Military veterans possess unique skill sets and experiences that can make them valuable assets in the Information Technology (IT) industry. However, transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. Some veterans struggle to find employment opportunities that match their qualifications. This is where military-friendly employers come in: these companies are committed to hiring veterans and their family members, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed in civilian careers.
In the IT industry, several companies have pledged to hire veterans and established programs and initiatives to support transitioning military personnel and their families. These military-friendly employers recognize the value that veterans can bring to their organizations and are dedicated to helping them transition to successful civilian careers.
This article aims to provide information and resources to help veterans and their families navigate the IT industry job market and connect with military-friendly employers. Specifically, the target audience for this article includes adult learners and professionals who are veterans or military family members looking to enter or advance their careers in the IT industry.
Why Hire Veterans in the IT Industry?
Military veterans possess unique skills and experiences that make them valuable assets to any industry, including the Information Technology industry. Military personnel are trained to work collaboratively, manage complex systems and processes, and make decisions under pressure. These are just some of the skills that are highly valued in the tech industry.
Additionally, veterans often have experience with cutting-edge technology, and many have received advanced training in IT-related fields during their time in service. This means that they are well-equipped to work with emerging technologies and can quickly adapt to changing trends in the industry.
Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, and many may struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities. However, the IT industry provides a unique opportunity for veterans to apply their skills and experiences in a new and exciting way. With the support of military-friendly employers, veterans can successfully transition to civilian careers in the IT industry.
There are also benefits to hiring veterans for tech companies. Studies have shown that veterans tend to be highly motivated and committed employees who possess strong leadership skills and a strong work ethic. Additionally, many veterans hold security clearances that are required for certain IT jobs, which can save employers time and money in the hiring process.
Overall, hiring veterans in the IT industry is a win-win situation for both veterans and employers. Veterans bring unique skills and experiences to the table, and employers benefit from their expertise, commitment, and dedication to the job.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a comprehensive program designed to help military personnel transition from active duty to civilian life. The program provides a wide range of services and resources to support military personnel and their families during this transition period.
TAP is offered through a partnership between the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program is available to all military personnel, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and is mandatory for all service members who have served on active duty for at least 180 days.
The services offered by TAP include a variety of workshops, training programs, and counseling services. Some specific services offered by TAP include:
- Pre-separation counseling: This is a mandatory counseling session that helps service members prepare for the transition to civilian life.
- Employment workshops: These workshops guide how to write resumes, interview effectively, and navigate the job market.
- Vocational training: TAP provides access to vocational training programs that can help service members acquire new skills and certifications to enhance their job prospects.
- Benefits counseling: TAP counselors provide information and assistance with accessing a wide range of benefits, including education and training benefits, healthcare benefits, and disability compensation.
The benefits of TAP for military personnel transitioning to civilian life are numerous. By providing a wide range of services and resources, TAP helps ensure that military personnel are well-prepared to make the transition to civilian life. This can help reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with the transition period and improve the likelihood of a successful transition.
Military-Friendly Companies Hiring Veterans
There are several companies in the Information Technology (IT) industry that have pledged to hire veterans and are committed to supporting transitioning military personnel and their families. These companies recognize the unique skills and experiences that military personnel can bring to their organizations and are dedicated to helping veterans find meaningful employment opportunities in the IT industry.
One such company is Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading provider of management consulting and technology services. Over 10,000 veterans and military spouses are currently employed by Booz Allen Hamilton as part of its long-standing commitment to hiring veterans. The company provides various programs and initiatives to support transitioning military personnel and their families, including a Military Spouse Career Program and a Military Reservist Program.
Another military-friendly company in the IT industry is Hewlett-Packard (HP). HP has a strong commitment to hiring veterans and has pledged to hire 5,000 veterans and military spouses by 2020. The Veterans Hiring Initiative and a Veterans Entrepreneurship Program are just two of the numerous programs and initiatives the company offers to assist veterans.
United Rentals is another military-friendly company that is dedicated to hiring veterans. The company has a strong commitment to hiring veterans and has pledged to hire 1,000 veterans per year. United Rentals offers many benefits to veterans, including job training programs and tuition reimbursement.
AWS Educate is another program that is committed to helping veterans find employment in the IT industry. AWS Educate is a program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that provides free resources and training to help students and educators gain cloud computing skills. The program also offers a special initiative for veterans, providing them with access to cloud computing resources and training to help them transition to civilian careers in the IT industry.
Many other military-friendly companies in the IT industry are committed to hiring veterans and supporting their transition to civilian life. Some of these companies include Microsoft, Google, and Cisco.
Employment Programs for Veterans and Their Families
In addition to the resources and initiatives offered by military-friendly companies, there are also several employment programs available to veterans and their families that can help them transition to civilian careers in the IT industry.
One of the most well-known programs is the GI Bill™. The GI Bill™ is a federal program that provides financial assistance to veterans and their families to help cover the costs of education and training. The program offers numerous benefits, including tuition assistance, a housing allowance, and a book stipend. These benefits can be used to help veterans and their families pursue education and training in the IT industry, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in civilian careers.
Another employment program available to veterans is the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. This program is designed to help transition military personnel gain valuable work experience in civilian careers before they leave the military. The program allows military personnel to participate in apprenticeships, internships, and other training opportunities with civilian employers, providing them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop new skills.
In addition to these programs, there are also many other resources available to veterans and their families to help them find employment in the IT industry. Some of these resources include job fairs, online job search tools, and career counseling services.
Job Search Tools for Veterans
For veterans seeking employment in the IT industry, there are numerous job search tools available that can help them find job opportunities and translate their military skills and experiences into the language of civilian employers.
One of the most useful job search tools for veterans is the Military Skills Translator. This online tool helps veterans translate their military experience and skills into language that civilian employers can understand. The tool matches a veteran’s military occupation with equivalent civilian jobs, helping them identify job opportunities that are a good fit for their skills and experiences.
Another job search tool available to veterans is the Veterans Job Search, which is a job board specifically designed for veterans. This job board features job listings from companies that are committed to hiring veterans, making it easier for veterans to find job opportunities that are well-suited to their needs and experiences.
Additionally, there are also job postings available on various online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed, which allow veterans to search for jobs in the IT industry based on their specific skill sets and experiences. These platforms also provide helpful tools such as resume builders, career advice, and interview preparation resources.
Job fairs are another useful tool for veterans looking to transition to civilian careers in the IT industry. These events provide veterans with the opportunity to meet with recruiters and hiring managers from a variety of companies and industries, learn about job opportunities, and network with other professionals.
Tips for Applying for Jobs in the IT Industry
In today’s highly competitive job market, applying for jobs can be a daunting task. Military veterans looking to transition to the civilian workforce may find the process even more challenging. However, with proper preparation and planning, veterans can land fulfilling and successful careers in the IT industry.
Identifying Your Skill Sets
One of the first steps to applying for jobs in the IT industry is to identify your skill sets. Military personnel possess unique skills and experiences that can be highly valuable in the tech world. For instance, service members develop leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that can be applied to any job role. Furthermore, they may have specialized training and experience in specific fields like cybersecurity, network operations, or software development. By identifying and highlighting their relevant skills and experiences, veterans can make themselves more attractive to potential employers.
Highlighting Your Military Experience
Another key to success when applying for IT jobs is to effectively highlight your military experience. Veterans should use their military experiences to show their dedication to teamwork, their ability to learn and adapt quickly, and their experience working in high-pressure environments. They can also discuss their roles and responsibilities in the military, including any leadership or project management experience they may have. Emphasizing their accomplishments in the military can help veterans stand out in the competitive job market.
Obtaining Security Clearances
Many IT jobs require security clearances due to the sensitive nature of the work. Veterans with active security clearances can be highly desirable to employers as they can start working immediately without the need for additional background checks or clearance processing. For those without security clearances, veterans can leverage their military experience and training to obtain the necessary certifications or clearances to make themselves more marketable to employers.
Applying for jobs in the IT industry can be a challenging and competitive process, but with the right skills and experiences, veterans can successfully transition to fulfilling and lucrative careers. By identifying their skill sets, highlighting their military experience, and obtaining the necessary clearances, veterans can make themselves more attractive to employers and increase their chances of landing their dream jobs in the IT industry.
Conclusion
Many military-friendly companies actively seek out veterans for employment opportunities and provide various resources and benefits to assist them in their transition to civilian life. Programs like the TAP and GI Bill™ offer invaluable assistance to veterans and their families as they navigate the job market.
At MyComputerCareer, we proudly accept the GI Bill™. We are an award-winning military friendly company. Our accredited online and in-campus technical college has earned Military Friendly® School designations. And the college was also named a 2023 Military Friendly® Employer. To learn more about why our nationally-acclaimed IT school has been recognized as Military Friendly® for five consecutive years, click here.