Note: This article was originally published on 11/11/2020, but has been updated with current statistics and figures.
With an overall unemployment rate below the national average in September 2021 (3.6% vs 4.8%), companies are seeing the benefits of bringing on veterans into their workforce. Having advanced problem-solving skills and proven performance under pressure, the men and women of the armed forces have shown time and time again how they can be a vital asset to any business, including in the tech world.
For any veteran that is looking to begin, advance, or switch into a career in tech, here is a list of some of the free online resources veterans can use to assist them in making connections and finding jobs in the IT industry and beyond.
Tech Training & Education Resources
Code Platoon is a non-profit organization that offers technical training and career placement to both veterans and military spouses. Now in its fifth year, students of Code Platoon's immersive 14-week program, which doesn’t require any previous programming knowledge, will learn full stack development including Python or Ruby, Django or Rails, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Program participants will emerge as junior full-stack web developers and are eligible for internships. Learn More>
Operation Code is a non-profit that strives to provide an efficient way for veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members to enter into tech careers. The organization’s network of volunteers, including software engineers, product managers, systems architects, security engineers and other IT professionals, offer 1-on-1 mentorship to members. Other offerings include online events, podcast episodes and even scholarships and discounted tuition at select code schools for members. Learn More>
VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses) is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs that that matches veterans who are looking to gain the experience to start or advance their career in the tech industry with select training providers. The program also offers tuition to full-time training programs and money for housing for those who qualify. Learn More>
Job Search Resources
VetJobs services are available to assist ALL members of “The United States Military Family” to advance their careers and find employment. This includes Officers and Enlisted, Active Duty, Transitioning Military, Reservists, Veterans, Retirees of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, National Guard, Navy, NOAA and Public Health Services, along with Trailing Spouses, Eligible Former Spouses, Widows, Widowers and Dependents and DOD civilians. Learn More>
MilitaryHire.com is a site maintained by a team of both military veterans and corporate hiring authorities to create a network where former military personnel can seek careers and utilize their professional skills. Learn More>
Military.com is a site that has been providing news, information, and available job opportunities to veterans since 1999. Since joining forces with Monster Worldwide in 2004, the site has accelerated its growth and changed the playing field for career and educational opportunities for service members, veterans and military spouses. Monster's vision is bringing people together to advance their lives, which is a great fit with Military.com's "members first" ethos and goal of connecting the military community to all the benefits of service. Learn More>
U.S. TechVets is a U.S. technology industry career portal created to connect veterans, including transitioning military personnel and their family members, with meaningful jobs in America's technology industry. Learn More>
GI Jobs has been connecting veterans with companies across American to find civilian opportunities for 20 years. Their job board allows you to search by location and military specialty, and the site also has a pay calculator that estimates the salary needed in a civilian job to equal current military pay. Learn More>
Veteran Employment Center is a division of the US Department of Veteran affairs that translates your military occupational codes into the equivalent in civilian skill which helps you choose your best career path. They also help you build out a resume and publish a profile that connects you to over 1.5 million jobs and thousands of employers seeking vets with your skillsets. Learn More>
Finally, veterans can utilize the help of a recruiter during their job search. With many being a zero-cost option to candidates, recruiters can be a vital resource to help grow careers and be a guide in specific fields, even if they are not exclusively working with veterans.
At Motion, we are proud to support and assist veterans looking for tech opportunities in any way we can. Contact your local Motion Recruitment office today, and we can provide you with a free career and employment market consultation to put you on the right path in your tech career.
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