Military 2 Civilian Employment: A Career Practitioner's Guide - 2nd Edition

Military to Civilian Employment: A Career Practitioner's Guide, 2nd Edition is a vital resource for Canadian career development professionals, including career coaches, counsellors, HR professionals and hiring managers, working with veterans and military families. This updated edition reflects recent changes within the Canadian military ecosystem and provides the latest tools, strategies and insights to help professionals support transitioning military members into civilian roles or further education.

Since the first edition was published, the landscape of military-to-civilian transitions has evolved, driven by shifts in military culture, support programs, and broader global and national contexts. With over 450,000 veterans in Canada and more than 8,000 military members transitioning out of service annually, the demand for effective support has never been higher. This new edition addresses the unique challenges faced by transitioning veterans and ensures career professionals are equipped to offer effective assistance in today's dynamic environment.

This guide serves as a comprehensive reference, helping career professionals understand military life, the challenges military members face when transitioning to civilian life, and the resources available to assist them. The updated edition includes new chapters on military cultural competent counselling (M3C), reservists and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as an employer, as well as the latest data, resources and profiles of organizations that support military members and their families.

Key features of the guide include:

• Understanding Military Life: The book examines military careers, explaining why individuals join, stay, and leave the military-essential knowledge for career professionals working with veterans.
• Cultural Competence and Counselling: A new chapter highlights the importance of understanding military culture and addressing the specific needs of veterans and their families, offering guidance on effective communication and career support.
• Resources and Support Systems: The guide delves into organizations like the CAF Transition Group, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Military Spousal Employment Network, along with other service providers that assist military members and veterans.
• Up-to-Date Transition Services: This edition discusses trends in veteran-friendly occupations, resume "demilitarization," and strategies for career planning, job searches, and skills matching.
• Family and Spouse Support: Recognizing families' crucial role in transitions, the guide includes strategies to support spouses in their career development.
• Veteran-Friendly Employers: Updated lists of veteran-friendly employers, education providers, and training resources help connect veterans to organizations that value their skills.
• Special Focus on Reservists: A new chapter addresses the unique career challenges faced by reservists compared to regular force members.