Why Veterans Should Consider a Career in IT

Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel like stepping into a new world, both personally and professionally. It’s a time of uncertainty, but also full of potential. One field that’s becoming increasingly attractive to veterans is the tech industry.

Why?

Many of the skills you’ve honed in the military are directly applicable here, making it a natural fit. Plus, there are more options than ever for financial support, like payment plans, scholarships, and incentives designed specifically for veterans looking to dive into tech careers.

Let’s break down how you can make this transition smoother and more successful, including how CTT School can help.

Why a Career in Tech is Great for Veterans

The tech industry is booming—filled with roles like developers, designers, data scientists, and many others crucial to its operation—and the demand for computer and information technology workers is only increasing.

For veterans, this is a promising field. Military roles often involve advanced machinery and technology, with initiatives like Project Nexus partnering with institutions like The Tech Academy to enhance tech skills among service members.

Even if you haven’t directly worked with technology in the military, your training in teamwork, problem-solving, and discipline translates well into tech careers.

Insights from Military Veterans Turned Tech Professionals

Matt Elledge, a former U.S. Army Colonel now at Galvanize, notes that military experience prepares veterans for challenging tech jobs. “Veterans have already accomplished a great deal by the time they return to civilian life,” he says. “Compared to going through basic training, learning to code is easy. Compared to serving our country, maintaining a career in tech is simple.”

Maggi Molina, a U.S. Air Force veteran at Operation Code, a nonprofit that helps veterans get into tech, emphasizes the freedom and security in tech careers. “Tech offers a range of opportunities and long-term stability. Unlike in the military, we can choose our future and design a career that works for us, but our military experience gives us the discipline and work ethic to figure it out.”

James Tanner, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran turned data analyst, found tech aligned with his problem-solving mindset from the military. “I’m the only one in the data field for my company, so that ‘take charge, see a problem, dissect it, and figure it out’ approach that everyone in the military has—I still have that and I get to use it every day in my job.”

For a rewarding post-military career, tech offers a dynamic environment where your skills are valued and where continuous learning and problem-solving are part of everyday work.

Exploring Tech Opportunities for Veterans

In the tech industry, there’s a wide range of opportunities that align well with military experience. Tech jobs for veterans can include data science, cybersecurity, IT, network engineering, and systems administration.

“Veterans are suited to all kinds of jobs—from software development engineering at Amazon or a small startup [to] project management,” Molina says. “That’s the beauty of the tech industry—you can find the company and culture that fits your interests and skills.”

CTT School: Securing Financial Support for Veterans

Of course, the next question is how veterans can receive financial assistance to kick-start their IT journey. Fortunately for veterans, there are several ways to fund their training in technology skills.

CTT School is proud to be approved for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), ensuring a smooth experience for veterans.

With the Post-9/11 Bill, tuition, books, and other school expenses are directly covered by the VA on behalf of the veteran. This eliminates the need for veterans to front the training costs and wait for reimbursement. While living expenses and select benefits are still paid directly to the veteran, the burden of upfront educational expenses is significantly reduced.

Explore Veteran Services with CTT School Today

CTT School provides a variety of veteran services to assist you in achieving your educational and career aspirations in the IT industry. If you’re a veteran looking to understand your benefits and start the enrollment process, don’t hesitate to connect with our advisors at CTT School today.