When you move from the Department of Defence to the corporate world, you’re not just changing jobs—you’re changing cultures. The military has its unique lexicon and ethos, but as you enter “civvy street,” you’ll need to get fluent in the language of self-promotion and corporate expectations.

Speak Their Language, Make Your Mark

Language matters. In your military career, phrases like “troops and personnel” were the norm. But in the civilian world, you’ll need to swap out that jargon for terms that are more universally understood. It’s not “troops,” it’s “staff.” It’s not “personnel,” it’s “team members.”

Similarly, job titles in the military can be perplexing to civilian recruiters. “Corporal,” “Captain,” and “Lieutenant” don’t provide much context. Opt for terms that define your leadership role, such as Departmental Manager, Area Manager, Team Leader, or Supervisor. Also, specify the number of people you managed; it provides context and quantifies your leadership skills.

Own Your Achievements, Stand Out in the Crowd

In the military, credit often gets distributed among the team, and individual accomplishments might not be the focus. However, in the corporate environment, your potential employers seek individuals who can add unique value to their organisation. They want proactive problem-solvers, not just someone who does their job within a 9-to-5 schedule.

To shine, you have to share your personal achievements, your ‘above and beyond’ contributions that made a difference. This is not the time to be modest or to distribute your achievements amongst the team. Speak up, take ownership, and let potential employers know what you bring to the table.

Adjust, Don’t Insist

Letting go of the past is essential for a smooth transition. If you try to change the corporate culture to fit your past experiences, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Adaptation is the key.

So, are you ready to ditch the military speak and embrace your new corporate identity? Your successful transition depends on your ability to adapt, adopt new terminology, and, most importantly, sell yourself as the asset you undoubtedly are. Welcome to “civvy street.” You’ve got this!