Military to Civilian Employment

Military to Civilian Employment: A Career Practitioner's Guide is an essential resource for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting veterans to successfully transition to civilian employment. On average 5,000 highly skilled Canadian Armed Forces personnel will exit the military each year but many will require help in finding good jobs after serving their country.

Career coaches, counsellors, HR professionals, hiring managers and others working with ex-military personnel will all benefit from this specialized resource guide. Users of the guide will gain insights into military life and how to translate military experience and training into civilian terms, including "demilitarizing" resumés and matching skills with the right employers. Topics covered include career planning, job search, as well as coping and adaptation strategies. A chapter is also dedicated to the career development needs of military spouses. Helpful lists of services, programs and resources for veterans are included.


Authored by career development expert Yvonne Rodney, the guide incorporates the latest evidence-based research but is written in a conversational style, drawing on interviews with current and former service members. The guide is published by CERIC, a national charitable organization that advances education and research in career counselling and career development, in partnership with Canada Company, a charitable organization founded, funded and supported by the Canadian business community, to serve the military. It includes consultation and collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, Military Family Services, military-friendly employers and front-line career practitioners.