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Every role is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specification, job description and adverts for each role you consider applying for –  

• Adaptability – Coping with change, learning new skills, and adjusting to different tasks or locations.
• Communication – Clear, confident verbal and written skills for briefings, reports, and coordination.
• Cultural Awareness – Respect for diversity and the ability to work with people from varied backgrounds.
• Discipline – Maintaining focus, following procedures, and demonstrating self-control.
• Integrity – Upholding high ethical standards, trustworthiness, and reliability.
• Leadership – Taking responsibility, motivating others, and making decisions under pressure.
• Problem-Solving – Staying calm, thinking quickly, and finding solutions in high-pressure situations.
• Resilience – Physical and mental stamina to perform in demanding conditions.
• Teamwork – Working effectively with others in challenging and varied environments.
• Technical Competence – Depending on the role, skills in engineering, IT, navigation, medical care, or specialist equipment. 

In order to develop these skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term. Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to build relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in   

Volunteering 

The following student societies are linked to the respective Armed Forces divisions. Joining one will increase your insight and develop your skills. 

•  (´¡°ù³¾²â)
•  (±·²¹±¹²â)
•  - RAF Volunteer Reserve unit for students studying at Bristol including UWE, Bath, Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ and Plymouth Universities. 

Other opportunities to develop transferable skills 

• – Train and mentor cadets, develop instructional skills, and experience military-style activities.
• – Take on roles in emergency response, refugee support, and community outreach, building problem-solving and empathy.
• – Support youth cadet programmes and develop leadership, discipline, and organisational skills.
• – Learn teamwork, navigation, and emergency response by supporting lifeboat operations.
• – Lead activities, develop communication skills, and mentor young people.
• – Gain first aid skills, work under pressure, and build resilience through public event support.
• – Learn teamwork and problem-solving in community safety and emergency situations. 

Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Employability Schemes 

• Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university. Professional development workshops such as ‘Communication and Collaboration Skills’ and ‘Virtual Escape Room’ may be of particular interest.
• The Exeter Leaders Award: Showcases your leadership skills, drawing on your previous experience.
• The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. 

Finding part time work  

  offer part-time paid roles in the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. They combine training, teamwork, and leadership experience. Specialist advice on roles and the recruitment process can be accessed at armed forces careers centres (AFCO). Some may run recruitment drives during Fresher’s Week  

Most graduates join the army as an officer, which is a leadership position. 

The application process to the armed forces can involve several stages, including: 

• health and fitness assessments
• aptitude and
• security checks
• interviews. 

Before applying read   

Initial applications are made online through the following websites: 

• . The Army runs a paid 12 month  for which you apply a year ahead.
• – For engineering, science, and technical undergraduates planning a military career. 

A sector related internship or placement year could be useful if you are interested in applying for a specialist area, such as engineering or healthcare. Consider also, 

• and  - for people interested in the security services. 

For general information about finding graduate and placement opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page. 

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector and /or role. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. For some jobs, you do not need a lot of qualifications. Wherever you start, you'll have the chance to build a career, get more qualifications and move up through the ranks. Use the sites below to explore the professional development opportunities and ask for more details at your local Armed Forces Careers Office. 

• – Higher-level professional military education for officers across all services.
• – Funding for service personnel to undertake recognised qualifications.
•  

Advice 

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.   

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.  

• - Professional body for transport, supply chain, and logistics specialists — core skills in all branches of the military.
• - Supports HR, training, and people management professionals, including those in military administrative roles.
• ) - Supports leadership and management development. Many Armed Forces training programmes lead to CMI-accredited qualifications.
• ) - Offers leadership qualifications and professional recognition; military courses often align with ILM standards.
• - Professional home for engineers, technicians, and IT professionals; works closely with military technical trades.
•  
  Recognises and supports engineers, including those trained in military settings. Offers pathways to Chartered Engineer status.
• - Professional body for military engineers, supporting career development, technical standards, and networking.
• -Covers all aspects of aerospace and aviation. Offers accreditation and specialist events for RAF and Navy aviation personnel.
• - Supports nurses in the Defence Medical Services and offers CPD, networking, and advocacy.