A veteran’s guide to transitioning to a career in technology
For most veterans, transitioning back into civilian life is a challenging experience with a full range of emotions. It can also be a time when every decision feels monumental. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that over 200,000 military service members transition into the civilian workforce each year. For many, it’s a chance to reinvent themselves and figure out what they want to do in their civilian lives. In this blog, we’ll explain why a career in IT offers a great transition for veterans.
Why choose IT for your civilian career?
When it comes to choosing a career, few industries are as hot as Information Technology (IT). In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that IT is expected to add 667,600 new jobs between now and 2030. This fast growth has created an interesting problem for many IT companies: 65 percent of leaders surveyed said they expect to face substantial hiring challenges in the future. CBS reported that there are close to 500,000 job openings in cybersecurity this year alone. Veterans are uniquely qualified to fill this vacancy.
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The military uses some of the most advanced technology in the world and are some of the biggest targets for hackers. Many active-duty service members are well-trained to protect these systems from attacks, making working in IT perfect for their experience.
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The soft skills service members learn in the military are also ideally suited for a fruitful IT career, such as commitment, flexibility, and discipline. Plus, successful IT professionals are well-organized, can follow routine processes, and be resourceful when improvising is necessary.
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Veterans are well-trained in communication and project management, which are critical for IT professionals. IT workers within an organization are in contact with nearly every department. Adept communication skills are crucial for troubleshooting and solving issues.
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The rise in remote work also means that these lucrative tech jobs are no longer limited to California, where the cost of living can be steep. According to the New York Times, it’s never been easier to find a tech job anywhere you want to live. “The soft skills service members learn in the military are also ideally suited for a fruitful IT career, such as commitment, flexibility, and discipline.”
Veteran Funding Options for IT Training
There are several programs available for veterans who want to fund their education. Which ones you may qualify for depends on various factors, including time served, branch, discharge status, and period served. You can even potentially share the remaining benefits with an immediate family member. Some of the most common benefits include:
Post 9/11 GI Bill Education Program
The 9/11 GI Bill is a program for active duty Select Reserve, Active Duty, and National Guard service members who served after September 10, 2001. It can be used for 36 months of education, including college, technical or vocational courses, licensing programs, flight training, correspondence courses, apprenticeship, and job training.
Veteran Employment through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC)
VET TEC allows veterans to get technology training without using up GI Bill benefits. Veterans that have at least one day of unexpired GI Bill entitlement may be eligible with VA approval. Veterans Workforce Investment Program VWIP offers veterans the resources and training to help them find meaningful employment.
The Vocational Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Program
Also called Voc-Rehab or Chapter 31, the VR&E provides counseling, training, education, and more to disabled veterans to help them prepare for and find employment.
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)
MyCAA offers $4,000 over two years to military spouses to pursue licenses, programs, or credentials to gain employment in portable careers.
Choose your path with ACI Learning Hubs’ support
Take some time to consider how you want to transition to civilian life and what education you need to help you land a successful career. By understanding your benefits and investing in your training, you can have a satisfying civilian life and career. ACI Learning Hubs offer a personalized learning experience that has proven critical to the success of many veterans who are now enjoying civilian careers in tech.
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Our courses are always taught by a live instructor with years of industry experience. You’ll be able to ask questions, participate in group discussions, and get trained in real time. With course content that’s updated regularly, you’ll be ready to work in the industry.
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Instructor Mentors are available for personal study support. They’ll create a personalized study plan to help you master even the toughest concepts.
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With your enrollment, ACI Learning covers the cost of one exam attempt for each course. These exams can cost hundreds of dollars, but we know that getting the certification is the goal of each student.
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Take classes in a way that works for you. Attend in person or online (depending on location and funding). Each course runs for four hours per day on a morning, afternoon, or evening schedule, so that you can make your training fit in with the rest of your life.
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Everybody learns a little bit differently. Our courses include myriad ways to consume the material, including ITPro videos, study games, dynamic quizzes, practice labs, group projects, discussion sections, digital flashcards and more.
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The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®) officially recommended 12 ACI Learning courses for college credit. That means a class at ACI Learning could count towards a traditional degree.
Additional resources from ACI Learning Hubs for veterans
https://w3.acilearning.com/blog/5-entry-level-it-careers-for-transitioning-veterans
https://w3.acilearning.com/blog/get-it-training-with-chapter-31
https://w3.acilearning.com/blog/how-veterans-can-transition-into-an-it-career
https://w3.acilearning.com/blog/top-it-job-hunting-tips-for-veterans
