As the demand for information technology (IT) professionals continues to rise, many veterans and active-duty military personnel are exploring IT career paths as a means of transitioning to civilian life. However, this transition can be challenging, as military personnel often face a unique set of obstacles when navigating the civilian job market.
This article is designed to provide an overview of IT career paths for veterans and active-duty military personnel. We will discuss various career options, education benefits, and career development resources available to military personnel looking to enter or advance in the IT industry.
We will also highlight the challenges faced by veterans and active-duty military personnel in transitioning to civilian life, as well as the support and resources available to help them succeed. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the career opportunities available in the IT industry and the steps they can take to achieve their career goals.
Military Career to Civilian Careers
After serving in the military, many veterans and active-duty military personnel may be unsure of the career paths available to them in civilian life. However, there are numerous career options in various industries that are well-suited to the skills and experience gained through military service.
In the information technology industry, for example, veterans and active-duty military personnel may be particularly well-suited to roles in cybersecurity, networking, or database administration. Other industries that may appeal to military personnel include law enforcement, government, and finance.
When exploring civilian career options, veterans and active-duty military personnel need to consider the job market and median pay for various careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a wealth of information on the job outlook and earnings potential for various occupations, which can be a useful resource for those transitioning from military to civilian life.
In addition to considering job prospects and earning potential, veterans and active-duty military personnel should also prioritize finding fulfilling civilian jobs. This can be achieved through career assessments and continuing education, which can help individuals identify their strengths and interests and pursue careers that align with those qualities.
Benefits and Programs for Veterans
One of the major benefits of military service is the education benefits available to veterans and their families. These benefits can provide financial assistance for pursuing higher education or career development opportunities.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill™, for example, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans and their dependents. This can be used for tuition and fees, housing, and other education-related expenses. Additionally, the Montgomery GI Bill™ and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program provide financial assistance for eligible veterans and National Guard or Reserve members pursuing education or training.
To be eligible for these programs, veterans and their dependents must meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill™ requires individuals to have served at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001.
In addition to education benefits, there are numerous career development resources available to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These include job placement assistance, career counseling, and training programs designed to help individuals acquire the skills and certifications necessary to pursue their desired careers.
Career Paths in Information Technology
The information technology industry has become increasingly important in today’s economy, with businesses and organizations relying on technology to drive their operations and growth. As a result, there is a growing demand for skilled IT professionals who can develop, implement, and maintain these technologies.
There are a variety of career paths available in the IT industry, ranging from entry-level positions to senior-level management roles. Some of the most popular career paths include information security, computer science, and finance and accounting.
Information security professionals are responsible for protecting organizations from cyber threats and data breaches. This may involve designing and implementing security protocols, monitoring networks for suspicious activity, and investigating potential security breaches.
Computer science professionals, on the other hand, focus on the development and maintenance of software applications and systems. This may involve coding, testing, and debugging software programs, as well as collaborating with other IT professionals to ensure that systems are functioning properly.
Finance and accounting professionals in the IT industry may be responsible for managing financial systems or developing financial software applications. This may involve working closely with other departments within an organization to ensure that financial data is accurate and up-to-date.
To pursue careers in the IT industry, individuals will need to acquire the skills and education necessary for their desired career paths. This may include obtaining associate or bachelor’s degrees in relevant fields such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity.
Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life in IT
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans and active-duty military personnel, particularly when it comes to pursuing a career in the IT industry. One of the primary challenges is the difference in culture and work environment between the military and civilian worlds.
There are a variety of resources available to veterans and active-duty military personnel to help with this transition. Many IT companies offer internship programs that allow individuals to gain practical experience in the industry and make connections with potential employers. Additionally, career assessments can help individuals identify their skills and interests and determine which career paths may be the best fit for them.
Government websites such as todaysmilitary.com and the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) also provide a wealth of information and resources to help with the transition from military to civilian life. These resources may include career counseling, job placement assistance, and educational and training opportunities.
The Veterans Affairs Department also provides support for veterans and their families, including access to education benefits and career development resources. The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, for example, offers a range of services to help veterans transition to civilian careers, including counseling, job training, and job search assistance.
Specific Career Paths in IT for Veterans and Active Duty Military
As we have already discussed in the previous sections, the IT industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel. However, some career paths are particularly well-suited for individuals with military experience.
One such career path is information security analysis. In this role, veterans and active-duty military personnel can leverage their skills in risk management, threat analysis, and crisis management to help organizations protect their information assets from cyber threats. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an information security analyst in 2020 was $103,590 per year. According to available data and industry reports, the average base salary for an information security analyst in the US ranges from approximately $65,000 to $110,000 per year.
Another promising career path for veterans and active-duty military personnel in the IT industry is network administration. Network administrators are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting an organization’s computer network. The skills and knowledge gained during military service, such as teamwork, communication, and attention to detail, can be valuable in this role. The median pay for a network administrator in 2020 was $84,810 per year.
To pursue these specific career paths in IT, veterans and active-duty military personnel will need to develop the necessary skills and education. This may include obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, earning industry certifications, or completing specialized training programs.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to help veterans and active-duty military personnel pursue these specific career paths in IT. This includes ROTC programs, which offer training and education in information technology, as well as the talent network, which connects veterans and military personnel with employers in the IT industry.
Conclusion
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, veterans and active-duty military personnel can succeed in the IT industry. In this article, we discussed the challenges faced by veterans and active-duty military personnel in transitioning to civilian life as well as the career paths available in the IT industry. We also highlighted the resources and programs available to veterans and active-duty military personnel to help with this transition, such as internship programs and career assessments.
Veterans and active-duty military personnel need to take advantage of the education benefits available to them, such as tuition assistance and the GI Bill™, to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the IT industry. Continuing education and career assessments can also help find fulfilling civilian jobs.
At MyComputerCareer, we have a DoD SkillBridge program that allows you to start training for a new career up to six months before leaving the Service, while still receiving military pay and benefits. To learn more, click here.
If you are a veteran, we also have a 12-week Cyber Warrior Program (CWP) that will help prepare you for a variety of positions in IT. To learn more, click here.