according to U.S. government data, with benefits adding $25,522. That’s about 60 percent more than the average U.S. employee.

Trucking:
According to the BLS, the mean salary for drivers of tractor-trailers and other heavy trucks is $39,450; it is $32,140 for drivers of delivery and other light trucks.

At Schneider National, drivers average $53,000 a year.

At Werner Enterprises, drivers start between $40,000 and 45,000 per year.

Aviation:
According to the BLS, airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers earn $115,300 on average; air traffic controllers, $110,280; and airfield operations specialists, $46,740.
 

TELECOM/TECHNOLOGY
Even in a less-than-stellar economy, the country is expected to add 785,700 new jobs in fields related to computer use during the decade leading to 2018, according to the BLS. Computer systems design and related services should increase by 45 percent, while management, scientific, and technical consulting services jobs should rise an astounding 83 percent in the same period. Overall, this sector should grow at twice the rate of all other occupational sectors in the U.S.

The computer industry is a good fit for many veterans. Cheryl L. Dupris has devoted the past 33 years to the Army, Army Reserve and National Guard, serving today as a Verizon consumer business and marketing customer representative.

“Veterans have that adventurous soul and that challenging mind,” Dupris said. “Most companies don’t offer the opportunities” she found in this industry with Verizon.

TELECOM/TECHNOLOGY FACTS
High-tech careers pay an average of $77,230 a year, according to the BLS.

Sample of jobs

• Network operations
• Field operations
• Switch operations
• Wireless engineers
• Customer service
• Retail sales
• Call center representatives
• Human resources
• Law
• Software development
• Mobile operations
• Business-to-business sales
 

RETAIL
Retail employment will grow by 4 percent during the decade leading to 2018, the BLS reports. That means 654,000 fresh positions in the industry. And there are many more opportunities than running a cash register. Retail operations employ vast armies of specialists, from IT to supply chain to marketing to distribution and manufacturing centers.

The retail environment can be a very unique work environment “because our customers are typically shopping for a solution for a problem,” said Home Depot Director of Talent Acquisition Eric Schelling. “We find that military associates possess excellent problem-solving skills that our customers greatly appreciate.”

Marine Corps veteran Rivera Williams, now a store manager at Safeway, admits that “there are 1 million and one things going on at once” at his job, but he doesn’t seem to mind. “I have to prioritize, accomplish my mission and when it is done, move on – just like the Marines.”

“The salary was one of the things that made me more attracted to this company,” said Kiyneischa Miller, a 2002 West Point alumna who is now Amazon’s Phoenix Fulfillment Center Area Manager. “I like the fact that the benefits give me the sense that I can be rewarded for every success the company has. It’s also a motivator to keep doing what I’ve been doing.” 

RETAIL SALARIES
The average salary for all retail posts is $36,760, according to the BLS, while first-line supervisors make an average of $39,890 a year.

MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing has added 289,000 jobs to the U.S. economy since December 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The future looks even brighter for those entering the civilian work force in manufacturing since almost 2.7 million manufacturing workers are 55 or older and thus headed toward retirement.

Veterans with technical skills and experience are well-positioned to replace them, since those without a military background likely lack the know-how to be hired in the same posts. Even those without directly transferable skills have an edge over their civilian counterparts because the intangible skills veterans learn in the military – leadership, discipline, flexibility, determination – provide a great foundation that allows them to contribute faster than most civilians.

“We’re doubling every few years,” said Holly Mosack, recruiting manager for Advanced Technology Services Inc. (ATS) and a former Army captain. ATS is just one company in the broad industrial products and services sector, which the BLS projects will expand by more than 2 percent by 2018 – growth ATS itself has already exceeded.

According to Ray Cuttino, lead recruiter and military recruitment specialist at Johnson Controls, his company plans to hire thousands of new employees by 2016.

MANUFACTURING FACTS
Starting salaries can range between $29,000 and $68,000, depending on the position, facility and location.

The average starting salary at ATS is $45,000.

Sample of Jobs:

• Maintenance technicians with electrical, electronics or mechanical aptitude
• Calibration technicians
• Metrologists
• Direct line leadership roles in fulfillment centers, operations managers, finance or human resource posts
• Maintenance technician-electrical
 

LAW ENFORCEMENT
The corrections industry is expected to experience 9 percent job growth through 2018, according to the BLS. And the expansion rate for local law enforcement should be even greater: 10 percent.

Even at correctional facilities, being a corrections officer isn’t the only career choice.

“The thought never really crossed my mind of all the other things that may be needed in terms of the offenders,” said James Hale, a Marine Corps veteran who now works as a casework manager for the GEO Group. “When I learned of case management, I was quite surprised with the amount of responsibilities that come with the job. It only expands from there to include all the other support staff that is needed to successfully operate a correctional facility, to include medical services, outside kitchen staff, maintenance, business operations, programs, educational staff, etc.”

Metropolitan police departments such as Dallas and Los Angeles actively recruit veterans, as do the Pennsylvania State Police, the U.S. Capitol Police and municipalities across the country. Nonetheless, veterans who have made the transition to police work say those leaving active duty should not expect the war-fighting mission of the military to mesh perfectly with civilian law enforcement.

“In the military, the mission is destruction of the enemy,” said Trooper

Matt Gibson, who joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2009 after a nine-year career in the Army. “That doesn’t translate to the State Police. There is much more tact involved in dealing with the public. One of the biggest learning points I had as a new trooper was listening to civilians and engaging them in dialogue. Senior troopers will tell you the quickest way to get yourself in trouble and out of trouble is with your mouth.”

LAW ENFORCEMENT SALARIES

• The average starting salary at the Wyoming Department of Corrections is $32,820 annually, plus benefits.
• In Los Angeles, a police officer with four years of military experience starts at $48,880
• Hired Pennsylvania State Police troopers earn $58,211,
• U.S. Capitol Police make $55,653
• Dallas Police earn $42,890
 

HEALTH CARE
More than a quarter of the new jobs created in the United States will be healthcare jobs through 2018 – an astounding conclusion reached by the BLS. That means 4 million new openings, created by longer life expectancies and an aging population. Healthcare support occupations themselves are projected to increase by 29 percent, or 1.1 million new jobs. Half of the professions experiencing the most rapid growth in this country are related to healthcare.

Every imaginable skill is needed in the health care field.

“McKesson offers a variety of career opportunities for military veterans appealing to multiple backgrounds and specializations,” said Marla Storm, human resources manager at McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical. “Leadership and development opportunities are available in areas varying from distribution centers to field sales positions to corporate offices, with opportunities in areas such as technology … or finance.”

John A. Claus, a diversity analyst in the Diversity & Work Environment Department for Merck, said veterans fit well into many types of pharmaceutical manufacturing careers. Pharmaceutical sales may be ideal for veterans who like the military’s frequent relocation and travel, while supply-chain management may be best for former logistics officers.

Claus said people with service experience – especially command experience – can likely step right in as a line manager or operational coach in one of Merck’s manufacturing plants. Salaries are “very competitive,” he reports, and benefits are great as well.

HEALTH CARE SALARIES
A recent report by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America found that “the annual average personal income of a biopharmaceutical worker was $118,690 in 2009 as compared to $64,278 in the overall economy.

Across all occupations involved in the biopharmaceutical sector, from scientist to technician to production worker, the average salary is higher in the biopharmaceutical industry than the average across all private sector industries.
 

FINANCIAL SERVICES
There is much more to the financial services industry than Wall Street, and that’s reflected in optimistic U.S. government growth predictions for the insurance industry (3 to 14 percent), banks (5 percent), and financial investors/advisors (12 percent) through 2018. As baby boomers hit retirement, the BLS predicts 62,800 new job openings in financial advising and 50,000 new insurance posts over the same period – a 30-percent increase from a decade earlier.

Recession or not, the industry is looking to hire veterans, particularly those “who are high achievers, who share integrity, intellectual curiosity and the desire to work in a congenial atmosphere with like-minded people,” said Nick Tsororos, executive director of recruiting for Morgan Stanley.

JPMorgan Chase joined 10 other large companies in a commitment to collectively hire 100,000 transitioning service members and veterans by 2021.

Recruiting Manager John Legrande recognizes the advantages of hiring veterans. “They represent the best the country has to offer – they have ethic, teamwork, loyalty, are result-oriented, and thrive under pressure when placed into the corporate culture.”

FINANCIAL SERVICES SALARIES
Financial consultants earn between $46,390 and $199,290 a year, according to the BLS.

The average salaries for other positions:

• Claims adjusters
• Examiners and investigators ($60,200)
• Insurance appraisers ($57,710)
• Financial analysts ($86,040)
• Personal financial advisors ($91,220)
• Insurance underwriters ($65,220)
• Financial examiners ($82,320)
 

DIVERSIFIED SERVICES
It’s hard to predict the future for diversified services, since they’re so, well, diverse.

For example: You might think you know what one such diversified services industry company does, just by its name: Waste Management Inc. And they do haul and dispose of the trash we all generate.

However, said Wes Reel, manager of disability and military recruiting and outreach for WM, “We are a truly diversified company. In addition to our core business of waste collection and disposal, our Wheelabrator Technology business operates waste-to-energy power production plants across America and our Upstream business consults to global customers on environmental issues.

“Let’s face it, it is not the most glamorous of businesses,” he adds. “But we are No. 1 in what we do and we are providing a valuable service to our customer.”

Dave Ferguson, manager of military staff and recruiting for GE, said the company has openings for field service technicians, manufacturing associates, call center representatives, entry level leadership programs and mid-career leadership positions. He said there are openings in more than 40 states.

 An Army veteran himself, it is Ferguson’s role to recruit veterans. “GE looks to hire veterans because their integrity, accountability, teamwork and focus on mission accomplishment are not only core competencies of the military profession, but also essential components of success at GE.”

DIVERSIFIED SERVICES SALARIES

Job opportunities at Waste Management include:

• Mechanics ($30,000-$60,000)
• Route managers ($50,000-$70,000)
• Fleet managers ($50,000-$80,000)
• Drivers ($25,000-$50,000)
• Customer service representatives ($25,000-$40,000)

Salaries are competitive at URS and include rewards and incentives for outstanding performance and contributions to the company. Education and experience required also vary.
 

DEFENSE
The defense industry is both a natural fit for service members and a good bet for new job seekers, since the BLS shows that the industry will add more than 50,000 jobs by 2018, growing at an annual rate of 3.7 percent.

“It is the belief that I could make a significant and indelible difference in the lives of both the war fighter and those who serve them – our employees – that led me to this job,” said Marine Corps veteran Dan Huff, who now works for DynCorp International in Afghanistan.

Although some defense contractors are mammoth international concerns, “don’t overlook a smaller company,” advised James “Jim” Zittel, an assistant executive director with ManTech International Corporation. “Look at who the company serves, compare your values to the company’s, and then look at their reputation.”

George Bassult, director of recruiting for AECOM, said there are numerous positions within the company for veterans. “At any given time, we can have over 2,000 openings,” he said.

CACI also places a high value on hiring veterans. The company “does it all in the IT arena,” according to Larry Clifton, senior vice president for recruiting and workforce planning, who said IT skills and security clearances are a potent combination. “With the type of services we offer, security is imperative.

Positions at CACI include network and software engineers, systems analysts, communications and intelligence analysts, background investigators, technicians and support staff, including administration, legal, human resources and accounting opportunities. 

DEFENSE FACTS
Starting salaries at AECOM range between $45,000 and $150,000 a year.

Starting salaries at CACI range from $50,000 to more than $100,000.

Job opportunities include:

• Engineering
• Project and program management
• Finance
• Human resources
• Technicians and mechanics
• Support services