Veteran’s day is an opportunity for us all to show our appreciation to those who served. It’s also a chance for us to reflect on the reality that many veterans face today. At the onset of 2019, Veteran unemployment was 3.1% and trending in the right direction. As of October 2020, though, that number has more than doubled to 6.8%. Finding employment after service can be difficult, and building a rewarding career even more so. We at Peterson Technology Partners would like to be part of a collective effort in our society to help our veterans.
To do our part, we proudly sponsor local non-profits, such as Salute, Inc., that focus on helping veterans and their families. They save military families from homelessness through rent and mortgage payments that prevent eviction and foreclosure. Their extraordinary work is appreciated and desperately needed. Once veterans are back on their feet, helping them find financial stability and a rewarding career is the next step to a great life after service.
At the onset of 2020, roughly 8% of the U.S. population were veterans. That equates to nearly 19 million men and women who had proudly served this country and are now a part of the civilian workforce. Of those 19 million, only 1 in 4 stated that they had a civilian job lined up after leaving the military. That leaves 75% of vets just starting their job search once their service is complete.
Many don’t consider a career in technology with the misunderstanding that experience is a prerequisite. The truth is, many of the skills and traits that veterans have developed in the military are exactly what employers are looking for when they build their teams.
Is a Job in Tech Right for Veterans?
Absolutely. After a career in the military, odds are servicemen and women already have many highly sought-after skills. Veterans often have exposure to advanced technology, machinery, and operations. That knowledge can be transferred directly to a new job. Additionally, the soft skills learned along the way make veterans ideal candidates.
In our panel interview “Careers and Conversations: Looking for a career change? Consider a job in IT!”, we spoke with a few IT professionals who transitioned from non-technical backgrounds. One of the panelists, Nathan Wells was a 10-year military veteran. After his service, he helped multiple startups get off the ground, earned his MBA, and is now a successful consultant at Accenture. Nathan credits much of his success to the soft skills he learned while in the military. The communication, leadership, and organization he mastered in the service paved the way for his future.
Can Veterans Learn IT After Their Service?
How can someone get a job in tech without any experience? If a veteran had any technical experience while in the military, it’s definitely a plus, but it’s not required. There are many different pathways and on-ramps into the sector.
A traditional university, when possible, is the most direct way to get into tech. A typical computer science (CS) degree will take four years and give you a great foundation in math, algorithms, and CS theory. Financial aid may be available through the programs like the GI Bill, VET TEC funding, or