How to Transition to IT From the Military

Transitioning from a military career to a civilian one can be quite challenging. Thousands of servicemen and women have done it, and only a handful said that it was easy. For most, enrolling in the military happened as early as high school. This means that they have never had to deal with the job market and may have limited to no experience in the civilian world.

That said, with a bit of careful planning and foresight, former military personnel can find a job among the many civilian careers out there. And when it comes to it, none is more lucrative and rewarding than Information Technology (IT). 

Organizations such as MyComputerCareer will help you get the necessary tech certifications in a matter of months, either online or on-campus. We also provide special attention to military vets looking to make it in the tech industry and help you during your job-seeking process. Contact us today and find out more about what MyComputerCareer can do for you.

The State of IT

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roughly 546,200 new jobs projected are expected to become available in the IT industry from 2018 to 2028. That’s an expected growth of 12%, making it the fastest-growing industry in the country. This fast growth has also led to a significant talent shortage.

In fact, statistics show that over 65% of tech leaders are expecting to encounter significant hiring challenges in the near future. According to Bob Miano, president and CEO of Harvey Nash USA, “That’s pretty staggering. CIOs may have great ideas, but if you can’t get the IT talent, that’s a growing problem.” 

And while the tech talent gap extends to all levels of the industry, the largest concerns are in cybersecurity. Some 85% of IT departments find themselves understaffed, making it difficult for them to stay on top of developing trends and any existing vulnerabilities in the system.

All of these trends and statistics stand to indicate that military veterans looking to enter the civilian workforce can easily create a successful career for themselves in information technology. The need for qualified personnel has never been higher, meaning that the job-hunting process will be much easier and more straightforward than others. 

MyComputerCareer is a veteran-friendly organization that provides rigorous, hands-on instruction. We prepare our students for valuable IT certifications from leading organizations such as Microsoft, Cisco Systems, CompTIA, and EC-Council.  We also help our candidates ready themselves for hiring by aiding them with their resumes, cover letters, networking, and interviewing. For more information, contact us today!

The IT Industry is Looking For Military Vets

Tech companies of all shapes and sizes are looking to hire military veterans. From tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Cisco, or Amazon, to smaller, regional organizations, all know that people with military experience make great candidates. Highlighting the following military-related attributes and other similar soft skills in your resume and during the interviewing process will greatly simplify your job search.

• Loyalty – With the high costs of maintaining staff members, employers are always on the lookout for candidates that are worth investing over the long-term. Employees that are motivated and dedicated to their work are always in high demand. And as it so happens, military vets are particularly known for their loyalty. 
• Self-Discipline – Today’s civilian workforce is plagued by numerous distractions that keep them from being focused on their work. This is a growing challenge that many business owners and employees are struggling with. Yet, those who’ve been on active duty have been trained to work efficiently, ask for guidance and help when needed, and display self-discipline. 
• Good Work Ethic – Similarly to the point above, most military veterans will have the right type of work ethic ingrained into their lifestyle. Candidates with military backgrounds are often given special consideration for this reason. 
• Better Communication and Technical Skills – Military vets are also more likely to speak more than one language and have a better understanding of different nuances in international communication. Companies looking to expand globally will find this to their liking. Likewise, many veterans also have higher technical literacy, meaning that they can better streamline communication in the workplace. 

While these skills are good to have and mention during an interview, there are also several other steps when switching from military to civilian life and getting a job in IT. 

7 Steps to Transition From the Military to IT

It’s never too early to start the transition process. Military spouses can help a great deal during this period, offering support, information, and additional resources. By following these steps, you will be sure to make it in information technology in no time. 

1. Maintain Focus on the Objective – Always keep in mind your objective and aim to do at least one thing per day that will get you closer to it. 
2. Talk to IT Professionals – Get a better sense of the IT industry and what it’s all about by talking to as many professionals as possible. Ask them about what skills you should focus on, what mistakes they’ve made in the past and how you can avoid them, etc. 
3. Build your Network – Regardless of what civilian job you want, networking will greatly increase your chances of success. In fact, over 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. By attending regular tech events and conferences, let alone veteran meet-ups, you will increase your chances of meeting someone that can help you. Arrange one-on-one meetings with people, which will allow you to form a more personal relationship and get a foot through the door. 
4. Have a Professional LinkedIn Profile – Social media can work wonders when networking online. But in a professional setting, LinkedIn is best. Keep in mind that the majority of recruiters are on LinkedIn, vetting candidates even before they make the first contact. By keeping your profile up-to-date and professional, you will stand a better chance of being selected.  
5. Writing a Great Resume – As a military vet with limited civilian experience, a functional or combination resume will likely work better than a traditional one. These types of resumes will highlight your skills instead of your past employment. Also, you should look to keep away from military jargon and translate your skills and experience for easy understanding. Lastly, tailor both your resume and cover letter for the specific company and job description.  
6. Analyze the Different Tech Roles – The tech industry covers a broad range of fields such as project management, helpdesk, network administration, systems administration, security, and many others. Research these roles and decide which one will be a good fit for you. 
7. Get Certified – Last but not least, you should look to get certified in your field of choice. These certificates will help you validate your skills and determination, provide credibility, give you more opportunities for employment, as well as the chance to get promoted more quickly.  

Organizations such as MyComputerCareer will help you get the necessary tech certifications in a matter of months, either online or on-campus. We also provide special attention to military vets looking to make it in the tech industry and help you during your job-seeking process. Contact us today and find out more about what MyComputerCareer can do for you.