Why Women Veterans Should Explore Sales Opportunities

Can I be honest with you? I had no idea how my military skills would translate into the civilian world.

So if this is you, you are not alone!

Today, I want to shed some light on a role I didn't consider as I was transitioning into the civilian sector.

And encourage more women to consider...

Sales.

It can be an excellent growth opportunity for you and your military skills are a perfect fit for these roles.

Many military women often overlook sales because they don't know enough of what the role entails so all they can imagine is a car salesman.

Or it can require over 70% of travel on their part so may not fit within their family schedule.

Which I can relate and understand.

But for those of you that are able to travel and tap into the growth opportunities, I encourage you to consider sales.

Skills woman veterans already possess that align with a sales career:

1. Self-Motivation

In the military, you’re trained to push yourself and accomplish missions without needing constant direction. That drive and inner motivation translate directly to the world of sales, where staying focused and motivated is critical for success. Sales professionals are expected to work independently, often setting and meeting their own goals—something you’ve already mastered.

2. Problem Solving

Sales is all about finding solutions for customers' challenges. As a veteran, you’ve been trained to focus on solutions, and you don’t stop until you’ve resolved the issue. This persistence and ability to solve complex problems are key assets in the sales environment.

3. Working Under Pressure

Military life often involves high-pressure situations where the outcome depends on your ability to stay calm and make decisions under stress. In sales, meeting quotas, handling difficult customers, and managing tight deadlines are part of the job. Your ability to remain composed and execute under pressure gives you a significant edge in this field.

4. Communication

You already know how crucial communication is in the military—whether it’s giving orders, briefing teams, or negotiating in high-stakes situations. These skills are invaluable in sales, where the ability to communicate clearly, listen to client needs, and persuade others is vital to closing deals and building relationships.

5. Confidence and Leadership

As a leader in the military, you developed the confidence and authority needed to command attention and respect. In sales, your leadership skills come into play when you’re guiding clients toward the best solutions and building trust with your team and customers. Confidence is key to thriving in any sales role.

Could Sales Be a Great Career Path for Women Veterans

Sales roles are often overlooked, but they offer significant earning potential, career growth, and the ability to use your military-honed skills.

So if you’re considering a new career path, sales is a dynamic field that welcomes your unique strengths.

Let me know in the comments if you’re considering or currently pursuing a sales opportunity or send me a DM if you have any questions!

With Appreciation

Wendi Wray

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What makes sales a good fit for women veterans?

Sales leverages many of the strengths developed in the military, such as self-motivation, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure. Women veterans often bring strong leadership, effective communication, and confidence to the table—qualities that are essential for success in sales. These skills enable them to connect with clients, close deals, and excel in high-pressure environments.

2. I don’t have a sales background. Can my military experience still translate to success in sales?

Absolutely! Many sales skills are transferable from your military experience. In the military, you learned how to communicate effectively, solve problems, and work toward a goal, often under high pressure. These are core skills in sales as well. You don’t need prior sales experience to thrive in this field—your military background has already equipped you with the foundation for success.

3. Why should I consider a sales career over other civilian job options?

Sales offers significant earning potential, career growth, and flexibility. Unlike some traditional roles, sales allows you to directly influence your income through performance, giving you control over your success. It’s also a dynamic field with opportunities across various industries, so you can align your passion with a rewarding career. For many women veterans, sales provides the challenge and autonomy they enjoyed in the military, while offering new professional rewards.