Once you’ve finally dropped your pack and your call of duty has concluded, many vets find themselves wondering, “How to go from the military to the civilian workforce?”

If your experience in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was like mine, you were briefed on all the benefits, school information, job interviews and the works. But the TAP employees who helped me never really mentioned writing a resume or how to transform military skills into civilian workplace skills.

I’m not an expert on resumes, but I have received helpful tips from colleagues and I have personal experience you may find useful. There are several different military occupation specialties (MOS) you can transfer to the civilian world once you’ve graduated from NIU.

I do not have enough space to mention every MOS, so I’m just going to bunch them up into categories.

First, if you served in the military then you can say you’re comfortable with a changing work environment and possess great time management skills.

I think all who have served can attest that the military has a highly alternating work environment. One day they have you do this, the next day you do that. This is a valuable skill that employers desire.

For the supply, and administration veterans, you have a very valuable skill that employers want: accountability.

Make sure you remember to mention how much the total value of the equipment you were in charge of was. If you had a security clearance, that is a must on your resume. Also, make sure you mention any sort of medals or certificates you received from your job.

For the motor transportation, air wing, machinists and other mechanically inclined veterans (including communications), you have a very valuable weapon for your resume: You’re technically savvy and have a specialized field.

Make sure you mention specifically what you are trained to do: what tools, safety certifications–everything–you’ve accomplished. If you were a diesel mechanic and want to do sales, mention your ability to memorize products, work under supervision of your superiors, and the accountability you have for safety and accomplishment of the mission.

For the infantry veterans: This one seems especially difficult for any job that doesn’t involve carrying a gun, but I assure you there were many good skills you learned in the infantry.

For example, accountability and leadership skills can be included. If you were in charge of any troops you can use this almost like a shift supervisor. Mention the health and safety of soldiers you were responsible for, accountability of gear, accomplishing of tasks, any time you conducted a class for your junior enlisted warriors, and time management that was required of you as an infantryman.

We as veterans are more than just dumb high school grads who liked to play with a rifle. We have developed many skills that are transferable to almost anywhere in the work place. Just remember it is your job to utilize those skills to help sell yourself and get ahead in the workplace.