Why Veterans Make Great Tech Employees

Members of the military face unique situations and challenges that cannot be replicated in other professions. This makes it difficult for the roughly 200,000 service members who leave the military each year to adjust to civilian life and adapt to a new pace of work.

While veteran unemployment is relatively low, many veterans have difficulty finding meaningful employment that provides them with the same purpose and passion they had during their service. However, many veterans have found passion and purpose in tech.

With their unique skills and knowledge, military veterans can be ideal candidates for tech roles. So much so that big tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft actively recruit and support veterans. Read on to learn how military veterans can leverage their experience to land a rewarding role in tech.

Technical Training

When many think of the military, they think of boots on the ground. However, there are over 10,000 military occupational specialties (MOS) that span a range of industries and skill sets. While some of these occupations are specific to the military, many roles also exist in the civilian world. Here are a few examples of MOS that lend themselves well to a career in tech:

Intelligence Analyst

An intelligence analyst helps identify cybersecurity threats and improve risk mitigation strategies. They also help prepare and manage intelligence reports and files and determine how reliable incoming intelligence information is.

Cybersecurity Specialists

Security is essential to military operations. Cybersecurity Specialists help protect data and networks, identify potential threats, and respond to cyberattacks. In the military, cybersecurity specialists receive extensive training in database design, computer networking, communications systems, and more.

Data Analyst

Military data analysts mine and analyze complex data to support various military activities, including operations, logistics, and acquisition. In the military, data analysts are trained on key concepts like research methods, statistical modeling, and organizational planning.

Network and Database Administrator

Computers play a critical role in the military, so it is essential to ensure they’re protected and working correctly. Network and data administrators install, manage, and maintain the military’s networks and databases to ensure they’re performing optimally.

Electrical and Electronics Engineer

The military leverages a wide variety of electronics and needs experienced individuals to help develop and maintain them. Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, and test systems like radar, medical equipment, and other devices to ensure they can support military missions.

Transferable Soft Skills

Technical skills are only one aspect of what makes a great tech employee. Even if military veterans don’t have specialized training in a technical field, they still possess other skills that can help them thrive.

Based on data from LinkedIn, over half of professionals say soft skills are just as critical as technical skills in the workplace. Soft skills, sometimes known as interpersonal or transferable skills, are personal attributes and behaviors that can help you work well in a team and propel your career forward. Soft skills include attributes like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Through military service, veterans develop many highly sought-after soft skills that can easily transfer to a career in tech. Here are just a few examples of soft skills veterans possess:

Teamwork

Service members work closely with people of diverse backgrounds and skill sets, teaching them how to effectively work as a team to complete a mission or task.

Leadership

The military is structured as a hierarchy, and service members are taught the value of leadership from day one of bootcamp. Military service members are given the tools to move up in the ranks and become influential leaders.

Problem-Solving

Military service members work in fast-paced, highly dynamic environments that require them to think on their feet, empowering them to develop excellent problem-solving skills.

Communication

Effective communication is a high priority in the military as they work cross-functionally. Additionally, they must be honest and transparent since they work in high-pressure situations.

Integrity

Integrity is among the most important aspects for many military members and veterans. In an environment where you have to trust and rely on the people around you, integrity is a must.

How Military Veterans Can Transition to Tech

Many resources and education providers can help military veterans transition to a career in tech. Depending on their unique situation and aspirations, military veterans can enroll in traditional degree programs or a tech bootcamp to build on their experience and skill set.

Some military veterans may be eligible for benefits through the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program. The program is designed to help military veterans develop the skills and experience to break into fast-growing tech fields like software development and cybersecurity. You can visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website to see if you’re eligible and to find a provider.

Find Your Passion in Tech at Virginia Tech Bootcamps

As a VET-TEC-approved education provider, Fullstack Academy has helped hundreds of military veterans launch fulfilling careers. Designed for all skill levels, our bootcamps have helped military veterans with backgrounds in areas like military medicine, Air Traffic Control, and computer repair develop the skills and experience to thrive in tech.

Ready to start your tech journey? Apply today!