Regardless of whether your military expertise lies in combat arms, aviation, intelligence, or construction, your distinctive skill set from your military service can help you transition into a well-compensated tech career, offering you a stable future within just one year after your ETS date. Your military aptitude and specific attributes are precisely what the rapidly expanding tech job market is actively seeking. Qualities such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and meticulousness are the essential assets required for these positions, and they are the strengths propelling veterans into high-earning roles.

There is no sector of the modern economy that technology does not touch. The tech industry is vital for driving innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. It shapes how we live, work, and connect in the modern world, fostering efficiency, connectivity, and advancements across various fields, from healthcare and education to business and entertainment. If there’s one industry where you can confidently anticipate a stable and continuously expanding career, it’s the tech sector.

Furthermore, the technology industry increasingly recognizes the significance of veterans as hundreds of thousands of lucrative tech positions become available each year. In fact, a groundbreaking research study conducted by Findem, found that technology and services industries employ the largest percentage of veterans overall, with 23% each. This poses quite the opportunity for transitioning vets wondering what’s next. 

The Transferable Skills of a Veteran 

Your military experience and skills, often referred to as “soft skills,” are highly transferable and can benefit both employers and employees in the tech industry. Here’s a brief overview of the value of military skills in the contemporary workforce, supported by relevant data and trends:

1. Leadership and teamwork: Military personnel are trained to lead teams effectively and work collaboratively under pressure. These skills are highly sought after in remote work settings, where virtual teams need strong leaders and cohesive teamwork. According to a LinkedIn survey, leadership and collaboration are among the top skills employers are looking for.
2. Adaptability and resilience: The military equips individuals with the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations and bounce back from adversity. In a remote work environment, where employees may face various challenges, adaptability and resilience are invaluable. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 87% of U.S. adults believe adaptability and the ability to learn new skills are essential in today’s workforce.
3. Effective communication: Clear and concise communication is crucial in remote work, where employees often rely on written and virtual communication channels. Military personnel are trained to communicate effectively in high-stress situations, which translates well to remote work.
4. Problem-solving and decision-making: Military training emphasizes critical thinking and quick decision-making, skills that are highly relevant in today’s fast-paced, remote work environment. Data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) indicates that problem-solving skills are among the most sought-after attributes by employers.
5. Technical skills: Many military roles require proficiency in technology and equipment operation. With the increasing reliance on technology in remote work, these technical skills are in high demand. For example, IT and cybersecurity skills are consistently ranked as essential for remote work positions.
6. Discipline and time management: Military personnel are trained to follow schedules rigorously and manage their time effectively. These skills are invaluable in remote work settings, where employees must maintain self-discipline and manage their work independently.
7. Global perspective: Military service often exposes individuals to diverse cultures and global perspectives, which can be beneficial in today’s globalized workforce. Companies with international operations value employees with a broad worldview.
8. Security awareness: With the rise of remote work, cybersecurity threats have also increased. Military personnel often have a heightened sense of security awareness, making them valuable in protecting organizations from cyber threats.

Understanding the Tech Landscape 

Key tech areas encompass software development, web development, data engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI/ML, IoT, DevOps, UI/UX design, network engineering, blockchain, AR/VR, quantum computing, digital marketing and biotechnology. These fields provide diverse career opportunities at the forefront of technological innovation.

Opportunities for veterans to enter these roles are at an all-time high as employers value the unique perspectives, resilience, and dedication instilled in military personnel.

Gaining the Necessary Tech Skills 

Having successfully navigated bootcamp in the past, you’re now ready for a new kind of bootcamp—one where you enjoy the comfort of your own home, without anyone barking orders, relishing in improved culinary options (assuming you’re handy in the kitchen), and reaping the benefits of better pay while you train part-time. Coding bootcamps are structured for quick and immersive learning, something you’re already used to, all through a short-term, part-time commitment. 

Benefits of Coding Bootcamps:

1. Accelerated learning: bootcamps provide rapid, intensive learning, equipping students with practical skills in a shorter time frame.
2. Cost-effective: compared to traditional degrees, bootcamps offer a more cost-effective way to gain job-ready tech skills in a fraction of the time.
3. Strong mentorship: high quality bootcamps offer one-on-one support throughout the course, ensuring your success.
4. Strong salaries: graduates can access high-paying tech jobs with competitive salaries.
5. Career services: bootcamps often provide career services, helping graduates secure positions in their desired field.

You might be wondering, does the VA cover training like this, and can you collect a monthly housing allowance while training? The answer is yes. The VA’s latest educational assistance program aiding transitioning veterans, VET TEC is your answer to breaking into the tech industry in a relatively short amount of time. Here’s how it works:

1. Apply for VET TEC through the VA’s website.
2. Upon approval, choose from one of several high-demand areas to specialize in such as web development, computer programming, or data engineering.
3. After completing 18-26 weeks of online training (with VA-funded monthly housing allowance), you’ll be well-prepared to enter a job market that’s projected to offer a staggering 377,500 job openings annually, with a median salary of $100,530 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Conclusion 

By recognizing the synergy between your hard-earned military skills and the attributes essential for success in tech, you can make the transition to civilian life stress-free, while opening up a world of possibilities for you to grow within. Your experience, dedication, and determination can fuel a thriving career in this evolving field. The tech industry is built for people like you, as you’ll find a dense community of other veterans and like-minded individuals ready to welcome you with open arms. Coding bootcamps are here to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Embrace this exciting journey, and let your military experience be the launchpad for your successful tech career.