According to the Pew Research Center, 44 percent of post 9/11 veterans have struggled to adjust to civilian life. It is not uncommon for military veterans to suffer from emotional trauma combined with the loss of many civilian skill sets during military deployment.
While many civilian careers may benefit from military skills, the transition process doesn’t only rely on work and financial security. Military-friendly or vet-friendly employers can help a great deal with the military transition. Those who served in the military sometimes feel the need for transition assistance that is available via a Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and opportunities to obtain skills that will help provide employability and stability. TAP offers a three-day workshop and was created to give employment and training information to armed forces who will initiate a veteran job search. Continuing your education, on the other hand, presents a chance to elevate your level of knowledge and has helped many vets to readjust to civilian life successfully by providing the opportunity to start a completely new career path.
Common challenges a military veteran faces
Reconnecting with family – During your absence, the family may have developed new habits, so a veteran must slowly readjust to those. Switching from military to civilian life can be a dramatic change with the period of adjustment varying from family to family. The biggest challenges can involve the change of atmosphere, domestic responsibilities, and communicating openly with family members.
Joining the community or creating a new one – Civilian life and military life are two opposite worlds. During your military career, every change was welcomed by an already established community, while the transition into a civilian lifestyle is entirely different. Veterans and their families may need to find new ways to connect with existing communities or even to create new ones.
Returning to a job – Veterans and military follow strict rules and a chain of command. Career transitions may prove confusing for some vets, especially those who joined the army early and had no chance to experience a job in the civilian sector. Adjusting to an entirely new environment isn’t easy, so having any form of assistance can be more than helpful for vets in transition.
Companies like MyComputerCareer offer certified courses for transitioning veterans and assistance in finding the best civilian job for you. Request a free career evaluation today and start by taking the first step in your transitional journey!
Adapting through work
Your military experiences are highly valued in a large number of industries. Apart from healthcare and law enforcement, the IT industry has proven to be an excellent fit for war veterans. The rapid growth of the industry has created understaffing issues, and some branches of it, including cybersecurity, could use the help of experienced military personnel. A veteran job search won’t be easy, and you may encounter obstacles along the way. Your job hunt will require a rich resume since certifications will become a validation of your skills. MyComputerCareer helps student veterans acquire the most reputable certifications on campus or online and has certified military resume writers to help elevate your resume, as well as identify transferable skills that employers are looking for. The choice is yours.
A vet-friendly workspace creates a much better atmosphere for a smoother transition from military life. Positions that rely on teamwork and discipline help a veteran adjust and become a part of the team as soon as possible.
Expanding your knowledge
Educated and trained veterans have a higher chance of landing a job in the IT industry. That is why you need to find reputable schools that offer valuable resources for veterans. These don’t just include reading material but personal assistance during the transition process as well. A school or academy that owns a Military Friendly Designation should be your first pick since it validates the effort they put into veteran training through their courses.
By enrolling in certified courses, you don’t only expand your knowledge but also get valuable information about civilian life in general. If you spent most of your time on the field, one of your biggest challenges would be understanding the responsibilities of a civilian job, as well as the skills required to perform it. Certified courses offer the best possible training for those in need, which will give you enough information and knowledge to become fully confident that you are capable of making the job transition. Also, jobs market value certifications, so having a few to add to your resume will prove beneficial in the long run.
Veterans are an excellent fit for IT
Over the years, the IT industry has been struggling to train and maintain their staff. The rapid growth has created highly-demanding positions that just can’t be filled with today’s civilians. The lack of self-discipline and loyalty has driven more companies to look for staff members elsewhere, and military vets have proven their worth.
When leaving the armed forces, your strong sense of discipline stays with you. Those who have served in the military are highly disciplined, and it becomes second-nature to be focused on a task until it is fully completed. This is a skill that not many civilian workers possess. The constant distractions from social media and other sources of entertainment are restricting their productivity, so well-trained veterans prove to be adequate replacements.
Considering that cybersecurity isn’t an unknown term within the military ranks, a transition to such a position could be a smart move. The military highly relies on communication and technology, so if you speak a few foreign languages and have a deep understanding of technological threats that are present in the 21st century, a few months of continued education can set you on a bright and exciting career path.
Five steps to a successful transition
1. Attend a Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
2. Understand the power of transferable skills. Most of your military training can be applied in a corporate setting.
3. Find military-friendly schools, employers and job opportunities
4. Adjust your military vocabulary to a corporate one
5. Connect with recruiters and work on your networking skills. Connections are everything in the civilian world, and you will want to have as many as possible.
Conclusion
The adjustment to civilian life after active duty doesn’t always have to be hard. A veteran’s transition is only as complicated as their community allows. With the help of transitional and learning programs, a veteran can become a valuable member of the community in a matter of months.
Specialized courses offered by MyComputerCareer will help you expand your knowledge and adapt to the civilian lifestyle. Each program can be completed within six to eleven months, but you’ll begin receiving certifications in as little as a couple of months. Contact us today and start your IT journey with professional assistance and support!