Tips for Military Women Transitioning into a Sales Career

Feeling uncertain about your next career move after the military? You’re not alone!

The skills you’ve built—leadership, adaptability, resilience—are exactly what you need to thrive in the civilian world.

And here’s something you may not have considered: sales could be the perfect fit for you.

In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with Patricia (Trish) Smith, a fellow Army veteran who successfully transitioned into cardiac medical device sales.

Like many of us, Trish didn’t initially see herself in a sales role.

In fact, she had the same hesitations many women veterans do—feeling unsure about what’s next or whether sales is even the right fit.

But she kept an open mind and found that her military background prepared her perfectly for a career in sales, offering her purpose, autonomy, and even some competition (which we military women know well!).

Here are a few things we discussed that I encourage you to keep in mind as you explore your next career:

1. Your Military Skills Translate

Leadership, adaptability, and the ability to learn on the go are highly valuable in the civilian workforce, especially in sales. You don’t need to be a sales expert to get started. Like Trish, you already have the foundation—you just need to find where your strengths fit.

2. Sales Offers Purpose Beyond “Selling”

Sales isn’t just about pushing products; it’s about providing value, solving problems, and making a real impact. For Trish, being a part of a person’s scariest day and offering a solution gave her the purpose she craved post-military. If you’re driven by helping others, sales can offer that fulfillment.

3. Network, Network, Network!

I can’t emphasize this enough: LinkedIn is your best friend. Trish and I connected through LinkedIn, and it’s been a game-changer for many women like us transitioning into civilian careers. Whether you're exploring opportunities or looking for advice, the power of networking can’t be underestimated. Get out there, start connecting, and watch doors open.

4. Keep an Open Mind

If you’re still unsure about your next move, stay open to opportunities. Sometimes, the path you least expect is the one that brings the most joy and success. Trish’s story is a great example of how an open mind and a willingness to explore different industries led her to a rewarding career.

It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now. What’s important is that you stay curious, keep exploring, and trust that your military experience has set you up for success.

If you’re ready to take that next step or just want to learn more about medical device sales, connect with Trish here >>> Patricia Smith https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/trishsmithdfw

You’ve got this!

With Appreciation,

Wendi

Tune in to full episode and originally written here: https://wendiwray.com/241

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I’ve never considered a career in sales. How can my military experience help me succeed in this field?

Many military women don’t initially see themselves in sales, but the skills you’ve developed—like leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability—are exactly what makes great salespeople. Sales is about building relationships, providing solutions, and delivering results, all things you’ve done in the military, even if it wasn’t called “sales.”

2. What if I don’t have a background in business or sales?

Many military women transition into sales without any formal sales background. What matters most is your ability to learn, adapt, and communicate effectively—skills you already have. Sales training programs and mentorship can help you develop industry-specific knowledge.

3. I’m not sure sales is the right fit for me. How can I know if it’s worth exploring?

Sales might not be on your radar, but it offers more than just selling a product—it’s about providing value, solving problems, and making an impact. If you enjoy working with people, helping others, and having measurable goals, sales could be a fulfilling path to explore.

Tune in to full episode and originally written here: https://wendiwray.com/241