The military trains soldiers for a specific purpose – to fight and protect our country. But what happens when active duty is over? How do they transition into civilian life?
This can be a challenging process. However, there are many tools and resources for veterans to help make the switch.
One of the best transition opportunities are IT programs that can allow veterans and military personnel to continue their education and prepare them for a stable, well-paying career in IT.
In this blog post, we will discuss why veterans should consider returning to school after military service, how to jumpstart a career in IT, and some of the best IT programs for veterans transitioning into civilian jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Veterans can use the GI Bill® and other VA education benefits to pay for approved IT programs.
- Entry-level certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Security+ are often a faster route into IT than a four-year degree.
- Military skills like leadership, problem-solving and working under pressure carry over directly to IT roles.
- Cybersecurity is the fastest-growing computer occupation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why Should Veterans Go Back to School After the Military?
Going back to school gives veterans a structured way to build new skills, earn credentials employers recognize and ease into civilian life. The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans. They have lived and worked in a certain way for a long time and now have to adapt to a completely different type of life.
Here are a couple of reasons why this is a good idea:
- Pursuing certificates or degrees can help them get a stable career: A solid education can give them a new purpose and direction in life and open doors to a rewarding professional future.
- They can master new skills: Because of their military training and experience, veterans already have valuable skills and experience. However, returning to school can help them discover and master new ones, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
- Studying something they are interested in is an investment in a happier future: Instead of finding just any job, learning a specific thing they are interested in can open the doors to their dream job in the future. They can collaborate with teachers and peers to get knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen field.
- They can receive scholarships and assistance: Veterans are eligible for many grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options that can help them pay for their education. Many schools, including MyComputerCareer, accept the GI Bill® and other VA education benefits.
- They will meet new people and make meaningful connections: Meeting people from all walks of life and widening their social circle and professional networks can help veterans readjust to civilian life.
- They can get college credit for their military experience: Many colleges and schools award veterans credit towards a degree based on their previous academic coursework, military training, and experience.
- A degree or a certificate can help them earn a higher wage: Gaining a degree or a certification in a specific field can influence how much a veteran can make in a year.
How Can Veterans Start an IT Career?
Veterans can start an IT career in three steps: assess their military skills, earn entry-level IT certifications, and use their VA education and employment benefits.
1. Assess Your Military Skills
Assessing their skills is crucial to choosing the right career path. Skills describe what they are good at.
Veterans develop hard and soft skills through training and experience that improve their ability to perform tasks. Being able to identify their skills allows them to answer such questions as “What can I do in an organization?” and “What problems am I good at solving?”
Some of the soft skills gained during military life that employers look upon favorably are:
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Integrity
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Time management
Typical hard skills gained during service are:
- The ability to use hardware and software applications
- Managing various network information systems and diagnosing complex network issues
- Vulnerability assessments
- Computer forensics
- Advanced computing skills
- Risk and crisis management
2. Earn Entry-Level IT Certifications
For former service members who want to start working in IT as soon as possible, certifications are often a better option than a college degree. Earning an IT certification takes less time and money and can help you gain in-demand job skills.
Some of the best IT certifications and technology education courses for jump starting an IT career are:
- Microsoft Certifications
AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals covers core artificial intelligence concepts and how they work in Azure.
AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate validates the skills to manage cloud resources, and it is a common next step after AZ-900.
- CompTIA certifications
CompTIA offers entry-level and advanced certifications in cybersecurity, IT networking, cloud computing, and more.
CompTIA certificates open the door to various career paths, including IT Support Technician, Network and Systems Administration, Data Analyst, Field Service Technician, and more.
- Cisco certifications
Cisco offers the CCNA, a widely recognized networking certification, along with more advanced CCNP tracks in areas like security and data center operations.
Student veterans who earn Cisco certificates can work in such positions as Network System Engineer (from entry to senior level), Helpdesk/Service Desk Engineer, NOC Technician, Network Engineer, and more.
- Linux
With Linux training and certification, students can prove they have mastered the fundamentals of the open-source platform, its technology, and servers and have extensive experience working with it.
Earning this certificate opens the doors to career paths like Server Administration, Network Engineering, and System Administration, among others.
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
With the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certificate, student veterans can gain the knowledge and technical skills necessary to prevent and respond effectively to cyber-attacks and other data breaches.
Those who earn this certification can work as Security Analysts, Security Engineers, Security Consultants, and Network Engineers.
3. Use Your VA Education and Employment Benefits.
There are many employment and educational programs available for veterans. Some of the best are:
- GI Bill: Veterans can use their GI Bill entitlements provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to finance and advance their IT education and training through tuition assistance and similar methods.
- VA for Vets: Veterans can use this site to find virtual job training, career and employment support, crisis line, and other services.
- VETS: The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service program helps veterans get training, meaningful employment assistance, and career advice, support military spouses, and get in touch with employers.
- MYCC: MyComputerCareer is a military-friendly training provider that helps veterans transition to IT careers. The school accepts various financial aid options and provides career guidance, industry connections, and job opportunities.
Which MyComputerCareer IT Programs Fit Transitioning Veterans?
The best IT programs for veterans should provide good hands-on experience, career counseling, and job placement services to help veterans ease their military transition to the civilian workforce. For a full side-by-side comparison, see our guide to the best tech programs for veterans.
MyComputerCareer offers several programs for veterans at different experience levels:
Cyber Warrior Program (CWP)
The Cyber Warrior Program was originally built for transitioning military members and is now open to everyone. It prepares students for four CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+ and CySA+) in about 12 weeks on a daytime schedule or 19 to 24 weeks in the evening.
Information Technology Security & Administration program (ITSA)
Information Technology Security & Administration (ITSA) is a great program for veterans who want to start a new career in IT or gain core competencies and certifications needed to advance in their existing careers.
The ITSA program provided at MyComputerCareer includes career training for four certifications in networking, security, cloud administration and AI.
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals
- Microsoft AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
The only prerequisite for this program is a GED or High School diploma. No prior IT experience is required.
Upon completing this VA education program, students will gain understanding, knowledge, and skills in:
- Troubleshooting and maintenance
- Networking
- Configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and securing of computer networks and information systems
- Security configuration and analysis
- Cloud administration and deployment
- Using AI tools in IT workflows
Cybersecurity Specialist Program (CSS)
The Cybersecurity Specialist (CSS) program is designed for ITSA graduates and other IT professionals in entry-to-mid-level roles who want to gain additional credentials and expand their skill set in Cybersecurity, Networking, or Information Assurance.
This program allows students to expand their knowledge about wireless networking across multiple platforms and devices and earn certificates that will prepare them for WAN and switched LAN network administration, which is necessary for securing a company’s systems against cyber threats.
MyComputerCareer offers a cybersecurity specialist certificate program that can prepare veterans to earn six Network Administration and Security certifications. These certifications are:
- Linux Essentials
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Those who complete this tech training will gain crucial skills and a thorough understanding of the following:
- Basic hardware installation
- Maintenance and troubleshooting
- Topology support
- Networking
- Security configuration and analysis of information systems
Prerequisites for the CSS program may include completion of the ITSA program or equivalent training, certifications, and experience, in addition to a GED or High School diploma.
After completing this program, you can pursue IT jobs such as Firewall/Systems Engineers or Information Security Specialists.
Cyber Security Engineer program (CSE)
Any student interested in becoming a cybersecurity specialist and specializing in advanced server administration and network system design can benefit from the Cyber Security Engineer program.
The MyComputerCareer CSE program prepares students to earn in-demand professional IT certifications. They are:
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker
- CySA+ – CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst
- CFR – CertNexus CyberSec First Responder
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
- CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)
Those who complete the program will gain knowledge and skills in the following:
- Evaluating the security requirements of an organization and establishing best standards and practices
- Creating, executing, and monitoring information security systems, networks, security software, and web security to protect the data of an organization
- Identifying vulnerabilities in the network and system
- Penetration testing
- Dealing with security breaches within the information systems and network of an organization
- Troubleshooting incidents
- Investigating security breaches
- Taking security measures to protect an organization’s infrastructure and data
Prerequisites for the CSE program may include completion of the CSS program or having relevant experience or comparable certifications.
What are the top civilian IT careers for military veterans?
Network engineering, cloud computing and cybersecurity are among the most common civilian IT careers for veterans.
Military training and experience provide a unique skill set that can make veterans competitive candidates for jobs such as network engineers, cloud computing professionals, cybersecurity analysts, software engineers, and cybersecurity specialists.
Additionally, tech jobs come with attractive salaries and job security.
Programs for veterans transitioning into civilian jobs can help hone these skills and provide an opportunity to gain the necessary certifications or accreditations to secure a job in these fields.
These roles require a combination of technical skills, problem-solving ability, and communication that many veterans have already learned in the armed forces.
Let’s break these popular careers down:
1. Cloud Computing Professionals
Cloud computing is often regarded as the future of computing. Companies worldwide increasingly depend on cloud computing to help them run their operations and become more agile, productive, and competitive.
The demand for cloud solutions is driving a growing demand for cloud computing specialists who can help design, create, and support these systems.
By choosing a career in Cloud, veterans who successfully transition to civilian life can help organizations transform their technology and go on a lifelong learning path that will be in demand for decades to come.
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals is a great certificate program for veterans who want to gain basic knowledge and learn the necessary skills to start their cloud computing journey. From there, AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate builds the hands-on skills needed for cloud administrator roles.
2. Network Engineer
Networking skills remain in steady demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of computer network architects, a senior networking role, to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The demand is based on the fact that organizations have become reliant on computer networks to share data, files, and other digital information. Computer networks enable access to this data across all departments within an organization.
Network engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks. The work includes troubleshooting hardware and software, software support, system design, and analysis.
That’s why they are so important. They are the backbone of any organization that relies on computerized systems to do its work, making this role ideal for veterans looking for a stable job in a growing industry.
Many entry-level networking roles ask for certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and Security+ or Cisco’s CCNA. Senior network architect roles typically require a bachelor’s degree and five or more years of related experience.
3. Cybersecurity Specialist
As our digital world continues to grow, so does the demand for cybersecurity specialists. Nowadays, there is no part of IT that doesn’t need protection and defense from cybercriminals who want to abuse it.
Industries that handle sensitive data, such as finance, government and healthcare, rely heavily on these professionals. Companies and organizations must protect their sensitive data, and that’s why there is a growing demand for cybersecurity specialists.
These professionals design and build security systems and processes that help companies secure their data and create solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is a widely recognized certification for validating that a person can perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify a company’s vulnerabilities, risks, and threats. It’s a valuable cert to have if you want to step into information systems security.
4. Cybersecurity Analyst
Cyber Attackers are constantly developing new and sophisticated techniques for hacking and accessing an organization’s sensitive data.
As the frequency of cyberattacks increases, so does the demand for cybersecurity analysts.
These professionals work to identify security risks and develop, implement, and monitor solutions to mitigate those risks.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% employment growth for information security analysts from 2024 to 2034, making it the fastest-growing computer occupation, with about 16,000 openings a year.
Those who decide to pursue this career and acquire the necessary skills and certificates will make themselves more competitive candidates for tens of thousands of open jobs in cybersecurity.
With certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), veterans can be well-suited for a career as a Cybersecurity Analyst.
Start Your Transition Into IT
Finding meaningful civilian employment after a military career is important in successful transitioning to civilian life. Tech career options are great for veterans, as they offer a wide range of rewarding jobs with good pay and stability.
With the right IT programs, certifications, and support from veteran-friendly employers, transitioning into the civilian workforce can be smooth and successful.
MyComputerCareer offers veterans a variety of IT programs and certifications in high demand, plenty of team support, and lifetime career services.
If you think it is time for a career change and need more information on getting started in IT, feel free to contact us or take our free career evaluation.